Pottery Care Instructions
Thank you for making your pottery with us! To keep your items looking beautiful and lasting as long as possible, please follow these care instructions:
General Care:
- Always hand wash your pottery gently using mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive materials.
- Dry items thoroughly after washing to prevent moisture retention.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, as rapid fluctuations can lead to thermal shock causing cracks or crazing.
Microwave Use:
- Do not microwave your pottery. Earthenware can become extremely hot in the microwave, potentially causing burns or damaging the pottery through cracking.
Storage:
- Store pottery items in a safe location away from direct sunlight and significant temperature variations.
- Protecting your items with soft padding or cloth can further safeguard against accidental damage.Proper storage greatly reduces the risk of crazing (fine lines or cracks in the glaze).
- Crazing can occur at any time from 24 hours to 24 years after firing but gentle handling and stable storage conditions minimise this risk.
Outdoor Use:
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- Items placed outdoors are particularly susceptible to crazing and cracking due to exposure to moisture and temperature extremes.
- If using pottery outdoors, understand that natural weather conditions may eventually cause crazing or cracking over time.
- Bringing items inside during adverse weather is advisable.
Candles and Lanterns:
- We strongly recommend using battery operated tea lights or candles to keep pottery safe and cool to the touch.
- Real candles can cause pottery to become hot all over, increasing the risk of burns and potential damage.
- If using real candles, always place your pottery item on a fireproof surface, far from flammable materials.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Always burn candles out of reach of children and pets.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid placing pottery items in dishwashers or ovens unless explicitly stated as safe.
- Inspect pottery regularly for signs of damage or wear and discontinue use if significant cracks or crazing appear.