Handmade ceramics are tougher than they look, but a little attention keeps them with you for years. Here is everything we would tell a friend.
Everyday washing
Most of our stoneware is dishwasher safe, but a gentle hand wash with warm water keeps glazes looking their best for longest. Avoid harsh scouring pads on matte finishes.
Microwave & oven
Unless a piece is marked otherwise, our stoneware handles the microwave happily. Skip the oven for anything with a metallic glaze, and never move a cold piece straight into a hot oven — ceramics dislike sudden temperature changes.
First use
Give new pieces a quick rinse before their first use. Unglazed terracotta planters benefit from a soak in water before potting, which helps them breathe and slows the soil drying out.
Crazing & patina
Fine lines that appear in a glaze over time are called crazing — a natural, often beautiful effect, not a defect. Likewise, unglazed surfaces will develop a soft patina with use. Both are signs of a piece being lived with.
Storing & stacking
Stack with a little care, ideally with a soft cloth between pieces to protect glazed surfaces. Hold mugs and jugs by the body rather than the handle when they are full and heavy.