Handmade pottery is an investment in craftsmanship, not a disposable purchase—and it deserves a care routine to match. Whether you've bought a functional mug from a local artisan or a sculptural piece from an established studio, the right maintenance practices will keep your work looking beautiful and performing well for decades.
Understand Your Pottery's Glaze and Clay Body
Not all pottery is created equal, and care requirements depend heavily on what you're dealing with. Glazed stoneware and porcelain handle everyday use differently than earthenware, which is more porous and fragile. High-fired stoneware (typically cone 6–10) is durable enough for dishwashers and microwaves; low-fired earthenware isn't.
Before you bring a piece home, ask the maker three specific questions: What temperature was it fired to? Is the glaze food-safe? Are there any surface treatments or unglazed areas I should know about? These answers determine whether your bowl can go in the dishwasher or needs hand-washing only.
Hand-Washing as the Gold Standard
Hand-washing is the safest option for nearly all handmade pottery. Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth—avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch glazes or wear away decorative surfaces. Dry pieces immediately with a soft towel to prevent water spots and mineral buildup from hard water.
For stubborn food residue, soak the piece for 15–20 minutes rather than scrubbing aggressively. If a piece has decorative underglaze details or hand-painted elements, extra gentleness is non-negotiable; those surfaces are more delicate than the glaze coat.
Storage and Display Considerations
Where you keep your pottery matters as much as how you clean it. Store functional pieces (bowls, mugs, plates) in a stable cabinet or shelf away from high-traffic areas where they might get knocked over. Stack pieces carefully with a cloth or paper towel between each item to prevent chips.
Display pieces should be positioned on stable shelves or stands, away from direct sunlight if possible. UV exposure can fade hand-painted details or colored glazes over months or years. Keep pottery away from heating vents and air conditioners, which create temperature fluctuations that can cause crazing (fine cracks in the glaze) over time.
Addressing Common Issues
Crazing and cracking: Fine cracks in the glaze surface are usually cosmetic and happen when the clay body and glaze cool at different rates. They don't require action unless the piece holds liquid—in which case, the craze lines can allow water seepage. Contact the maker if you're concerned about food safety.
Chips and rough edges: Small chips are part of a working piece's history, but you can smooth a rough edge with fine-grit sandpaper (220–400 grit) or a ceramic repair compound. For structural cracks or large chips, contact a ceramic conservator; repairs typically run $50–$200 depending on severity.
Staining and discoloration: Pottery naturally absorbs stains from tea, coffee, and turmeric over years of use. This is patina, not a failure. If you want to minimize staining, apply a clear ceramic sealant ($15–$30 per bottle) to unglazed rims or interior surfaces. Reapply annually.
When to Reach Out to the Maker
Handmade pottery makers care about their work and often provide free advice on care. If you notice issues like the glaze flaking off, persistent cracks appearing, or discoloration that looks like contamination rather than patina, email photos to the maker. Many artisans offer touch-up glazes ($5–$15) or can advise on whether a piece is still food-safe.
When shopping for handmade pottery, platforms like Mercoly help you compare makers and find those with clear care documentation and responsive customer support—a sign of genuine craftspeople who stand behind their work.
Keep It for a Lifetime
Handmade pottery improves with age if cared for thoughtfully. A coffee mug used daily for 10 years becomes an extension of your morning routine; a sculptural bowl on display accumulates the subtle warmth of living with intention. The investment is real, but so is the payoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I put handmade pottery in the microwave and dishwasher? A: Only if the maker explicitly says yes—ask before buying. High-fired stoneware and porcelain usually tolerate both, but some glazes or decorative elements can't. When in doubt, hand-wash and never microwave.
Q: What should I do if my pottery develops a hairline crack? A: Small cracks in the glaze alone don't require action. If the crack goes through the clay body and the piece holds liquid, contact the maker to assess whether it's safe to continue using, or have a ceramic conservator evaluate it.
Q: How do I remove hard water stains from pottery? A: Soak the piece in equal parts white vinegar and water for 1–2 hours, then scrub gently with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately.
Find a pottery maker you trust—Mercoly makes it easy to compare handmade ceramics studios and read maker reviews in one place.