Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500126
06/24/03

Earthenware, Pottery-Care and Cleaning


Care
Earthenware or pottery is made from baked clay, but
does not have as smooth and glassy a surface as china.
It conducts heat slowly and evenly, and holds heat well.
Glazes may be damaged by sudden temperature changes.
(See "Glazes and Decorations".) It can be damaged by
abrasives, and cracked or broken by hard blows.

Cleaning
Modern commercial dinnerware, with the glaze applied
over the decorations, can be washed in the dishwasher.
For hand made pottery, check with the maker to find out
if it can be washed in the dishwasher. Never use scouring
powders or harsh scourers as they will damage the glaze;
if food does not come off after a brief soak, a plastic
mesh pad may be used. Remove tea stains in cups with a
solution of 2 tablespoons chlorine bleach per quart of
water; soak 1-2 minutes; rinse promptly.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus.

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