Handmade ceramics are more than just dishes or décor – they are art pieces shaped with intention, fired with precision, and finished by hand. Whether you’ve purchased a mug, bowl, jewellery piece, or tableware from Clayheart, you’re investing in something thoughtfully crafted and built to become part of your everyday life.
Proper care means your ceramics will stay beautiful, functional, and durable for years to come. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to keep your handmade pottery looking and performing its best – from cleaning tips to microwave safety and storage advice.
Why Handmade Ceramics Need a Little Extra Care
Handmade ceramics are designed with unique character – subtle textures, hand-painted details, and natural variations that set them apart from factory-made pieces. Each item passes through multiple stages: shaping, drying, bisque firing, glazing, and its final high-temperature firing.
Because every piece is crafted individually, small differences in thickness, glaze type, or clay density mean they deserve gentler handling than mass-produced ware. With a little care, your handmade pieces will last a lifetime.
Are Handmade Ceramics Dishwasher Safe?
One of the most common questions we receive at Clayheart is:
“Can I put my handmade ceramics in the dishwasher?”
The short answer: Often yes – but it depends.
Dishwasher-safe when:
- The item is stoneware (high-fired clay)
- It has a fully glazed interior
- The piece is sturdy, not unusually thin or delicate
- Handles and attachments are well-reinforced
Many Clayheart mugs, bowls, and plates fall into this category.
Hand-washing recommended when:
- The piece is very lightweight or thin
- It has delicate handles, carvings, or protruding elements
- It features a matte glaze, which can scratch more easily
- It includes mixed materials (e.g., ceramic jewellery with metal components)
When hand-washing, use warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads, as they may wear down the glaze over time.
Microwave Safety: What You Need to Know
Most of Clayheart’s high-fired stoneware is microwave safe.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Safe to microwave if:
- The ceramic is fired above 1200°C (typical stoneware)
- It does not contain metallic or lustre glazes
- The base is not overly porous
Avoid microwaving if:
- The piece features gold, silver, or bronze detailing
- It feels hot very quickly after only a few seconds
- The design includes thin or delicate walls
Tip: Never expose your ceramics to extreme temperature change.
For example – don’t take a cold mug from the fridge and pour boiling water directly into it. This may cause thermal shock and lead to cracking.
How to Clean Handmade Ceramics Properly
Routine cleaning is simple and keeps your pottery looking its best.
General cleaning tips:
- Use warm water, not piping hot
- Mild dish soap is ideal
- Stick to soft sponges or cloths
- Avoid soaking unglazed bases for long periods
Stain removal for mugs
Tea or coffee stains can be removed with a:
- Paste of baking soda + water, gently rubbed in circular motions
- Vinegar and warm water soak (for 10–15 minutes)
Matte vs glossy glaze care
- Glossy glazes are more resistant to cutlery marks
- Matte glazes may show metal marks more easily – a gentle scrub with a baking soda paste usually removes these
Preventing Cracks, Chips & Scratches
Ceramics are strong – but like all pottery, they can still chip if handled roughly.
Here’s how to protect your pieces:
Avoid:
- Stacking irregularly shaped plates
- Dropping cutlery into bowls
- Dragging plates across stone countertops
- Sudden temperature change (thermal shock)
Do:
- Store plates with a soft felt pad between them (optional but ideal)
- Place mugs gently when drying or stacking
- Use wooden or silicone utensils in ceramic bowls
- Let hot pieces cool slowly before washing
Caring for Tableware: Everyday Use Tips
Your handmade ceramics are designed to be enjoyed daily.
To keep them in beautiful condition:
- Always place hot items on a trivet or wooden board
- Avoid placing extremely cold dishes on hot surfaces
- Don’t use handmade ceramics directly on open flames or stovetops
- When storing bowls, rotate the stack every few months to relieve pressure points
Small steps like these preserve the glaze and structure over time.
Special Care for Handmade Ceramic Jewellery
Clayheart also produces elegant handmade ceramic jewellery – pieces that require a slightly different care routine.
Jewellery care tips:
- Keep jewellery dry
- Store in a soft pouch or lined box
- Avoid dropping on tiled or hard floors
- Remove before showering or swimming
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth after use
A little care helps preserve the glaze and prevents chipping.
What to Do if Your Ceramics Develop Crazing or Hairline Cracks
Crazing is a fine network of surface cracks in the glaze – a natural reaction to clay and glaze expanding differently over time.
Is crazing unsafe?
Usually not. Most crazed pieces remain structurally sound.
How to prevent further crazing:
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Don’t microwave a crazed item
- Hand-wash rather than using the dishwasher
- Let pieces dry completely before storing
If a hairline crack goes fully through the pot, it’s best to retire it from food use and enjoy it as a decorative piece instead.
Final Tips from the Clayheart Studio
Over the years, we’ve learned a few tricks that help handmade ceramics last beautifully:
- Use wooden spoons and soft utensils
- Always dry your pottery before storing
- Keep ceramics out of extreme heat or cold
- Place trivets under hot dishes
- Handle thin pieces gently
With mindful care, your handmade items will stay with you for years – gathering memories, not scratches.
A Final Word: Enjoy Your Ceramics Every Day
Handmade ceramics are meant to be used, loved, and celebrated. With just a little extra attention, they’ll remain timeless pieces in your home.
Whether you’re building your collection or looking for the perfect gift, Clayheart’s studio offers a wide range of mugs, bowls, jewellery, and custom creations – all handcrafted in Milnerton.
👉 Browse our handmade ceramics
👉 Book a pottery class and make your own piece
👉 Order a custom item for a special occasion
Your ceramics are made with care – and they’ll reward you when cared for too.