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Ceramic Care 101: How to Clean, Store and Display Handmade Pottery

Practical tips on looking after studio pottery and collectable ceramics – from everyday cleaning to preserving delicate glazes. One of the great joys of collecting studio pottery is that it doesn’t demand complicated upkeep. In fact, most handmade ceramic pieces – if treated with care and common sense – will last for generations. Whether you’re starting your first collection or already own a growing display of collectable ceramics, understanding the basics of cleaning, storing, and displaying your pieces can help keep them looking their best for years to come. This guide covers everything from how to clean handmade pottery to caring for specialist surfaces like raku, smoke-fired ware, and glazed stoneware.

Cleaning Handmade Pottery: Everyday Tips

If you’ve recently bought a new mug, bowl, or plate from a studio pottery UK gallery or ceramics fair, you may be wondering if it’s dishwasher-safe. While many potters design their functional pieces to be durable, it’s always safest to hand wash them.
  • Use warm water and a mild dish soap
  • Avoid abrasive sponges or steel wool, which can dull or scratch the glaze
  • Dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots, especially on dark glazes or burnished surfaces
Although some potters state their work is dishwasher-safe, the harsh chemicals in dishwasher tablets can slowly degrade glazes over time – particularly on finely finished or collectable pottery.

Storing Handmade Ceramics Safely

When it comes to storing studio pottery, a little padding goes a long way. If you’re stacking plates, bowls, or other flat items:
  • Place a soft cloth or a piece of acid-free tissue paper between each item
  • Don’t overstack – this reduces the risk of pressure cracks or accidental chips
Shelves lined with felt or cork are ideal for housing a small display of everyday wares. If you collect studio pottery for sale that includes more sculptural or fragile forms, consider open shelving with raised lips or display cabinets that reduce the risk of vibration or dust.

How to Display Studio Pottery

Displaying handmade pottery is a beautiful way to enhance your home – each piece can become a focal point in a room. However, some surfaces are more light-sensitive than others.

  • Avoid direct sunlight, especially for:
    • Raku pottery
    • Smoke-fired ceramics
    • Pieces with lustre or metallic oxide decoration

These surfaces can fade, dull, or change over time if exposed to strong UV light. If you’re unsure, place them in a spot with indirect light or behind UV-filtering glass.

Caring for Smoke-Fired and Raku Ceramics

Smoke-fired and naked raku pottery are a little different from glazed ceramics. These pieces are typically burnished, smoke-blackened and sealed with a wax finish, rather than a traditional glaze. This gives them a subtle, polished sheen, but it also means they’re more delicate.

  • Think of them more like wood or leather than porcelain
  • Clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth – no soap or water is needed
  • If the surface loses its sheen, use a small amount of colourless, silicone-free furniture polish. Apply thinly and buff gently with a soft cloth
  • Avoid wearing metal jewellery while handling – rings or bracelets can leave grey marks on the surface. If that happens, a little polish usually removes it easily
These finishes only need a light polish once or twice a year to keep them in good condition.
What to Avoid with Collectable Pottery
Even with the hardiest stoneware or porcelain, there are a few general care tips that apply across the board:
  • Microwave caution: Unless specified by the maker, avoid putting handmade ceramics in the microwave – some glazes may react, and uneven heating could cause cracks
  • Extreme temperature changes: Don’t move a ceramic bowl from the fridge straight into a hot oven or vice versa – this can shock the clay body and cause fractures
  • Avoid soaking: Don’t leave handmade ware to soak overnight, especially if it has any unglazed surfaces or fine cracks (crazing)

Final Thoughts: A Little Care Goes a Long Way

The appeal of studio pottery lies not just in its aesthetic charm, but in its durability and timelessness. With simple habits and an understanding of different ceramic finishes, you can enjoy your collection every day – whether you’re sipping from a favourite mug or admiring a smoke-fired vessel on a shelf.

Whether you’re just starting out or building a more curated selection of collectable ceramics, caring for your pieces will ensure they continue to bring you pleasure for decades. And as more studio pottery for sale becomes available online and at events across the UK, knowing how to clean, display and store your pottery will help you make confident, lasting choices.

Bonus Tip: Make Ceramic Care Part of the Ritual

Many collectors find that taking time to clean or polish their ceramics deepens their connection to the work. After all, each pot is a result of an artist’s touch – from the throwing wheel to the kiln. A little care from you keeps that story alive.

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