How should I clean antique Minton porcelain?

Use gentle hand washing with lukewarm water and mild soap, then dry with a soft cloth. Skip dishwashers for older pieces with gilding or painted enamel, as heat and harsh detergent can dull gold and fade colour. Avoid soaking for long periods if a piece has cracks or old repairs, since water can seep into damaged areas and stain over time. For light surface dirt, a soft sponge is safer than abrasive pads. If you see a brown “crazing” network in the glaze, treat it carefully — scrubbing can push dirt into the lines. For display-only pieces, dusting with a clean, dry microfiber cloth often beats washing. If a piece has a heavy stain, consult a restorer, because some home “whitening” tricks can do permanent harm.