Handmade porcelain ceramics are beautiful and durable but require proper care to maintain their quality and longevity. Whether you’re using handmade porcelain plates, bowls, or coffee cups, following the right care steps ensures that these pieces remain in excellent condition for years to come.
At MK Ceramics Studio, we take pride in crafting high-quality custom porcelain dinnerware for cafes, restaurants, and homes worldwide. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly clean, store, and maintain your handmade ceramics to keep them looking their best.
Why Proper Care Matters for Handmade Porcelain Ceramics
Porcelain is naturally strong and durable, but because handmade pieces are crafted with special care and attention, they may have unique qualities that require gentle handling. Proper care ensures your handmade porcelain dinnerware stays free from chips, cracks, or discoloration.
How to Clean Handmade Porcelain Ceramics
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Hand Wash for Longevity
While many porcelain items are dishwasher-safe, we recommend hand washing your handmade ceramics to extend their lifespan. Use a soft sponge and mild dish soap, avoiding harsh scrubbing pads that could scratch the surface. Always dry them with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.- Tip: If you’re cleaning porcelain coffee cups, make sure to remove any coffee or tea stains with a gentle baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water). Apply the paste lightly and rinse thoroughly.
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Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Handmade porcelain can withstand heat, but extreme temperature changes can cause it to crack. Avoid transferring plates or bowls directly from the fridge to a hot oven, or from hot water to cold surfaces.- Tip: If you're heating food in porcelain bowls, let them come to room temperature first, especially if they've been stored in the fridge.
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Be Careful with Abrasive Cleaners
Stay away from abrasive cleaners or rough sponges, as they can wear down the smooth glaze over time. Instead, use a gentle cleanser and soft sponge for washing.
Storing Handmade Porcelain Safely
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Avoid Stacking Without Padding
When stacking your handmade porcelain plates or bowls, place soft padding like a cloth or paper towel between each piece to prevent chipping, especially if the rims are delicate. -
Use Soft Liners in Cupboards
Lining your cupboards or storage drawers with soft material can protect your handmade ceramics from unnecessary damage while being stored.
How to Handle Porcelain Ceramics in Cafes and Restaurants
For businesses like cafes and restaurants, where porcelain ceramics are used daily, proper care becomes even more important.
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Train Staff on Proper Handling
Ensure that your staff handles porcelain ceramics with care, especially when stacking dishes or loading them into dishwashers. -
Inspect Regularly
Check for chips or cracks regularly to prevent injuries or accidents. Even small cracks can worsen over time, so replace damaged pieces as soon as possible.
Removing Stains from Porcelain Ceramics
Over time, your custom handmade porcelain cups and dishes might develop stains, especially if used frequently for coffee, tea, or sauces. Here’s how to remove them:
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For Coffee or Tea Stains: A mixture of baking soda and water can be used to gently scrub away stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they could damage the glaze.
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For Food Stains: Soak the plates or bowls in warm water with a bit of dish soap and a small amount of white vinegar. This solution helps break down the stain without being too abrasive.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips for Handmade Porcelain
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Avoid Metal Utensils
Metal utensils can sometimes leave marks on porcelain, known as "silverware scratches." These marks can be removed with a gentle porcelain cleaner, but to prevent them, try to avoid dragging metal utensils harshly across the surface. -
Don’t Microwave with Metal Trim
If your porcelain ceramics have gold or metal accents, avoid placing them in the microwave, as this can cause damage or sparking.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your handmade porcelain ceramics properly will ensure they stay beautiful and functional for many years, whether you’re using them in a café, restaurant, or at home. By following these simple steps, you can maintain their quality, prevent damage, and keep your custom pieces looking like new.
At MK Studio, we offer a wide range of custom porcelain dinnerware, including coffee cups, plates, and bowls, all crafted with care and attention to detail. Check out our collection and find the perfect handmade ceramics for your dining needs!
Internal Links:
- Browse our Handmade Porcelain Collection for custom coffee cups, plates, and bowls.
- Learn more about our crafting process at MK Ceramics Studio.