How to maintain your pottery and porcelain

1.  Hand Washing
   
   Always wash delicate pottery and porcelain by hand with mild detergent. Avoid abrasive sponges that can scratch the surface.
   ※Avoid soaking pottery for long periods, especially unglazed pieces. Porcelain can handle water better but still needs gentle care.
   Pottery is also sensitive to heat. Allow it to cool naturally before washing with cold water.
   
   
2. Temperature Changes
   
   Avoid sudden temperature changes. Let hot items cool before rinsing with cold water to prevent cracking. Pottery is more sensitive to sudden temperature changes (thermal shock).
   
   
3.  Storage
   
   Place soft padding, like felt or cloth, between stacked pieces to prevent scratches or chipping.
   Handle porcelain edges with care, especially fine or thin designs.
   
   
4.  Dishwasher Safety
   
   Check if the item is dishwasher-safe. For fragile or hand-painted items, hand washing is preferred.
   We offer many dishwasher-safe products. You can find them by activating the dishwasher-safe search filter. Please explore our collection!
   
   
5.  Microwave Use
   
   Only use in the microwave if labeled microwave-safe. Avoid heating items with gold or metallic details.
   Porcelain is more resistant to thermal shock but should still avoid extreme changes.
   
   
6.  Stain Removal
   
   For stubborn stains, soak in a solution of baking soda and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
   If you use harsh detergent on pottery and porcelain, it can damage the surface by causing the glaze to deteriorate, dull the finish, or even lead to cracking over time.
   
   Especially since pottery is often porous, strong chemicals can seep into the material, compromising its durability and altering its appearance.
   
   
7.  Repairing Chips
   
   Minor chips can be filled with special ceramic repair kits. Seek professional restoration for valuable items.
   For another solution, you can try Kintsugi to repair your pottery. Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art that uses lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum to mend broken pottery. The philosophy behind it is rooted in wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of things!
   
   

Pottery Care Tips

1. Sensitive to Impact
   
   Pottery is less hard than porcelain and more prone to cracking or breaking. Handle it carefully to avoid shocks or drops.
   
   

2. Beware of Water Absorption
   
   Pottery is often porous, so prolonged exposure to water can cause stains or cracks. Be sure to dry it thoroughly after use.
   
   

3. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
   
   Pottery can crack when exposed to sudden temperature changes. Let it cool naturally after serving hot dishes before washing with cold water.
   
   

4. Choose Gentle Detergents
   
   Harsh detergents or abrasive sponges can damage the glaze. Use a soft sponge and mild detergent for cleaning.
   
   
   

Porcelain Care Tips

1. Handle with Care
   
   While more durable than pottery, porcelain edges can chip easily. Handle it gently, especially when stacking or washing.
   
   

2. Avoid Rapid Temperature Shifts
   
   Porcelain can also crack under sudden temperature changes, so avoid pouring hot liquids into a cold piece or vice versa.
   
   

3. Minimize Contact with Metal Utensils
   
   Metal utensils can leave scratches or marks on porcelain surfaces. Use care when cutting or serving.
   
   

4. Manage Stains
   
   Although the glaze on porcelain is stain-resistant, tea or oil residue may accumulate. Clean stains gently with a suitable cleaner.

Understanding the unique qualities of pottery and porcelain helps you enjoy their beauty and extend their lifespan!

※If you purchase a pottery product, we highly recommend performing medome care before using it.

What is "Medome" for Pottery and How to Do It?

Medome (sealing pores) is a process performed on pottery before its first use to reduce the absorption of liquids and stains. This treatment helps to prolong the life of your pottery and prevent discoloration or odors during use. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing medome.

Why is Medome Important?

If you skip medome, liquids and stains can easily seep into the porous surface of pottery. Over time, this may result in discoloration, unpleasant odors, and even structural damage.

By sealing the pores, medome helps maintain the beauty and functionality of your pottery, allowing you to enjoy it for years to come!

How to Perform Medome for Pottery
The process of medome is very simple! By performing medome just once on your pottery, you can prevent many potential issues.

1. Prepare Materials

   • Rice rinsing water (the cloudy water from washing rice; freshly rinsed rice works best).
   • A large pot or container.

2. Clean the Pottery

   • Gently wash the pottery with a soft sponge to remove any dust or residue.
   • Pat it dry with a clean towel.

3. Fill the Pot with Rice Rinsing Water

   • Pour enough rice rinsing water into the pot to fully submerge the pottery.

4. Heat on Low Heat

   • Place the pottery in the pot and heat it gently for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
   • Keep an eye on the pot to prevent the water from boiling over.

5. Let It Cool Naturally

   • After heating, turn off the heat and allow the pot and pottery to cool to room temperature naturally.

6. Rinse and Dry

   • Once cooled, remove the pottery and rinse it with clean water.
   • Wipe it with a dry cloth and allow it to air dry completely.