Handmade stoneware is made for everyday use, but each piece may have its own glaze, shape, and care instructions. A few simple habits can help prevent chips, scratches, and damage from sudden temperature changes. Before using a new mug, bowl, or plate, check the maker’s care guidance, especially for dishwasher, microwave, and oven use. When instructions are unavailable, choose gentle cleaning and avoid exposing the piece to extreme heat or cold.
Wash Gently and Promptly
For routine cleaning, use warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse away food soon after a meal so sauces and oils do not dry onto the glaze. Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders, or harsh cleaners, which can dull some finishes or leave marks. If food sticks, soak the piece in warm, soapy water before wiping it clean.
Many stoneware pieces can go in a dishwasher, but the maker’s instructions should guide you. If you use one, leave space between dishes so they do not knock together during the cycle. Hand-wash pieces with delicate details, unusual finishes, or unknown care requirements. Dry them with a soft towel or let them air-dry fully before putting them away.
Use Heat with Care
Do not assume a handmade piece is safe for every appliance. Microwave, oven, and broiler suitability can vary by clay body, glaze, and construction. Check the maker’s guidance before heating food or drinks. Avoid using a piece with a crack, loose handle, or visible damage for hot contents, since heat and liquid can worsen existing weaknesses.
Protect stoneware from sudden temperature changes, often called thermal shock. Do not move a cold dish straight into a hot oven or place a hot piece on a cold, wet, or metal surface. Let hot stoneware cool gradually on a dry trivet or heat-safe surface. For reheating, follow the maker’s instructions and warm the piece gradually when possible.
Store Pieces Without Scratches
Stack plates and bowls only when they sit securely. To reduce rubbing, place a soft, clean cloth or felt separator between pieces, especially if the glaze is matte or textured. Keep heavier items on lower shelves and avoid tall, unstable stacks. Store mugs by their bases rather than balancing them on their handles.
Make sure stoneware is completely dry before storing it in a cabinet. Trapped moisture can leave odors or marks, particularly in enclosed spaces. Give handmade pieces enough room to avoid bumps when you reach for them. If a piece has a lid, store it as the maker recommends; separating lid and base can help prevent chips during handling.
Know When to Retire a Piece
Check stoneware occasionally for cracks, sharp chips, or a handle that has loosened. Stop using damaged pieces for food and drink, especially if a crack reaches the interior surface or the piece leaks. Do not try to repair a food-use item with household glue. Ask the maker whether the piece can be assessed or repaired safely.
Some glaze finishes may develop faint utensil marks with regular use. Clean them with a soft sponge and a suitable cleaner recommended by the maker; avoid aggressive scrubbing that could damage the surface. If marks remain, treat them as a sign to adjust how you use or clean the piece rather than applying an untested abrasive.
Gentle washing, careful handling, and stable storage go a long way toward keeping handmade stoneware useful at home. Since care needs can differ from piece to piece, keep the maker’s instructions nearby and ask when you are unsure about an appliance or finish. For more care guidance, contact Juniper Lane Pottery.