care and maintenance

general info

The products on our website are carefully selected and we would like to give you our advice on how to treat the materials so they can be used and cherished in the best way for as long as possible. Ceramic tableware is made of various types of clay, most common are stoneware, earthenware or porcelain, they can be hand thrown from the wheel or made using a mould. Please follow these care instructions and feel free to get in touch if you need extra help.

stoneware 

  • hand-wash recommended
  • dishwasher and micowave safe

porcelain

  • hand-wash recommended
  • dishwasher and microwave safe

earthenware 

  • hand-wash only
  • not dishwasher or microwave safe

YES and we are telling you how to do your dishes according to our standards

Doing it by hand, the preferred way 

  • rinse off excess food before washing your tableware and avoid scraping with metal
  • if you are such a dirtbag and there is caked on food, let it soak for a little while in lukewarm water then remove the spots or chunks with a plastic scouring pad
  • use a rubber mat in your sink to cushion your tableware or use a plastic basin
  • to avoid scratches from abrasive compounds, such as powdered cleanser, use a gentle soap or a mild detergent, one with a low-chlorine content that will not fade or react with the ornamentation
  • to remove stains, such as those made by coffee or tea, or brown spots caused by contact with rusty machine parts or metal pans, choose a non­-abrasive cleaner with a creamy consistency, and apply it with a soft sponge.
  • when a buildup of film occurs, buff delicate dinnerware with a soft lint-free cloth
  • to hide unsightly scratches, use toothpaste as a filler and gently rub the marks. The paste hardens in about 1 hour
  • always use a soft sponge or a brush
  • dry with a linen tea towel

The Dishwasher, the easy way out but not always the best way

  • load dinnerware well apart to prevent scratches and items touching as the dishwasher vibrates
  • make sure the bottom of the dishwasher is free of broken glass or a rogue teaspoon that may fly up and scratch the glaze
  • avoid thumb prints and scratches, wait for metal-ornamented ware to cool before wiping or unloading
  • sudden changes of hot and cold temperatures weaken ceramics. When earthenware is weakened, it cracks and bacteria permeate the glaze. For protection, it is best to wash earthenware in warm water with a mild detergent.
  • buildup of film caused by hard water is eliminated by adding two teaspoons of water softener to the rinse cycle.

Care of vintage tableware 

  • chemicals in detergent and the heat from the dishwasher drying cycle dim or destroy color and can ruin the decoration of vintage or hand-painted tableware. Hand-washing with a mild soap is recommended.
  • rather than hold a vintage cup by the handle, or an old teapot by the spout, support the vessel by placing your fingers around the middle of the vessel.
  • lift vintage plates from the bottom, rather than by the rim
  • when a valuable piece of dinnerware is broken, rather than attempt a repair at home, take it to a professional. Glue contains chemicals that may stain and yellow a home-repaired article and render the piece worthless.
  • if you insist on repairing your own item, do it with style and sense, The Japanese invented the artform of kintsugi, check it out!

Storage of tableware 

  • underrims of tableware are often unglazed. To protect plates stacked for storage, cover them with a paper towel, a napkin, a fabric, or a microfoam pad. If you have the space use a plate rack.
  • the weight of stacked plates can cause breakages. To distribute weight evenly, stack pieces of the same size and shape together, dinner plates with dinner plates, and soup bowls with soup bowls. To relieve stress, stack plates and bowls in columns of four or six or store plates upright in plate racks.
  • a rim is the most vulnerable part of the cup. Rather than stack cups for storage, hang them by the handles, preferably from plastic-covered hooks or store cups in protector cases fitted with foam separators.
  • plastic storage cases buffer and cushion dinnerware and provide quick reference when labeled nicely. Moreover, plastic cases are easy to carry and save steps when setting the table or putting dinnerware away.
  • ceramic dinnerware is sensitive to changes in temperature. Storage near a heating vent or near to direct sunlight causes the body and glaze to expand and contract at different rates which leads to crazing and cracks.

We want you to enjoy your pieces for as long as possible, so if you really did read this whole text congratulations and enjoy your collection! 

c u r a t e d  c e r a m i c s