Daily Use & Cleaning

Handmade pottery is meant to be lived with, not just looked at.

• Handwashing Recommended: While many high-fired stoneware pieces are technically dishwasher safe, handwashing with mild soap and a soft sponge is the best way to maintain the glaze’s luster and prevent accidental chipping from the machine's vibration.

• Dishwasher Tips: If you do use a dishwasher, ensure pieces are securely spaced to avoid clattering. Use gentle, eco-friendly detergents to avoid dulling the glaze over time.

• Protecting Surfaces: The unglazed "foot" of handmade pottery can sometimes be slightly abrasive. Consider using placemats or felt pads on delicate wood or glass surfaces to prevent scratches.

Microwave & Oven Safety

• Microwave Use: Most Likalu Pottery is microwave safe for reheating. Note: Pottery with metallic lusters or gold accents must never be microwaved as they will spark.

• Oven Use: If your piece is labeled oven-safe, always place it in a cold oven and let it heat up gradually with the oven. Never place cold pottery directly into a preheated oven.

Avoiding Thermal Shock

The most common cause of pottery breakage is "thermal shock"—a sudden, extreme change in temperature that causes the clay to expand or contract too quickly.

• Do not move a piece directly from the refrigerator or freezer to a hot oven or microwave.

• Do not pour boiling water into a cold mug; "temper" it first by running it under warm tap water.

• Do not place a hot baking dish directly onto a cold stone countertop or into cold sink water.

Food Safety & Quality

• Lead-Free & Non-Toxic: All functional Likalu Pottery is crafted using lead-free, non-toxic glazes that are chemically stable and safe for food contact.

• Vitrified Surfaces: My pieces are fired to high temperatures (maturity) to ensure the clay is vitrified and non-porous, preventing bacteria from being absorbed into the ceramic body.