Handmade pottery is made to be used, but thoughtful care helps protect its glaze, shape, and finish. A handmade mug, bowl, or serving dish may respond differently to heat and cleaning than mass-produced dishware, depending on its clay, glaze, and firing. Check any care instructions from the maker first. When those aren’t available, a few gentle habits—washing carefully, avoiding sudden temperature changes, and storing pieces securely—can help keep your ceramics in good shape.
Wash Gently and Promptly
For routine cleaning, wash pottery by hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse away food and soap, then dry the piece with a clean towel or let it air-dry fully. Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders, and hard scrubbing, which can scratch some glazes or wear away decorative details.
If food has dried onto a dish, soak it in warm, soapy water before cleaning rather than scraping with a knife or metal utensil. Clean pieces soon after use, especially after serving strongly colored foods or drinks. If a stain remains, use a gentle cleaner and test it on a small, less visible area first.
Check Before Using Appliances
Don’t assume a handmade piece is dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, or oven-safe. Decorative finishes, metallic accents, repairs, and differences in how a piece was made can affect its suitability. Follow the maker’s instructions whenever possible. If you can’t confirm that an appliance is safe for the piece, wash it by hand and avoid heating it in that appliance.
Prevent sudden temperature changes, which can stress ceramic and cause cracks. Don’t pour boiling liquid into a cold mug, place a hot dish on a cold or wet surface, or move pottery directly from the refrigerator to a hot oven. Let pieces adjust gradually to room temperature, and use a trivet or heat-safe surface for hot ceramics.
Handle and Store with Care
Hold pottery securely with both hands when it is large, heavy, or filled with liquid. Support the base rather than lifting a full bowl or pitcher by its rim or handle alone. Keep ceramic pieces away from counter edges, and don’t stack them unless they are designed to nest. When stacking is practical, place a soft separator between pieces to reduce rubbing and chipping.
Store pottery in a dry, stable spot where pieces won’t shift or knock together when a cabinet opens. Avoid squeezing cups or bowls into a crowded shelf. For pieces with delicate handles, thin rims, or applied decorations, leave extra room and lift each item out individually instead of sliding it against neighboring ceramics.
Notice Damage Early
Check pieces occasionally for cracks, chips, or changes in the glaze, especially around rims, handles, and the base. Stop using a piece for food or drink if it develops a crack, a sharp chip, or damage that is difficult to clean. A damaged surface may make the item harder to keep sanitary and can worsen with continued use.
Not every mark means a piece is broken. Some handmade pottery develops harmless changes through regular use, but ask the maker if you’re unsure whether a particular crack or surface change affects safe use. Share how the piece is used and what you’ve noticed so you can get specific guidance.
Gentle washing, careful handling, and attention to appliance and temperature limits can help handmade pottery remain part of everyday life. Because care needs vary by piece, keep the maker’s instructions nearby and ask when anything is unclear. For questions about a ceramic piece from Harbor Clay Studio, contact the studio for guidance.