This is by far the most asked question, and we completely get it! If you spend $50 on a much you want to be sure that it lasts as long as possible. 100%. If I didn’t make them, I would be trying to make them last as long as possible too.
Hand Washing and Why?
I always get asked if mugs and ceramics are dishwasher safe and the answer is- no. If there is ANY raw clay on the mug or on the foot you want to be sure the handwash.
Clay even fully fired clay, is still clay. The more water is in it and moisture, the more that raw clay will soak it up, even after its fired and vitrified. Its made to soak up water and moisture. When you put it in the dishwasher with hot water, it will last a little while but eventually that water will make its way into the clay body and cause it to crack far faster than if you hand wash and air dry it.
So why can you put liquids in it? The insides of ceramics have glaze on them, and glaze is more than just paint. It had silica or boron trioxide in it which is the company that turns into glass. When fired to the right temperature, glaze basically forms a fine layer of glass over the raw clay, making it food safe and liquid resistant.
This is also that reason why some glazes and firing strategies are not considered food safe, even when they are glazed. If they are ‘low fired’ (Including) the clay and the glaze has not vitrified and formed that glass barrier.
Not only can water and moisture get into the clay but the chemicals in the clay can leech out into food or drinks over periods of time. While this is not as dangerous in vases and non-serving items like vases, it can still break your pottery faster and cause it to wear.
Is it Microwave safe?
Ah the question I feel like is the most important because which of us hadn’t gotten caught up with something and completely forgotten about your coffee of tea?
The answer is yes, pottery is microwave and even oven safe. All of the pottery on this site has been fired up to cone 6 (^6) which is 2200 degrees F (1200 degrees C) or higher. This his is way higher than your oven.
The exception to this is they have gold or any other kind of luster on them. You’ll know it because its SUPER shinny and normally made of metals like gold, silver or bronze. Did you even have a roommate in college who stuck tin foil in the microwave. Its that. Not as extreme but its basically sticking metal in your microwave.
Of course, though, like anything that goes in the oven or microwave, pottery will get hot. It will also retain heat longer than glass so if you are using it to cook (A pie plate, brei cooker, ect) be aware of this so that your food doesn’t get over cooked.
Overview:
It should be obvious, but these are the two main questions I get regarding pottery care. My answer is this:
- Hand wash- Keeps your pottery nicer and usable longer.
- Microwave safe- accept with metals.
- Don’t burn yourself or your food.