Pottery Care

Stoneware is tough, but a few habits keep it looking good for decades.

Washing

Every glazed piece is dishwasher safe. Hand washing keeps glazes glossy longer, especially the satin Cobalt Ink. Skip steel wool and abrasive powders; a soft sponge and a little baking soda handle coffee and tea rings.

Microwave and oven

• Microwave: safe for reheating. The raw clay foot can get hot, so pick it up with a towel.
• Oven: safe up to 400°F if the piece goes into a cold oven and warms up with it.
• Never on a stovetop burner, under the broiler or over an open flame.

Sudden temperature changes

Thermal shock is what cracks stoneware. Do not pour boiling water into a mug straight from the freezer, and do not set a hot dish on a cold, wet counter. Let pieces come to room temperature first.

The raw clay foot

The unglazed ring on the bottom of each piece is porous. Let it dry fully before stacking or putting pieces away. If it ever scratches a table, rub it with fine sandpaper. The Speckled Spoon Rest has a raw base too, so the same goes for it.

Chips and cracks

• A small chip on a foot or outer edge is cosmetic. Smooth it with a fine sanding sponge.
• A chip on a rim you drink from, or any crack that weeps water, means the piece should retire to holding pens or flowers.
• Planters and vases are never food pieces once they have held soil or cut stems.