How to Care for Handmade Pottery
You finally brought home that beautiful handmade mug, bowl, or vase. It feels special in your hands, looks stunning on your shelf, and instantly elevates your morning coffee routine. But now comes the big question: how do you care for it so it lasts a lifetime?
Handmade pottery is durable, but it’s not indestructible. With a little love and attention, your ceramics can remain functional and beautiful for decades—or even generations.
1. Wash by Hand Whenever Possible
Unlike mass-produced dinnerware, handmade pottery often has delicate glazes and slightly uneven surfaces. Avoid the dishwasher if you can.
- Use mild soap and warm water
- Soft sponges or cloths only—never steel wool or harsh scrubbers
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel to prevent water spots
Dishwashers can cause thermal shock (sudden temperature changes) that might crack your mug, or they can slowly dull the glaze over time.
2. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
Pottery handles heat differently than commercial ceramics. Rapid temperature shifts can cause cracks or even breakage.
- Don’t pour boiling water into a cold mug straight from the fridge.
- Avoid moving pieces directly from the oven to a cold counter.
- Let mugs or bowls warm gradually if they’ve been stored in a cold space.
Think of your pottery as a gentle guest: it likes smooth transitions, not shock therapy.
3. Be Careful With Microwaves and Ovens
Most stoneware and porcelain pottery is technically microwave-safe, but check with the artist.
- Glaze matters: Metallic or special finishes may spark in the microwave.
- Oven-safe pieces should still be preheated gradually; never use a cold mug straight from the fridge in a hot oven.
When in doubt, enjoy your handmade mugs for coffee, tea, and soups—but reserve baking or extreme heating for pieces specifically labeled oven-safe.
4. Store With Care
Handmade pottery is strong, but it’s also fragile if it knocks into other objects.
- Store mugs with enough space so handles don’t bump together.
- Stack bowls carefully, placing a soft cloth or paper towel between them if needed.
- Vases and sculptural pieces should be placed on stable surfaces away from high-traffic areas.
A little extra attention in storage can prevent chips and scratches.
5. Avoid Soaking or Abrasive Cleaners
Soaking pottery for hours can weaken certain glazes or allow water to seep into tiny cracks. Abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals can also damage the surface.
- Quick washes are better than long soaks.
- Stick to gentle, everyday dish soap.
- Treat your pottery like a treasured tool—clean it, dry it, and put it away with care.
6. Respect Its Personality
Every handmade piece is unique. Some may be slightly porous, some slightly uneven, and some glazed with experimental finishes.
- Don’t be surprised if water leaves a faint mark on certain surfaces—it’s part of the charm.
- Treat it gently, enjoy its quirks, and remember that imperfections are part of what makes it one-of-a-kind.
Why Care Matters
Handmade pottery isn’t just functional; it’s art that lives in your everyday life. By taking care of it, you’re preserving hours of skill, creativity, and labor—and keeping a piece of artistry in your home for years to come. With these tips, your handmade mugs, bowls, and vases can remain as stunning as the day you brought them home, and cherished for a lifetime.
