DISHES DECLUTTER! 40+ year old VINTAGE CHINA

[@Carobmoth]

For the old plates, you might find someone who does glass work or tile and see if they can make a mosaic tabletop or other item with pieces of the glass as the feature.

[@angelhowell5420]

We have Corelle dishes and I found we love the luncheon sized plates for the kids and smaller meals. They’re in between the tiny plates and the dinner size plates. Perfect for a sandwich and chips.

[@jackieo2403]

Same for us. In fact, I only own 2 10" dinner plates as we have found the smaller size better for subtly helping us eat a little less. For m y kids, they know they can always have more but they don't need a huge plate groaning with food. Love our Corelle!

[@sherylf8203]

I love the Correlle dishware. I don’t have very many kitchen cabinets and they are wonderful because they are so space-saving. Very easy to clean and lightweight. When we first got married, I had that green Pyrex bowl. Hopefully no damage. Done to our brains after all these years. Got rid of it quite a few years ago.

[@lindamcdermott9980]

Erica, I watched this video about a week ago with great interest. Then I continued to research further and found that even Corelle made before 2002 was concerning. My Corelle was over 40 years old. This gave me permission to update it without guilt. Further research gave me the confidence to continue to use the clear glass vintage Pyrex, but not the green depression ware. I donated most of my collection years ago, but kept two cake plates. At Christmas I used a piece of parchment paper between the cake plate and the cake, then trimmed off the excess. Next time I might use a paper doily and parchment paper. This video was so enlightening, thank you for it. Your content is so relevant and interesting.

[@joannpaolino4729]

I’ve had the white Corelle plates, bowls, mugs, etc. for a few years now. Very nice and simple. Love them. You’ll like them. 👍

[@valeriereneeharper]

Are only the white ones safe??

[@dellahayden5606]

I donated almost all of my polish pottery and a lot more of my kitchen stuff too… my friends were so excited to get them and it made me feel so happy that I made them happy too!!! ❤

[@jessicaquiroz7178]

I love that your husband participated. I always find the videos more personal when the whole family participates.

[@sunnyside2656]

This was so informative, thank you! I am going to have to research my vintage Pyrex. Love all the cabinet space you will have. Thanks again Erica for a great decluttering video. Always love to see your hubby and hearing your kids sweet little voices ❤

[@loretta1261]

Thank you Erica. I never thought about my dishes. Learned one old Pyrex my son has been using for YEARS has lead in it. I feel so bad! Thanks to you though I’m changing dishes out. ❤

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

Good for you! I use Corelle, as well. I also use only glass, wood and stainless steel. It’s great to know that our food is safe from lead contamination.

[@neverforgetmeever]

Wow…. Thank you for sharing! My family has used vintage Pyrex and old correlle (pre-2005) forever, I would have never thought about lead and heavy metals being in these dishes…. This video caused my mom and I to deep dive and research and now make a plan of how to remove lead from our kitchen. The pattern dishes and bowls we have, and use every day, is one of the highest levels of lead on the lead free mama website….. wow…. Mind opening… It’s sad and hard to make a switch but with some of the health issues my family has had over the years, lead being in our every day dishes has never crossed our minds. Thanks for sharing Erica!

[@susanwalgren3939]

Hello Erica. I needed inspiration for getting back on the minimal train! So, I visited your 1 year minimal anniversary video from a few years ago and it was just what I needed! Certain issues I do not have is debt, shopping addiction, and some clutter. (That’s good!). Where my problem lies is still holding on to some clothes I don’t wear (minimal amount), quilting notions I haven’t and will not use, photos I could go through a 3rd time, some paper clutter (my papers are reduced to 2 plastic files). What I now realize is I am not as ruthless as I would like to be. I wish I was better at “use it or lose it”! I will be revisiting many of your videos as they were so helpful all these years and will continue to motivate me. Thank you.

[@lorainkyusa]

Hello there! I have the exact same set of china. It was a wedding gift from my grandmother when my husband and I got married 42 years ago! Wow, time flies. We have only used it about 12 times for special occasions, and I've always hand washed it. I was the first girl in our family for 40 years! Got lots of men in the family now. But it was extra special for my grandmother to be able to purchase china for the first time. I will be asking one of my sons if they would like the set for their families or grandchildren. Thanks for sharing the lead test. I can't believe they held up great going through modern dishwasher. Have a very Happy New Year to you and your family! 🎉🥳

[@healthylifeingredients6211]

Honestly Erica, I'm a donator of all the things, HOWEVER, not those! Toss. I have my grandmother's old china in my cabinet now that we use along with Corelle. I'm going to only display the china and use the Corelle going forward. Thank you for this video. It's something I have never been concerned about until now.

[@kimberlymiller655]

The plates are perfectly fine. I would just donate.

[@DipityS]

I was going to suggest selling - I'm glad you're thinking along those lines. Excellent choice for your family - not only for health which is the most important - but also because you're so much happier about them not being there and taking up space not being used.

[@ruthturkington1736]

How cool is that! You found somewhere to possibly sell them. Your hubby has my hubby’s dry Irish humor !

[@Pamela-gm5sx]

I love my corelle had them since the 90's they still look brand new.

[@Dashzap]

We switched to plain white Correlle about 13 years ago. Love 'em.

[@briashubert2489]

He's feels like he has a "lead weight on his shoulders" 🤣🤣🤣 i laughed so hard! Wow, i never thought about the lead in the older stuff you had! Crazy! I would donate the old plates & put the note on them, that's a great idea you have there! Some people just love the look of old vintage plates & such ❤

[@mareebryant3909]

You could select a couple of plates / different sizes & hang them on the wall - I bought some plate hangers off Amazon. There are also ceramic artists who can create further art on the plates using the exisiting pattern as inspiration? For the moment though I would hang a couple up.❤️

[@conniesmith3922]

Thank you for checking that out. I have to go look at my dishes now.❤️❤️❤️

[@bertholdstefanie6175]

Have you thought about using the tureen for special things, like holiday flower arrangements, storing Easter sweets, making a center piece. It IS beautiful!

[@kathleencremmins286]

Great idea!!

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

Note only Corelle plates 2005 and after are deemed safe according to lead free momma website.

[@Lara-hy9ff]

I have Corelle crockery. I store the plates in a file rack with a slight lean. When unpacking the dishwasher, it's easier to stack from the back of the plates in the rack.

[@Gotsomethingtosaynow]

This was a very interesting process. Thank you.

[@emleigh1793]

For the Corelle - we have the divided salad plates for our kids. They love them and it helps to encourage vegetables and fruits with the separate spots.

[@katiecommon3614]

We decluttered nearly all dish and glassware when we moved. We bought winter white corelle dishware and a few ello cermaic mugs. I know any ancestors/family members would never want us to risk our health on something like plates.

[@madzabinga8382]

I would use some tile nippers to cut out the flowers and adhere them to a terra-cotta pot. Then buy some ready grout to use between cracks. Make a mosaic pot for your porch.

[@Victoria-kl7su]

Thank you for this, I have parts of vintage tea sets that my great grandparents and grandparents owned and I never thought about people,looking for ‘replacement’ pieces - I will look into that if we have similar in the U.K. I also knew nothing about lead possibly being in vintage China so you have given me lots to think about

[@mrs.lady.bird2]

I'm sure you have already gotten rid of the plates, but if you haven't.... You guys look for a "Break It" place. There are new bars and restaurants that you pay to break the dishes you use or others that you can just break. You pay to go into the break room and break all the things. These would work great for that! I have no idea if you have one local or not but it may be something else to look into.

[@lynnwales2937]

I love Correlle. It’s not always the prettiest design, but they’re sturdy, stack super nicely, and are somehow a pleasure to hand wash (we don’t have a dishwasher). I usually hate washing dishes lol

[@melaniegraham1413]

Get a plate stacker rack and you can store smaller plates directly over the larger ones.

[@heiditate6989]

That's what I do

[@juliacockroft8745]

I have a two-tiered lazy Susan (from Dollar Tree) where I store my 8 Winter Frost White Corelle plates - salad plates on top and dinner plates on the bottom. Great space saver.

[@terrilloyd3691]

In the kitchen, my set came with dinner plates, salad size, cereal bowls and mugs. I don’t miss the other sizes. I bought Corning 1 quart serving bowls which I use every day.

[@scara1859]

You can buy a shelf stacker to put over the plates and have a “shelf” above for other things if needed.

[@andeebee2530]

I love our white Corelli. Have had it for years.

[@oliviadearth7741]

That's a great idea, testing them!

[@jennylhenry78]

We are a family of 6 and we switched to Corel Frost White too! We have... 4 large plates 12 lunch plates 6 small salad plates 6 large bowls 6 small bowls 6 tiny bowls

[@jennyjenkins877]

Good thinking! Regardless of whether there's lead in the everyday plates, you don't want to be consuming the glaze and paint that's coming off them.

[@denisebunker6674]

I love white Corelli. Lightweight and durable.

[@lindamcdermott9980]

This is very enlightening. I can understand your struggle as to what to do with the old plates. I have Corelle plates, small plates used for sandwiches, and bowls. I’ve had them for 30+ years. Got rid of the cups & saucers because I didn’t use them. I love Corelle, it is light weight and unbreakable. I have one new Corelle platter and use vintage clear Pyrex for serving. Now I’m questioning the toxicity of the clear Pyrex. Did you test any of that? I’m going to do some research. Also now questioning the inexpensive mugs I own and use. As I mentioned, this is very enlightening. Thank you. Merry Christmas.🎄

[@lindamcdermott9980]

It didn’t take long, Google says all vintage Pyrex cook ware and bake ware tests highly for lead. I guess I’ll be shopping to replace things. Thank you for this enlightening information. Maybe you have saved a few brain cells.

[@karinwade]

The quote I received for my grandparents china along with the packaging requirements made my decision to donate easier. People buy old plates for crafting from thrift stores. Corelle takes up much less shelf space and is great for everyday use.

[@shannonflood255]

The glaze potentially has lead in and won’t show up on those tests. In research those tests can be inaccurate too. So much to learn and figure out it’s overwhelming. I loved seeing this video. Convincing me to replace my plates too

[@Rebecca-creates]

So glad you said this!

[@me4011]

Plus the test won't tell you if it has high levels or just a trace so you would truly never know if you stop using the plates, no design plain ones have least according to google

[@JillianJaykoski]

One of the best purchases/changes we made when simplifying our kitchen was adding a plate shelf/organizer. Serious game changer-especially for short people! We can fit all of our plates on one shelf now. You won’t be disappointed!

[@joannacurran8475]

But what plates etc. do you use in the dining room/guests. That glass stuff is only for kitchen use - if you must. Good quality china have been lead free for at least 50 years. Some lead in your tests could actually be from your water if there are still lead pipes somewhere in your water line.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Why are the white Corelle not good enough for guests?

[@jessicaquiroz7178]

I have the dinner plates, dessert plates, and cereal bowls from Dollar Tree. Now, you got me thinking if I should test them for lead.

[@margaretmiller7939]

Thank you for this video! I never thought about my mi try it’s fine China having lead. I did get rid of the old Pyrex. I’m going to replace my dishes as well. There are some of the dishes I don’t even use but I’m holding on too.

[@JFlower7]

I love corelle. I can stack 16 dinner plates in about 4 inches.

[@LynnInSC]

I love my plain ivory (Sandstone) Corelle! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@elizabethbrundagemediajour150]

I just donated a full set of Desert Rose dinner set to Goodwill. I purchased the set many years ago from the Military Exchange.I purchased the set because it reminded me of the dinner settin my Mom and Grandma had which I did not inherited. After many years of the Desert Rose dinner set just sitting in our cabinet and the dinner set never being used. I doated the set. Consigment shops do not want the fancy dinner settings because they take up too much room on store shelves and no one buys the dishes. Hardly no one ever uses fancy dinner sets for large family gatherings anymore as food as gotten expensive. We have simple white dishes that we now use everyday.

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

As I had a few half sets bits of crockery from my mum and granny . Before I donated I set them up as if on a table and photographed them and kept that as a memory.

[@shannonflood255]

You should check out lead safe mama. She has all the information on lead and plates and test kits.

[@MsArizona131]

Thank you Erica for drawing attention to that Problem. Because of your video i found out that i'm using babybottles which are containing lead in the paint. I think for your plates you used teststripes that are not working correctly, it seems to me you used the ones "leadsafemama" mentioned 3 month ago in a video.

[@johnwolfe2616]

Sue Wolfe- We had plates with a silver rim from Noritake growing up. They said " not dishwasher safe" on the dishwear. That's because some fine china's finish will wear off. We always handwashed all of it. If you put yours in the dishwasher, chances are, the paint has been exposed. I hope you are able to sell those plates. That's a great resource!

[@tanyaboyd455]

Pottery glazes in the “old days” most likely have lead in it. The used lead as an opacifier to make the white colour. We still have lead in frits use for glazing. This is a mixture of raw glaze ingredients fired then ground up to help glaze melt at a lower temperature.

[@copperlocs6569]

I hope the replacements website works out! I know people who have purchased off that website and were so happy to do so.

[@DanaLymon]

We use the small 'salad' plates for lunches - sandwiches & chips, etc

[@jackieo2403]

We use them for everything. Don't even own the big plates. A regular sized portion of food looks very bountiful on the luncheon plates, and they're much easier to store/wash.

[@kathleencremmins286]

Lead Weight - Yuk Yuk Yuk! I sold or donated over time - keeping a plate or small piece from mom's and both grandmas - to display on a plate stand as a happy wonderful memory. I was just watching your May 2021 video where you talked about using the china so this is funny for me! I have gotten rid of anything that does not say BPA free/freezer/microwave/oven/cracking/flaking and switching to Corelle pure white that goes with every holiday decor and colors! Investing in one set that is healthy and works for the family is a good investment. Rebecca walking past you - the little side look - "I'm just passing through the room." 😊 I was going to use replacements but it was going to cost more to ship than what i would receive as payment...what they post on the site is not what they pay you.

[@jeanmarie2928]

Good to check with Replacements. I also found GA to FL shipping was no profit a few years ago. It was a set of beautiful Nortake stoneware which is not microwaveable. Enjoyed it for many years then donated :)

[@heiditate6989]

I have always used Corelle plates and dishes and that's what I grew up with. I do have my mom's good china but only use it a few times a year.

[@sarahkoltz8017]

If I have something that I want to get rid of and it needs some sort of explanation, I'll give it away on Buy Nothing. That way people can make an educated decision. But I think you made the right call here.

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

I do the same.

[@susanaustin4809]

Maybe you should just wet one of your test strips and lay it aside and see what color it turns and that could be your guide as to how dark the other stuff becomes

[@sheila3205]

Per Google - if you own Corelle dinnerware from before 2005, consider removing it from your kitchen cabinets due to concerns for high levels of lead. Corelle recommends using their pre-2005 dishes as quote “decorative pieces.”

[@lfuentes4098]

Hmm. I still use the vintage stuff. Didn’t even know about the lead. Nothing hot goes in it. Usually cold foods. I’m assuming the time it spends in the dish is the issue.

[@poodlegirl55]

Yes, it was the Corelle Spring Blossom. She is showing Pyrex which is a different type of glass.

[@lfuentes4098]

@@poodlegirl55 I have white glass with green flowers in the outside. And the pansies which were circa 1990’s.

[@rebeccam1027]

I threw away my 1980s Mikasa dishes. There was a lead notice for them and I wanted to make sure no one ignored the notice and used them for their kids.

[@maxineoliver7404]

Art work maybe? That comes to mind. And Happy Holidays!!🎄🍽🍽🪑🖼

[@hayleechapman1218]

We got rid of all of our bulky dish-wear years ago and bought 2 really pretty sets of Corelle. Best decision ever. Lightweight, stacks beautifully. I just donate the mugs that come with them as they are too small for us-we like bigger mugs. Good rule of thumb is to not have any dishes, cups that are not made in the USA. Other countries do not have the same lead standards.

[@barbaraweber3084]

I love my correlle too!

[@PhoenixFlowerEmma]

Yep buy local as possible. I mean making your owm would be better cauae you can get custom and know every single ingredient and process that goes into it. And youll be supporting the local craftsman.

[@pppetra]

Since Europe is stricter than the usa with most stuff.. probably European market stuff is fine;)

[@luzking9487]

Nice to cut down and getting used to having less. On the bottom drawer ( kids drawer) you can buy or make divider made for dishes and glassware. Now that you have empty space where you had the dishes. You can put paper plates for special occasion. Blessings

[@shannonrichards5367]

When I replaced our dishes I bought some extra so I can replace pieces if they break over the years and once my plates are discontinued. That’s not very minimalist but gives me peace of mind.

[@scara1859]

Walmart sells individual white Corelle. I bought 8 plates and bowls and a couple serving bowls.

[@SammieOranges]

LeadSafeMama has an excellent article with her opinion on what to do. And I agree. Thanks for the content

[@loriburgess1866]

If you don’t choose to use the dishes then I guess no one else should either?

[@mona-fb3mq]

Beautiful

[@terrilloyd3691]

I put my China in the dishwasher and the platinum rim is wearing off, but not a chip in any of them. I do use them often will keep using them. Kitchen dishes are plain white and dishwasher safe, but some are chipped. Never thought about the checking for lead. 😮 If you love the China, keep them. If you are so so on the pattern donate them. Replacements is a great option. There is so much pretty China out there if you want vintage.

[@josephdaly2015]

That something I never thought of. Thanks for the information. I know this can be a difficult time of year for you and so many others. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful 2024. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👏👍💪🙏💐🎅🧑‍🎄🎄

[@bobcederstrom4036]

If your plates are sentimental, you can make a decorative wall collage out of them. I would get ride of the rest. If you are afraid they could harm someone throw them away. Corelle dishes are wonderful! Good luck. 😊

[@tanyajohnston8262]

So much better and for many reasons. I would keep only enough plates that you don’t mind washing if company, so maybe 12 ? After that it is compostable paper plates if more company 😊

[@joannefurlong9576]

As much as it hurts, it's best to just dispose of the dishes. If it's not safe for you, then it's not safe for others. I also have been using my mom's 'good' dishes as my every day dishes and I feel your pain. Have to test mine and if lead based, bye bye

[@raymondmonaghan4112]

Hi there sweetie pie hope you are well great job yes I am using my Mum's dinnerware for Christmas its pretty sits in the cupboard all year now I will use it Merry Christmas to you and your family love from Eugenie your friend xxx 🏡💞🌲✨

[@pamelawantsmusic]

I was considering restoring our 100 year old homes trim to the original wood so I sanded a test patch and tested with these sticks - an immediate blazing “LEAD” red 😂 so we will be leaving the trim alone!

[@tinachristensen216]

On the old china, I would save one tea cup to use as a little flower vase.

[@anne-mariewildbore3725]

Likely they are actually a transfer print not paint and all plates will wear. They have been affected by use in dishwasher. What you should ask yourself is what qualification lead safe momma has for making safety statements.

[@dianaq710]

Could the heart plates work if you need smaller plates?

[@CarolynStClair-is6sq]

I would try and find a safe way dispose of the dishes.

[@poodlegirl55]

It was Corelle Spring Blossom that they said had lead, not the Pyrex Spring Blossom. And you tested the inside and outside with the same swab so that tells nothing. If there were any lead it would only be on the outside paint.

[@me4011]

Anything older than 2005 Corelle likely has lead AND other chemicals

[@reginacornish3030]

Does anyone know if there is a video of her homemade cleaning products?

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Hi! I shared one a few months ago but I will make an updated one! Send me an email and I will give you my recipes so you don’t have to wait for it. [e-mail] kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHjNgYB9p56aisUsi=8_xLDOqCcqtpxWtB

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

What is website you mentioned that lists safe dish-ware?

[@me4011]

Scroll down to "does Corelle have safe options now?" For links to safe ones

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

@@me4011 I was looking for the lead free mama website but I found it. Thanks

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Lead Free Mama

[@ruthmgonigle5914]

I don't want to know if my favorite dishes and vintage bowls have lead! I grew up with Corelle and feel meh about tempered glass. They are much more lightweight and great for kids or seniors.

[@keylalipo7778]

Can you post the Pyrex announcement? Or link to it? Please and thank you.

[@kamloopscruiser874]

I’d say goodbye to the dish set and put them in the trash. I love Corelle and I don’t think you’ll regret it.

[@joannafoster3423]

I would pitch the warn big plates. If the small plates and tea cups are still good I would donate them. But good thing to think about when making purchases.

[@eileenjordan6738]

I threw mine out which was hard but didn't want to expose anyone else to lead

[@jessicaderstine4061]

I've gotten rid of all my vintage Corelle. It hurt my heart , but was the right choice. I have bought simply white. But in between I used my own wedding china. Only 17 years old. Only to discover they had 3 times the amount of lead my Corelle had. I literally threw it all in a dumpster that no one will get to.

[@beverleyhirst9380]

There's nothing wrong with the older plates, if you want to replace them then do so. The flowers and glaze are coming off because they're not suppose to go in the dishwasher, by doing so you have spoilt them. I often buy old side plates to stand my plants on, and they're fine. I would donate them with a note about the lead test and that some of the plates are faded due to use. As far replacements, I wouldn't but white or plain you will miss the patterns, and all modern plates are safe - if you buy something that someone else tells you to, you'll be swapping them out.

[@me4011]

Nothing wrong is not true, they likely contain lead and other chemicals

[@zenlife1200]

There are artists around that paint on these sort of plates. Some artists use plates as paint palettes and I have seen some with a hole drilled through the middle and converted into a kitchen clock. The bowls can hold the flower pots that have drainage holes in the bottom to stop leaks. Milk jugs and the like can become pencil cups or paintbrush holders. They could be used for mosaics. There's lots of ways they can be repurposed, so I'd donate them. It would be a shame for them to miss out on a possible second life.

[@eileenjordan6738]

Corell has said prior to 2005 lead paint has been used and is not for food use.

[@gigieyre]

I was at a festival last summer and a lady had made beautiful jewelry out of heirloom china.

[@michellewanner3921]

I’d donate the roses plates. Someone may want some or all of them for sentimental reasons. When you buy things second hand you buy at your own risk. Some people the slight lead might not be an issue for what they use them for. Corelle way to go. My moms used them for decades. I’ll buy some when my ikea dishes breaks- they surprisingly last

[@leahrenea2709]

For the old plates why not use them for a mosaic project? You still get to keep them in the family that way and you could probably find a way to get the kids involved or make something meaningful from them ❤

[@cjs1440]

FYI, the AIR RETURN VENT in the dining room is installed upside-down.

[@RaeInTime]

Can't believe we ate out of those vintage green plates, etc for years and years😮