The Vintage Artisans / Journal

How to Care for Handmade Blue Pottery: Washing, Storing & Everyday Use

Handmade blue pottery is made to be used — on the dinner table, for the morning tea and for serving guests. With a little care, your hand-painted pieces will keep their colour and shine for many years, and can even be passed down in the family. Here is how to look after them. Before you use a new piece When your order arrives, unpack each piece carefully and check it over. Wash everything once in warm water with a little mild washing-up liquid, then dry with a soft cloth. If anything has been damaged on the way, take photos straight away and contact us the same day — see our returns policy . Washing your blue pottery Use warm, not boiling, water and a mild washing-up liquid. Use a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid steel wool and harsh scouring pads, which can scratch the glaze and dull the painted pattern over time. Soak, don't scrub, if food has dried on. Leave the piece in warm soapy water for a few minutes and it will lift off easily. Avoid bleach and strong chemicals. They are not needed and can fade the colours. Dry with a soft towel or let pieces air-dry on a rack. Hand-washing keeps the colours bright for longest. Each product page lists the care details for that particular piece — check it before you put anything in a dishwasher, microwave or oven. Avoid sudden temperature changes Ceramics do not like shocks of temperature. Do not pour boiling water into a cold teapot or move a piece straight from the fridge into a hot oven. Let things warm up or cool down gradually, and let a teapot cool before washing it. Storing your pottery safely Stack plates with care. Place a paper napkin or a piece of felt between plates so the glazed surfaces do not rub against each other. Do not over-stack bowls. Keep stacks small so the bottom pieces are not under too much weight. Hang mugs and cups by their handles or store them upright, side by side. Keep decorative pieces away from the edge of shelves, especially tall vases and decor pieces . Caring for vases and planters For vases, change the water every few days and rinse the inside with warm soapy water between bouquets. For planters , empty any standing water after watering so it does not sit against the glaze, and wipe the outside with a damp cloth. For styling ideas, see how to style blue and white vases . Caring for camel skin lamps Camel skin lamps need different care from pottery. Dust the shade gently with a soft, dry brush or cloth — never wash it with water. Keep the lamp away from damp areas and direct heat, and use the bulb type recommended for your lamp. Looking for ideas? See creative ways to style camel skin lamps . Why small differences are normal Every piece of Multani blue pottery is shaped, painted and glazed by hand. Small differences in pattern, colour or shape are not faults — they are the mark of a handmade piece, and the reason no two are exactly alike. Read how it is made in Handmade Blue Pottery: History & Craft Process , or choose your next piece with our tea set guide . Shop with…