Italian Tableware Care Guide

How to take care of Baci Milano porcelain, melamine, acrylic, polyresin, and cotton tableware so it lasts. Quick reference matrix + material-by-material instructions + the most-asked questions.

Care matrix at a glance

Material	Dishwasher	Microwave	Hot drinks	Hand-wash recommended for
Porcelain (Mamma Mia, Firenze, Portofino, Zodiac Vibe)	Top rack	Yes (no gold trim)	Yes	Pieces with gold/metallic decoration
Melamine (Joke, Mamma Mia melamine, Portofino melamine)	Top rack	No	No	None — fully dishwasher-safe
Acrylic (Baroque & Rock, Crystal Touch, Aqua, Cheers)	Top rack	No	No	Cake stand covers, hand-painted detail
Polyresin (Sagrada Familia statues, Teste Matte)	No	No	n/a	All — decorative only, damp cloth
Bamboo trays	No	No	n/a	All — hand-wash, oil periodically
Cotton table linens (Mamma Mia, Joke, Portofino)	n/a	n/a	n/a	Machine-washable cold; tumble low

Porcelain (Mamma Mia, Firenze, Portofino, Zodiac Vibe, Sagrada Familia decorative plates)

Italian porcelain is sintered at high temperatures and the decoration is fired into the glaze, which makes it dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe under normal conditions. Top-rack only — high jets and high-temperature drying cycles preserve the glaze and finish.

The exception: any piece with gold or metallic trim. Over time, dishwasher detergent erodes the metallic finish. For gold-trim espresso cups, dinner plates, and decorative pieces, hand-wash with mild soap and dry with a soft cloth.

Don't stack porcelain plates without a soft cloth or paper between them — repeated rim contact dulls the edge over time. For pieces with porcelain lids, store with the lid on to prevent rim chips.

Melamine (Joke, Mamma Mia melamine, Portofino melamine, Mamma Mia charcuterie boards)

Melamine is engineered to be unbreakable, dishwasher-safe (top rack), and to take the kind of indoor and outdoor use that porcelain can't. Designed for high-volume hospitality, kids' tables, poolside, and patio service.

Never microwave melamine. The plastic resin can leach when heated above 70°C / 160°F, and the structural integrity degrades. Reheat food on a porcelain plate, then transfer.

Melamine doesn't conduct heat the way porcelain does, so plates stay cool to the touch even with hot food. Don't cut directly on a melamine plate (use the dedicated cutting boards for that).

Acrylic (Baroque & Rock, Crystal Touch, Aqua, Cheers)

Italian-designed acrylic glassware is engineered from optical-grade acrylic — the kind used in luxury yacht interiors and high-end retail display. Shatterproof, dishwasher-safe top-rack, and visually equal to leaded crystal.

Acrylic is not for hot drinks. Hot liquids over 70°C / 160°F can warp the material. Acrylic is for water, wine, cocktails, juice, sparkling, and cold beverages — not coffee or tea.

Cake stand covers and hand-painted detail pieces benefit from gentle hand-washing to avoid surface scratching. For everything else, top-rack dishwasher with mild detergent.

Polyresin (Teste Matte, Sagrada Familia head statues)

Polyresin sculptural pieces are decorative only — not food-safe, not dishwasher-safe, not microwave-safe. Hand-wash with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid solvents, bleach, and abrasive cleaners.

Bamboo trays

Hand-wash with mild soap, dry immediately, and oil periodically with food-grade mineral oil to prevent drying and cracking. Keep away from prolonged moisture.

Cotton table linens

The Mamma Mia, Joke, and Portofino placemats, runners, and tablecloths are machine-washable cold (30°C max) on a delicate cycle. Tumble dry low or air-dry. The stain-resistant treatment lasts for the life of the textile but works best when stains are addressed within an hour of contact — blot, don't rub.

Frequently asked

Are Baci Milano espresso cups dishwasher-safe?

Yes — top rack. Hand-wash any pieces with gold-trim decoration to preserve the metallic finish over time.

Can melamine plates go in the microwave?

No. Melamine is dishwasher-safe but not microwave-safe. Reheat on porcelain, then transfer to melamine.

Are acrylic glasses safe for hot drinks?

No. Acrylic warps above 70°C / 160°F. Use porcelain mugs and cups for hot beverages.

How do I clean a Mamma Mia melamine cutting board?

Top-rack dishwasher-safe. Avoid using it as a primary cutting board for sharp knives — it's designed for serving and decorative cutting (charcuterie, cheese, fruit), not heavy chopping.

Can I put cotton placemats with stain-resistant treatment in the dryer?

Yes — tumble dry low. The stain-resistant finish is durable but reduces in performance with high heat over time.

How do I store porcelain dinnerware to prevent damage?

Stack with a soft cloth or paper between plates. For pieces with porcelain lids, store with the lid on to prevent rim chips.

What's the difference between Italian melamine and other melamine?

Italian-designed melamine is engineered for the table — heavier, glazed-feel surface, design-led patterns. Cheaper melamine often has visible mold lines, lighter weight, and printed-on (rather than glazed-in) decoration.

Can I bleach the cotton placemats and runners?

No — bleach degrades the stain-resistant treatment. Use a gentle, color-safe stain remover and cold water.

How do I get red wine out of a stain-resistant cotton tablecloth?

Blot (don't rub), then rinse with cold water from the back of the fabric. Apply a small amount of mild detergent and let it soak for 15 minutes before machine-washing on cold.

Are Baci Milano products food-safe?

All porcelain, melamine, acrylic, and cotton products are food-safe. Polyresin pieces (Teste Matte and Sagrada Familia head statues) are decorative only and not food-safe.