I was a cleaner at Buckingham Palace & we NEVER use a dishwasher – a 35p rinse is our secret to spotless plates
FOR decades, the Royal Family’s dinnerware has been pristine, gleaming, and seemingly untouched by time—despite daily use and grand state banquets.
But how do they keep their fine china and everyday plates looking brand new without damage from harsh scrubbing or dishwashers?
To uncover the secret, Plumbworld spoke with Anne Simmons, 57, from Berkshire, who worked in Buckingham Palace for many years as part of the household staff.
With first-hand experience in maintaining royal tableware, Anne revealed the time-honoured dishwashing hack that palace staff swear by.
According to Anne Simmons, the Royal Family’s dishwashing method is all about precision, patience, and natural solutions.
Unlike many households, where plates are loaded into a dishwasher, Buckingham Palace has strict rules on how fine china and dinnerware are cleaned.
“Many of the plates used for royal meals – especially the fine china -are completely off-limits to dishwashers,” says Anne.
“Even everyday plates are rarely machine-washed, because the heat, detergent, and water pressure can cause microscopic scratches over time.”
Instead, palace staff follow a gentle, multi-step process to ensure plates remain spotless and scratch-free:
The Warm Water & Vinegar Rinse
Before any scrubbing takes place, plates are rinsed in warm water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar, which you can snap up for as little as 35p.
- This helps loosen food residue without needing excessive scrubbing.
- The vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and prevents water spots.
The Soft Bristle Brush, Never a Scrubber
Unlike most households that use sponges or scouring pads, palace staff are only permitted to use soft-bristle brushes or linen cloths.
- “Sponges trap bacteria,” Anne explains, “and scouring pads can leave scratches over time.”
- Using a soft cloth with mild soap ensures gentle but thorough cleaning.
The Cold Water Final Rinse
To prevent streaks and cloudiness, dishes are given a final rinse in cold water.
- This seals in the shine and prevents soap residue from dulling the plate’s surface.
The impact of using plastic cleaning products
Laura Harnett, founder of eco cleaning brand, Seep, said: “Many people have switched to eco friendly cleaning sprays and detergents but aren’t aware that cleaning tools (such as green and yellow sponges and microfibre cloths) are made of plastic and release microplastics every time they are used.
“Microplastic is a huge concern as they are released into our water every time a plastic sponge or cloth is used to wash up or is rinsed out.
“A yellow and green plastic sponge lasts approximately one month and when you see the green part go bobbly that’s all of the microplastic coming out of it.”
- 600 million plastic household items end up in landfill every year
- 13 million tonnes of plastic lead into our oceans each year
- 1.1 million marine animals die each year as they swallow, get strangled or are suffocated by plastic
The Linen Drying Method
Instead of air-drying, every dish is hand-dried with linen towels, ensuring there are no watermarks or streaks.
- “Linen is lint-free and absorbs moisture quickly, which keeps the plates looking flawless,” Anne says.
Why the Royals Avoid Dishwashers
Plumbworld experts confirm that dishwashers can actually accelerate wear and tear on delicate tableware.
- The combination of high heat, strong detergents, and abrasive drying cycles can dull finishes and fade gold or silver detailing on fine china.
- Even modern, everyday plates can suffer from micro-scratches over time.
By following this royal dishwashing method, plates remain spotless, scratch-free, and in pristine condition for decades – a tradition the Royal Family has upheld for generations.
“It might seem excessive,” Anne admits, “but when you’re cleaning plates that are older than most of us, you take extra care.”
So, if you want to keep your plates looking brand new, take a page from Buckingham Palace’s playbook:
- Skip the dishwasher for delicate pieces
- Use vinegar for a natural clean
- Swap sponges for soft-bristle brushes
- Always hand-dry with linen towels