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There is nothing quite like using a piece of handmade pottery you created yourself or received from a local artisan – and in 2026, displaying handmade pottery in your home is cooler than ever. Whether you’ve recently crafted a piece at a one of our pottery classes in London or brought home a bespoke vase for you last artisanal craft market, proper care ensures your ceramics remain beautiful, functional, and durable for years to come.
We know so many of our pottery-loving community come home from a class with a freshly made clay creation, only to wonder how best to care for it day-to-day. To help you integrate your new pieces seamlessly into your home, here is the ClassBento-approved complete guide to maintaining and cleaning handmade ceramics.
Caring for kiln-fired handmade pottery
Kiln-fired pottery that has been glazed and fired to high temperatures is durable, non-porous, and generally safe for daily kitchen use. However, a few gentle habits will protect the glazes and structure long-term.
Washing and cleaning
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Hand-washing Is recommended: Wash your glazed mugs, bowls, and plates with warm water, mild dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid steel wool or harsh scouring pads, which can scratch delicate glaze surfaces.
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Dishwasher considerations: While high-fired stoneware is often dishwasher-safe, commercial detergent cycles and high heat can dull subtle or matte glazes over time. If using a dishwasher, space pieces carefully so they don't clack together and chip during the wash cycle.
Preventing thermal shock
We've all been there before, you got to sit down with your mug of tea only to feel an alarming drip coming from the bottom – and there you have it, a crack has formed! Sudden temperature shifts can cause clay to expand and contract too quickly, leading to cracks. Here's how to avoid it:
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Never transfer cold stoneware directly from the refrigerator into a hot oven.
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Avoid pouring boiling water into a cold handmade mug—rinse it with warm tap water first to temper the ceramic.
Microwaves and ovens
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Check whether your piece contains metallic lustre accents (such as gold, silver, or Kintsugi repairs)—these should never be microwaved. Sparks will fly – and not in the cute romantic way, be warned.
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Plain, fully glazed stoneware can generally handle brief warming in the microwave, but avoid exposing raw, unglazed clay bottoms to excessive moisture before heating, as trapped steam can weaken the ceramic.
Caring for air-dried clay creations
Air-drying clay is pure magic for relaxed craft nights and making cute home accents, from trinket dishes to coasters. But because your creation cures naturally in the open air rather than baking in a fiery kiln, it just needs a little extra tender loving care:
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Keep it strictly dry: Air-dry clay remains porous and water-soluble. Never submerge your creation, rinse it under the tap, or pop it in the dishwasher—moisture will soften the clay and compromise its structure.
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Dust gently: To clean air-dried pieces, simply wipe them down with a dry micro-fiber cloth or sweep away dust using a soft paintbrush.
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Keep it decorative: Air-dried pottery is not food-safe or waterproof. Keep your creations for organising jewellery, storing keys, or showing off dry decorative bits.
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Storage and stain removal hacks for your handmade pottery
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Lifting Coffee & Tea Stains: If dark liquids leave stubborn marks inside your favourite stoneware mug, mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a gentle paste. Rub it over the stain with a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly.
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Smart Stacking: When stacking handmade plates or bowls, place felt pads, paper napkins, or cloth dividers between them. This prevents the unglazed "foot rim" at the base of one piece from scratching the smooth glaze of the piece below it.
Ready to Create Your Next Piece?
Now that you're an expert on keeping your ceramic creations in pristine condition, it's time to get your hands messy all over again! Whether you want to master the potter's wheel, try hands-on hand building, or discover the art of Kintsugi, explore our full range of beginner-friendly London pottery classes and book your next creative escape today.
