How to Care for Your Handmade Pottery: A Complete Guide
Handmade pottery is made to be used and loved — but a little care goes a long way. Unlike mass-produced ceramics, each piece from Natasha Swan Ceramics is thrown by hand in Northern Ireland, which means it has its own character and deserves a bit of thoughtful attention. Here's everything you need to know to keep your pieces looking beautiful for years to come.
Is handmade pottery dishwasher safe?
Most stoneware is dishwasher safe on a gentle cycle, but hand-washing extends the life of glazes and keeps decals viberant. Avoid harsh detergents, and never use abrasive scouring pads on glazed surfaces when hand washing.
Can I use my pottery in the microwave?
Generally yes for stoneware — it's one of the practical joys of a handmade mug. The exception is any piece with metallic lustre glazes, which should always stay out of the microwave. When in doubt, check the product listing. Our Meadow Mug and Star Mug are both everyday-use pieces designed to be lived with however the star mug has gold so handwashing is best.
How to store handmade ceramics
Stack carefully, most of my mugs aren’t designed to nestle together they’re best kept on a mug tree or in a single layer if possible. If you’re layering make sure to stack carefully as chipped mugs can’t be repaired.
Dealing with chips and cracks
Small chips on the rim are cosmetic and don't affect the safety of the piece. A crack that runs through the body of a mug or bowl is a different matter — retire it from food and drink use. For decorative pieces, a food-safe epoxy can make a beautiful repair (look up the Japanese art of kintsugi for inspiration).
Keeping your salt pig in top condition
Salt pigs should be kept dry on the inside to keep your salt fresh when you restock it. Wipe the interior with a dry cloth to remove any residue. Our Salt Pig is one of our most-loved everyday pieces. It has a shallow style opening which means you can’t store lots of salt all at one time, this is on purpose to keep your salt fresh as it’s always open.
Caring for ceramic reed diffusers
Wipe the exterior of your diffuser with a damp cloth — never submerge it. Replace reeds every 12 weeks for the best scent throw, and flip them in between to refresh the fragrance. Our Classic Diffuser is designed to be refilled, and replacement Diffuser Sticks are available separately.
The golden rule
Handmade pottery is made to be used, not kept behind glass. The more you use it, the more it becomes part of your home. A little care means it'll be with you for decades — and that's exactly the point.
Browse our full collection of handmade pottery — each piece comes with care advice and is made to last.