How to Care for Ceramics & Tableware

Ceramics chip. Clay pots crack if you heat them empty. Metal decorations dissolve in the microwave. Most of the damage done to good Japanese tableware happens not from age but from a few specific mistakes that are easy to avoid once you know about them. This guide covers what actually matters - by material, by situation.

Know what you have: the three main ceramic types

Porcelain

Fired at very high temperatures from fine clay or pottery stone, porcelain is dense and non-absorbent. It is the most resilient ceramic for daily use - resistant to staining, easy to clean, and almost always safe for dishwashers and microwaves. Our Hasami porcelain collection is a fine example: it handles daily washing well and the glaze stays intact through years of use.

Earthenware and pottery

Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures and has a porous, absorbent body. This is what gives it its warm, handmade quality - and what requires more care. Unglazed or partially glazed pieces absorb liquids. If stored damp, they can develop mould. Much of our Tokoname pottery falls into this category, particularly the kyusu teapots, which should never see soap and should always be left lid-off to dry completely.

Stoneware

Stoneware sits between the two in density and character. Often described as yakishime in Japan, it has a rustic feel while being substantially more durable than earthenware. Browse our Kujira tableware and Hana Rikyu collection for examples of stoneware used well in a modern context.

The rules that apply to everything

Ceramics tolerate impact poorly, especially at the rim and base. Stacking without padding between pieces causes fine chips that are not always visible but weaken the glaze over time. Thermal shock - taking a cold ceramic directly to high heat, or plunging a hot piece into cold water - causes cracking. It does not always happen immediately, but the stress accumulates. Always move pieces gradually between temperatures.

For cleaning, a soft sponge and mild detergent is right for glazed surfaces. Abrasive pads will scratch even glazed ceramics. For unglazed stoneware and cast iron pieces, a Kamenoko tawashi brush is the correct tool - natural palm fibre is firm enough to remove residue without scratching.

Earthenware: the extra step

Soaking a new earthenware piece in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before first use hydrates the clay and reduces its tendency to absorb stains from tea or sauce. After washing, set it upside-down on a rack and leave it overnight in a ventilated space. Do not store it in a sealed cabinet until fully dry.

Clay pots on direct heat

Certain ceramic pots - particularly our donabe clay pots - are designed for direct flame or stovetop use. They should always contain liquid before being placed over heat. Never heat an empty clay pot. Avoid placing a hot clay pot on a cold surface or adding cold liquid to a very hot pot. Let it cool gradually after cooking, then wash gently and leave to air-dry fully before storing.

Metal-decorated pieces

Any ceramic decorated with gold, silver or platinum should be kept out of microwaves and ovens. The metallic elements react to electromagnetic energy and can arc. When washing, use only a soft cloth - abrasive cleaners or bleach will strip the metallic decoration.

Note: Because ceramics are fired individually by hand, slight variations in size and glaze are normal and part of what makes each piece distinct.

Other materials

Our Hario borosilicate glass is dishwasher-safe and handles thermal transitions better than standard glass, but it still dislikes sudden cold-to-hot changes. Wood and bamboo pieces should be hand-washed and dried immediately - they should never soak in water. Keep your pieces in good condition with the right cleaning supplies, and explore our full tableware collection, plates and bowls.