Care Instructions
While these ceramic pieces are fired at high temperatures to enhance their strength, they are still "ceramic" and inherently susceptible to damage if mishandled. Bumping/clinking, dropping, and thermal shock are the most frequent causes of breakage. Pieces with detailed sculptural elements require extra precaution. To ensure the longevity of your ceramic ware, we ask that you review and follow the care instructions outlined below.
Cleaning
I recommend hand washing with dish soap and non-abrasive scrubbing pads.
Can I put them in the dishwasher?
Technically yes, because they are fired to a higher temperature, they can survive the heat and water pressure of a dishwasher. HOWEVER, that does not mean things can't go wrong in a dishwasher cycle. Pieces can clink together or if the dishwasher is opened prior to it cooling down, thermal shock can occur. That being said, if you do decide to use a dishwasher for cleaning, I recommend top rack only and being sure that each piece has plenty of space to wiggle without touching other items. Make sure to let the dishwasher cool completely before removing the ceramics.
Avoid Thermal Shock
Thermal shock is when structural damage occurs due to a sudden, intense change in temperature. Think about if you run your hand under cold water, then immediately place it in hot water, OUCH! The same thing happens when a ceramic piece is introduced to intense hot/cold temperatures within a short period of time.
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An example of when this can happen is if you took a cold mug and poured boiling water into it. While in some cases the mug may survive, sometimes cracks can form under the temperature shock and cause your piece to shatter during use. An example of how you could prevent thermal shock in this scenario would be running warm-hot water over the piece first to bring it closer to the temperature of the boiling water.
Use/storage
When carrying, use both hands to avoid dropping, use a coaster to prevent the raw clay from scratching furniture, and set pieces beside the sink, not in the sink to avoid damage from other dirty dishes that may be stacked on top.
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Store your pottery in a safe place. If it is a bowl or plate, store with a paper towel or felt in between stacked layers to prevent the raw clay bottom from scratching the glazed surface. I do not advice stacking my mugs or cups as they are hand made and not perfectly all the same size, which means they can be knocked off balance easily when stacked.
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Can I use them in the microwave?
This pottery is technically microwave-safe, but use at your own risk. I personally haven't had any issues with microwaving my personal stash of pottery, however, microwave wattages and heating patterns can vary. Uneven thermal expansion can cause cracking. Avoid extended high-power use to ensure longevity.