How to Care for Handmade Stoneware: A Complete Guide

One of the most common questions we hear is: "Can I actually use this in the dishwasher?" The short answer is yes — and so much more. Our stoneware is made to be used every day, not just admired from a shelf.

Every piece from Jefferson Street Studio is wheel-thrown and kiln-fired at over 2,300°F. At that temperature, the clay body vitrifies — meaning it becomes dense, non-porous, and incredibly durable. This is what sets stoneware apart from earthenware or terracotta, and it's why our ceramics hold up so well in real kitchens and real gardens.

Here's everything you need to know about caring for your pieces.

Kitchen Stoneware (Jefferson Street Ceramics)

Dishwasher Safe

All of our functional kitchen pieces — bowls, pie plates, serveware, food storage containers, and sink accessories — are dishwasher safe. The high-fire glazes we use are formulated for durability and won't degrade with regular washing. That said, hand washing is always the gentlest option if you want to be extra careful with your favorites.

Oven Safe

Our stoneware is oven safe up to 450°F. It's perfect for baking pies, roasting, and reheating. One important tip: always let the piece come to room temperature before placing it in a preheated oven. Sudden temperature changes (thermal shock) can cause cracking — this goes for any ceramic, handmade or commercial.

Microwave Safe

Yes, our glazed stoneware is microwave safe. Just check that your piece doesn't have any metallic glaze accents before popping it in. All standard Jefferson Street Ceramics pieces are microwave-friendly.

Freezer Safe

You can store food in our ceramic containers in the freezer. The same thermal shock rule applies: let frozen pieces warm gradually before exposing them to heat. Don't move a piece directly from the freezer to a hot oven.

Food Safe

Every glaze we use on functional ware is tested and certified food safe. Our glazes are lead-free and cadmium-free. You can eat, cook, serve, and store food with confidence.

Everyday Tips for Kitchen Ceramics

• Avoid stacking heavy pieces directly on top of each other without padding — a paper towel or cloth between pieces prevents scratching
• If a piece develops minor utensil marks (gray streaks from metal), a paste of Bar Keeper's Friend will remove them
• Stoneware retains heat well — great for keeping food warm at the table, but use a trivet to protect your surfaces
• Small chips on the rim don't affect food safety, but if a crack develops through the wall of a piece, retire it from food use

Garden Ceramics (Roo Pottery)

Frost-Proof Stoneware

Our garden pieces — Shroomyz mushrooms, sculptures, pot feet, garden markers, and characters — are made from the same high-fire stoneware as our kitchen line. Because the clay is fully vitrified, it doesn't absorb water the way low-fire ceramics do. This means our garden art won't crack from freeze-thaw cycles the way terracotta pots often do.

Year-Round Outdoor Display

Our garden ceramics are designed to live outside in every season. Rain, snow, sun, and wind won't damage them. The glazes are UV-stable and won't fade significantly over time. You can leave your Shroomyz and sculptures out all year without worry.

Cleaning Outdoor Pieces

• A garden hose is all you need for routine cleaning
• For algae or mineral buildup, a soft brush with mild soap works well
• Avoid pressure washers on smaller pieces — the force can chip edges
• If pieces develop a natural patina from being outdoors, that's part of the charm — but it washes off easily if you prefer a fresh look

Placement Tips

• Ceramic pot feet elevate planters for better drainage and airflow — place 3 feet evenly spaced under each pot
• Garden markers are most readable when angled slightly toward the viewer
• For mushroom clusters, odd numbers (3 or 5) look most natural in garden beds
• Heavier sculptures are more stable on flat, level surfaces — press them slightly into mulch or soil for extra stability

What About Crazing?

Crazing refers to fine hairline cracks in the glaze surface. It can sometimes develop over time, especially with temperature changes. Crazing is a cosmetic characteristic — it doesn't affect the structural integrity or food safety of your piece. Many pottery collectors consider it part of the handmade character. If you want to minimize crazing, avoid extreme temperature swings (freezer to oven, for example).

The Beauty of Handmade

Every piece from our Salt Lake City studio has slight variations in shape, color, and glaze. These aren't flaws — they're evidence that a real person made your piece on a real wheel. Glaze pooling, subtle color shifts, and the occasional fingerprint in the clay are all part of what makes handmade pottery special.

If you have questions about caring for a specific piece, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help.