Handmade pottery can serve everyday meals or add character to a shelf, but different pieces may need different care. Clay type, glaze, firing, and maker instructions all affect how a ceramic item handles water, heat, and food. Start by checking any care guidance that came with your piece. When details are unavailable, use gentle cleaning and avoid sudden temperature changes until you know what the pottery can safely withstand.
Clean Gently and Promptly
For routine cleaning, wash pottery by hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse well and dry with a lint-free towel, or let the piece air-dry completely. Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders, and harsh cleaners, which can scratch a surface or wear down a decorative finish over time.
Rinse off food and drinks soon after use, especially coffee, tea, tomato sauce, or other strong colors that may stain porous or crazed surfaces. If residue sticks, soak the piece briefly in warm, soapy water, then wipe gently. Don’t leave pottery submerged for long periods unless the maker says it is suitable; unglazed or porous clay can absorb water.
Check Before Serving Food
Use a piece for food only when it was made and finished for that purpose. Ask the maker if you are unsure whether the glaze and firing are food-safe. Decorative ceramics, pieces with unknown finishes, and items marked for display may not be suitable for serving or storing food, even if they look like ordinary dishware.
Inspect serving pieces periodically. A crack, chip, or rough area can make cleaning harder and may worsen with use. Stop using damaged pottery for food, and don’t assume that a glaze makes every clay body waterproof. Follow the maker’s directions for microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and hot liquids; if the instructions are unclear, choose handwashing and avoid heating the piece.
Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Rapid temperature shifts can stress ceramic and cause cracking. Don’t move a cold piece directly into a hot oven, pour boiling liquid into pottery that has just come from the refrigerator, or set a hot dish on a cold, wet surface. Let pottery adjust gradually, and use a trivet or heat-resistant pad when serving warm food.
A handmade piece may not be designed for every appliance or cooking task. Dishwasher cycles can expose pottery to impacts and strong detergents, while microwave or oven use depends on the clay, glaze, construction, and maker’s testing. Check care instructions for each piece rather than relying on a general rule for all ceramics.
Store Pieces Without Scratches
Stack bowls and plates carefully, placing a soft separator such as a felt pad, cloth, or paper towel between glazed surfaces. Keep stacks stable and low enough to lift without twisting or knocking the pieces together. Store mugs by their bases rather than hanging them by handles, which can be a vulnerable point.
Choose a dry, steady storage spot away from hard impacts and crowded shelves. Make sure pieces are fully dry before putting them away, particularly if they have unglazed areas. For display pottery, dust with a soft cloth and handle it with both hands, supporting the base instead of lifting by a narrow rim or attached detail.
Gentle washing, confirmed food-safe use, gradual temperature changes, and careful storage help protect handmade pottery through regular use. Because care needs vary by piece, keep the maker’s instructions nearby and ask questions when a finish or appliance limit is unclear. For hands-on pottery guidance, contact Portside Clay Studio in Wilmington.