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Handmade ceramics are built to be used — but a little care goes a long way. Whether you've just bought your first Earth2Ware piece or you've been collecting for years, here's everything you need to know to keep your pottery looking beautiful for decades to come.
Is Handmade Pottery Dishwasher Safe?
Most stoneware ceramics — including Earth2Ware pieces — are dishwasher safe, as they're fired at high temperatures that make them durable and non-porous. That said, handwashing is always the gentler option. The repeated heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher can, over time, dull glazes and stress the clay body. For pieces you love, a quick wash by hand is worth it.
Can I Use Handmade Ceramics in the Microwave?
Generally, yes — stoneware is microwave safe. The exception is any piece with metallic glaze details (gold or silver lustre), which should never go in the microwave. If you're unsure about a specific piece, check with the maker.
What About the Oven?
Stoneware can handle oven use, but avoid sudden temperature changes. Don't take a cold piece straight from the fridge into a hot oven — let it come to room temperature first. Thermal shock is the enemy of ceramics.
Storing Your Ceramics
Stack bowls and plates carefully, ideally with a soft cloth or felt pad between them to prevent scratching. Glazed surfaces can mark each other over time if stacked carelessly.
What If a Piece Chips?
Small chips on the rim or base are common with everyday use and don't affect the safety or function of a piece. If a chip is sharp, a little fine sandpaper can smooth it down gently. Deep cracks, however, mean a piece should be retired from food use.
The Beauty of Handmade
One of the joys of handmade ceramics is that they develop character over time. Glazes can shift subtly with use, and that's part of the story. These aren't mass-produced objects — they're made one at a time, by hand, in a small UK studio.
If you'd like to add a new piece to your collection, browse the Bowls collection — or if you'd like to try making your own, take a look at our Workshops & Classes.