Caring for Your Pottery
Your handmade pottery is built to last. Here's how to care for it:
WHAT IS STONEWARE?
Your stoneware and porcelain has been fired to 2,232 degrees Fahrenheit. When clay is fired, it changes both physically and chemically. In the first firing, it changes from soluble clay into a porous ceramic. In the second firing, the clay goes through more changes that aid in the vitrification and strength of the final product. The painted or dipped glazes fuse to the bisqueware, forming a glass-like surface that makes it impervious to liquid.
Is It Dishwasher Safe?
Yes! Most pieces are dishwasher safe. Pieces that are covered in glaze are the least vulnerable. If you have a piece with lots of raw clay exposed (clay without glaze on the outside) you can put it in the dishwasher, (I do with mine) however, if you want to reduce the exposure of the raw clay to hot temps and harsh detergents, you can opt to hand wash it as it will be easier on the raw stoneware.
The pieces that benefit most from hand washiing are the pieces with gold luster (metallic accents on the design). The detergents can be hard on the luster areas and they could wear or dull over time.
CAN I PUT MY PIECE IN THE MICROWAVE?
CAN I PUT MY PIECE IN THE MICROWAVE?
With the exception of pieces with gold luster, yes! The gold luster is real gold, and microwaves and metals don't play well together. Empty pieces, as with any stoneware, should not be put in a microwave.
WHAT ABOUT AN OVEN OR OPEN FLAME?
Avoid sudden temperature changes such as freezer to oven, as thermal shock can cause pottery to crack or break. Casserole pottery dishes can go in the oven when the oven is starting at room temperature and is NOT pre-heated. My stoneware is not for use on open flame or stovetop.