Using Vintage Pyrex Dishes

Most people love Pyrex. They grew up using it, trusting it to go from the oven to the table, still looking great. Everyone knew of its hardy nature and versatility. It was a kitchen favorite throughout most of the twentieth century.

Corning, Inc. first introduced Pyrex kitchenware in 1915, in clear glass. Corning’s Pyrex has always been made with borosilicate glass. Corning sold its Pyrex division in 1998 to World Kitchen, LLC. World Kitchen changed the formula for its manufacture, and the “new” Pyrex doesn’t have the reputation for durability and oven use that the “vintage” Pyrex enjoys. Protect what you have. It’s no longer made the way it used to be.

Seeing Pyrex sold as a collectible seems odd to me, as I still use the trusty pieces I got as wedding gifts 46 years ago. I can honestly say I haven’t held up as well as my Pyrex has! Here are some tips for making your Pyrex last a long time, too.

Never subject vintage Pyrex to temperature extremes. Don’t take it from the refrigerator and put it in a very hot oven. Don’t take a piping hot casserole and put it in the refrigerator immediately. It’s likely nothing will happen, but why tempt fate? You don’t want to take the chance of cracking it. Never put Pyrex on the stovetop unless it was meant to go there.

Don’t put any colored Pyrex in the dishwasher. The high heat and the chemicals from the dishwashing detergent will play havoc with your Pyrex’s color and design. Clean your dishes in a sink full of warm, soapy water. If you have tough, baked-on crud, simply soak it. The longer you soak it in soapy water, the easier it will be to clean. When cleaning a Pyrex piece, choose your cleaner carefully. Avoid abrasives such as Comet or Ajax. Do not use oven cleaner on colored pieces, or designs, as damage may occur. Avoid wire mesh scrub pads and steel wool pads. Instead, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser pad to remove grime and stains. It can be used on the design portion of Pyrex pieces, as well. It would be sensible to test a small area first, to be sure, but I’ve had wonderful success with all my pieces. If you are looking for further assistance, you can always visit https://www.applianceserviceprollc.com/appliance-repair-portland for expert appliance repair services in the Portland area.

Pyrex pieces have a tendency to collect small amounts of grime in the rim edges, and around its letters on the bottom of bakeware. Use a sharp toothpick to slide along the rim or edge, poking out the grime as you go. This will not scratch the surface.

Vintage Pyrex can be found in flea markets and antiques shops. Look for it in garage sales. If you take care of it, your vintage Pyrex will look better than you do in 40 years.

Karen Hewitt is the owner of Barn House Antiques located at 308 Peruville Rd. (Rt. 34B), in Lansing, NY. Phone 607-533-8636.

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