How to care for hand-thrown stoneware at home
Stoneware is more forgiving than people think, but it does have a few specific needs. Over nine years of carrying hand-thrown ceramics at Prairie Sapphire, we've fielded a lot of questions about what to do and what not to do. Here is what we actually tell people.
The dishwasher question
Most stoneware fired to cone 6 or higher is technically dishwasher-safe, but the makers we work with generally recommend hand-washing. The reason isn't fragility. It's the glaze. Repeated dishwasher cycles can dull a matte glaze over time, particularly iron-oxide and ash glazes, which are porous at the surface. If you're using the piece daily and the dishwasher is the only realistic option, go ahead. But for pieces you care about, a quick wash with warm water and a soft cloth is better.
Unglazed exteriors, which are common on the terracotta-style espresso cups we carry, should always be hand-washed. The unglazed clay is slightly absorbent and can pick up soap residue if submerged for too long.
Thermal shock and the microwave
Stoneware handles heat well in an oven or on a warm surface, but rapid temperature changes are the main cause of cracking. Don't take a bowl straight from the refrigerator and fill it with boiling liquid. Don't put a cold piece into a hot oven. Give it a minute to come to room temperature first.
The microwave is generally fine for stoneware, with one exception: pieces with any metallic glaze or lustre should never go in. If you're not sure whether a glaze contains metal oxides, ask us before you buy.
Storing and stacking
The foot of a hand-thrown bowl is often unglazed and slightly rough. Stacking bowls directly can scratch the glaze on the piece below. A square of felt or a folded cloth between stacked pieces prevents this. It's a small habit that makes a real difference over years of use.
If you're storing pieces long-term, avoid damp cupboards. Unglazed clay is slightly porous and can absorb moisture, which in cold conditions can cause small surface cracks.
If a piece you bought from us develops a crack or a glaze issue within the first six months, bring it in and we'll look at it with you. We keep notes on every maker we carry.