How to Care for Handmade Ceramics So They Last a Lifetime

Handmade ceramics carry stories—of artisans, heritage, and craftsmanship. Every brushstroke, glaze pattern, and curve reflects hours of work, making each piece uniquely meaningful. Whether it’s a serving tray, a handcrafted jug, or a decorative bowl, proper care ensures these ceramics stay beautiful and functional for decades. Palestinian ceramics in particular are known for their detailed patterns, vibrant colors, and long-standing cultural tradition, and caring for them correctly helps preserve their authenticity.

Unlike factory-made ceramics, handmade pieces often use natural clays, traditional firing techniques, and hand-painted designs. These elements make them special but also require gentle handling. With the right washing, storing, and usage habits, handmade ceramics can last a lifetime—often becoming heirlooms passed down through generations.

If you own Palestinian ceramics, such as a hand-painted maklouba tray or a traditional olive oil jug, giving them the right care will maintain both their beauty and structural integrity. You can explore more ceramic pieces here:

Palestinian Handmade Ceramics Collection

Why Handmade Ceramics Need Special Care

Handmade ceramics differ from mass-produced items in several ways. They tend to have thicker or more delicate glazing, variable textures, and natural, handcrafted contours. These features are part of their charm but can make them more sensitive to thermal shock, harsh detergents, or sudden impacts.

Understanding the nature of artisanal ceramics—how they’re formed, fired, and finished—helps you treat them with the respect they deserve. Proper care enhances their lifespan, keeps their colors vibrant, and prevents cracks or glaze damage.

General Rules for Caring for Handmade Ceramics

While each artisan’s work may have its own instructions, most handmade ceramic pieces share the same basic care guidelines. Following these routines consistently ensures durability and long-lasting beauty.

1. Hand Wash Only

Dishwashers may seem convenient, but handmade ceramics should always be washed by hand. The heat, vibration, and detergent strength of dishwashers can wear down glazes over time.

• Use mild dish soap.
• Wash with a soft sponge or cloth.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or metal pads.
• Rinse with warm (not hot) water.

Harsh scrubbing can leave micro-scratches on the glaze, which over time dulls the finish. A soft sponge protects both glaze and paintwork.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes

Ceramics do not react well to sudden changes in temperature. Moving a cold ceramic dish into a hot oven, or rinsing a warm ceramic under cold water, can cause cracking—known as thermal shock.

• Do not move directly from fridge to oven.
• Do not pour boiling water into a cold vessel.
• Allow your ceramics to reach room temperature before heating or washing.

Even well-made ceramic pieces can weaken over time if exposed repeatedly to sudden temperature shifts. Gentle, gradual warming or cooling is key.

3. Protect the Base from Scratching

The unglazed base of ceramic pieces can sometimes scratch delicate surfaces like wooden tables or marble countertops. To prevent this:

• Place felt pads underneath larger pieces.
• Use coasters or placemats under bowls or jugs.
• Avoid dragging ceramics across surfaces.

This simple practice protects both your furniture and your ceramics from accidental damage.

How to Care for Serving Trays & Large Ceramic Pieces

Serving trays, especially hand-painted ones, are often used during gatherings or family meals. These large pieces tend to be heavier, making them more susceptible to accidental bumps or drops.

A beautiful example is the Palestinian Makloba Tray, made for serving dishes like maklouba or rice platters.

Handmade Palestinian Makloba Tray

Care Tips for Large Ceramic Trays

• Support the base with both hands when carrying, even if the tray feels sturdy.
• Avoid stacking heavy dishes on top to prevent pressure cracks.
• Never soak for long periods as water can weaken the clay body.
• Dry thoroughly after washing to avoid water stains.

Because these trays are often displayed, consider placing them vertically on stands or hanging them safely on the wall when not in use.

How to Care for Ceramic Jugs & Pouring Pieces

Ceramic jugs, whether for olive oil, beverages, or decoration, require specific handling because of their narrow openings and handles. Palestinian artisans make gorgeous olive oil jugs with traditional painting styles.

Palestinian Olive Oil Jug

Care Tips for Jugs

• Clean the inside using warm water and mild soap—avoid bottle brushes with metal tips.
• Do not leave liquids inside for long periods as this may stain the interior.
• Avoid storing oily liquids near open flames, as ceramic jugs retain some heat.
• Hold by the body, not only the handle, when filled to prevent stress on the joint.

Ceramic jugs look beautiful on kitchen shelves or dining tables but remain functional pieces if cared for thoughtfully.

Storing Handmade Ceramics Safely

Proper storage is essential to prevent chipping and cracking. Certain pieces, especially those with irregular shapes, require additional spacing.

• Do not stack plates too tightly—use soft cloth or felt between them.
• Store bowls with padding if they nest together.
• Place heavier items on lower shelves to avoid tipping.
• Keep ceramics away from edges where they might fall.

Temperature and humidity also play a role. A cool, dry environment helps keep ceramics stable and prevents moisture buildup that can affect unglazed bases.

How to Display Handmade Ceramics

Many people choose to display their ceramics as functional art. Palestinian ceramics in particular are known for their vibrant colors and hand-painted motifs, making them ideal for open shelving or wall display.

• Use plate stands for large trays.
• Install secure plate hangers for wall-mounted pieces.
• Keep items out of direct sunlight to preserve color vibrancy.
• Dust regularly with a soft cloth.

Avoid displaying ceramics in areas of high humidity like bathrooms, as moisture can affect certain glazes or bases.

What to Avoid Completely

• No dishwasher cycles.
• No microwave heating unless labeled microwave-safe.
• No oven use unless high-fired and explicitly indicated.
• No abrasive cleaners or rough sponges.
• No direct flame exposure.
• No soaking for long periods.

Following these guidelines helps maintain structural integrity and preserves artwork details for decades.

Handmade Ceramics as Heirlooms

Part of the beauty of handmade ceramics is their longevity. When cared for, they become treasured family pieces passed down through generations. Palestinian ceramics especially hold cultural and sentimental value, reflecting stories, traditions, and artistry. From serving trays used during holidays to jugs displayed in kitchens, each item carries memories.

Caring for them properly ensures that future generations can enjoy their beauty—and that the legacy of handmade pottery continues.