Ceramic covers a wide range, from rustic stoneware mugs to fine bone china. What they share is a fired clay body sealed by a glassy glaze. Most everyday wear happens to that glaze, not the body underneath, so care decisions come down to protecting the surface and avoiding thermal shock.
Reading the piece before you wash it
Three features change how a piece should be handled:
- Decoration placement. Patterns printed under the glaze are well protected. Gilded rims, hand-painted accents, and decals applied over the glaze are not, and they fade with abrasive cleaning.
- Surface finish. A high-gloss glaze tolerates more than a matte or reactive glaze, which can hold stains and scratch more visibly.
- Body type. Unglazed feet and porous earthenware absorb water; bone china and porcelain are denser and less absorbent.
Why glaze crazes
Crazing is the fine network of lines that appears when the glaze and the clay body expand at slightly different rates. It often develops gradually with repeated heating and cooling, and once present it can trap stains. Crazing is generally cosmetic on decorative pieces, but on items used for food it creates surfaces that are harder to clean thoroughly.
Practical detail
Avoid moving a piece directly from a hot oven or dishwasher cycle into cold water. The sudden temperature change is a common cause of cracking and accelerated crazing.
Dishwasher or hand
Plain, fully glazed stoneware and porcelain without metallic trim usually handle the dishwasher well. The pieces that benefit from handwashing are those with gold or platinum bands, hand-painted detail, or any antique service whose markings are unclear. Detergent and high heat dull metallic decoration over time.
| Piece | Typical approach | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain glazed stoneware | Dishwasher friendly | Chipping from crowded racks |
| Porcelain, no metal trim | Dishwasher friendly | Thermal shock on hot exit |
| Gilded or hand-painted | Handwash | Faded decoration, dull bands |
| Antique or unmarked | Handwash | Existing crazing and stains |
Handwashing routine
- Use warm water and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge with a mild dish soap.
- For stuck residue, soak briefly rather than scrubbing decorated surfaces.
- Rinse and dry promptly, especially porous earthenware that can hold moisture in the foot ring.
- For stained crazing, a gentle soak can lift discolouration; harsh bleaching risks the decoration.
Storage that prevents chips
Most ceramic damage in storage comes from contact, not age. Stacking plates directly stresses the rims, so a felt pad, paper plate, or cloth between pieces reduces chips. Hang or separate cups rather than nesting them tightly. In Canadian homes, avoid storing fine pieces in unheated spaces where winter temperatures swing below freezing, since trapped moisture and existing cracks can worsen.