Handmade ceramics are tougher than they look, but they ask for a little care. Here's the short version: hand wash when you can, skip sudden temperature shocks, and treat matte glazes gently. Everything below explains why.
1. Hand wash beats the dishwasher
Most studio ceramics are stoneware - clay fired hot enough that it becomes hard and non-porous. That makes them strong, but dishwashers are still rough on them: high heat, harsh detergent, and pieces knocking together.
Warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge is all it takes. If you do use the dishwasher, use the top rack and a gentle cycle, and keep pieces from touching.
2. Avoid thermal shock
Thermal shock means a sudden, extreme temperature change - like pouring boiling water into a cold pitcher, or moving a piece straight from the fridge to a hot oven. Clay expands and contracts with temperature, and a fast swing can crack even a well-made piece. Once cracked, it's done.
The fix is easy: let pieces come to room temperature first, and warm a vessel with warm tap water before adding anything very hot.
3. Matte glazes mark more easily
A glaze is the glass-like coating fused to the clay in the kiln. Glossy glazes are smooth and stain-resistant. Matte glazes have a slightly textured surface - beautiful, but they can show cutlery marks and hold oil stains a little more.
If a matte piece picks up marks, a paste of baking soda and water on a soft cloth usually lifts them. Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool.
4. Stains, coffee rings, and water spots
Unglazed bottoms and matte surfaces can absorb a little moisture over time. A few habits keep pieces looking new:
- Rinse coffee and tea cups soon after use - tannins stain if they sit.
- Soak stubborn marks in warm water with a little white vinegar, then wash as normal.
- Dry pieces fully before stacking or shelving them.
5. Vases: mind the water line
Most handmade vases are watertight, but water left for weeks can still leave a mineral ring. Empty, rinse, and dry between flower arrangements. If a white ring forms, the vinegar soak above takes care of it.
The short version
Hand wash with mild soap. Avoid sudden hot-cold swings. Go gentle on matte glazes. Do those three things and a handmade piece will outlast anything mass-produced - and look better doing it.
Every ceramic piece in our vases and ceramics collection is made by hand in small batches, so each one carries slight variations in glaze and shape. That's not a flaw - that's the maker's hand.
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