How to Care for Handmade Pottery (and What to Do When It Breaks)

Dishwasher safety, microwave use, broken mugs, ceramic repairs, and everything else you should know about keeping your favorite handmade pottery around for years to come.

Let’s get something out of the way: handmade pottery is an investment. I know that.

When you spend $40 or more on a handmade mug, you’re paying for something different from the $5 mug you picked up at TJ Maxx. You’re buying something made by an actual person, with care and intention, that’s meant to become part of your everyday life.

And I want you to use it! I don’t make mugs to sit on shelves collecting dust. I make them for morning coffee, afternoon tea, and whatever else you’re drinking while trying to get through the day.

The good news is that properly made stoneware is incredibly durable. With a little common sense, your handmade pottery can last for decades.

The bad news? It’s still pottery. And pottery breaks.

So let’s talk about how to take care of your handmade ceramics, what to watch out for, and what to do if your favorite mug meets an unfortunate end.

Is handmade pottery dishwasher safe?

Yes! Most handmade stoneware, including nearly everything I make at Ice & Dust Pottery, is dishwasher safe unless otherwise noted.

In fact, I put my own pottery in the dishwasher. All the time. I’ve been doing it for years, and I’ve never had a piece break in there.

I know a lot of potters recommend hand washing everything, but personally, I’m not convinced that’s always the better option. A slippery, soapy mug in your hands over a hard sink seems like a pretty good recipe for disaster.

I’d much rather put mine in the dishwasher.

Just use a little common sense:

Make sure pieces aren’t knocking against each other during the wash cycle.
Avoid overcrowding your dishwasher.
Let your pottery cool naturally after the cycle finishes.
Don’t use commercial dishwashers with especially aggressive high-temperature wash and rinse cycles unless your pottery is specifically rated for them.
Always follow any special care instructions included with your piece.

Repeated exposure to harsh detergents can eventually affect the appearance of some glazes, so dishwasher safe doesn’t necessarily mean completely immune to wear. But for everyday use, I’m perfectly comfortable recommending the dishwasher for my standard stoneware.

One important exception: pottery with gold luster. If your piece includes actual gold decoration, I recommend gentle hand washing to preserve the finish.

Can handmade pottery go in the microwave?

Most of my standard stoneware mugs and drinkware are microwave safe, unless otherwise noted.

However, never put pottery with gold luster or other metallic decorations in the microwave.

And when I say gold, I mean actual gold. It’s applied as a decorative luster and fired onto the pottery in a separate kiln firing.

Metallic decorations can spark or arc in the microwave, potentially damaging your mug, your microwave, or both. Let’s not find out.

If you’re using handmade pottery from another artist, check their specific recommendations. Not all clay bodies and glazes behave the same way in a microwave.

And if a piece becomes unusually hot while the contents remain relatively cool, stop microwaving it and ask the maker about its suitability.

Can handmade pottery go in the oven?

Please don’t put Ice & Dust Pottery pieces in the oven.

Could some of my pieces survive it? Possibly. But I don’t make ovenware, and I don’t test my work for oven use.

A mug and a casserole dish are designed for very different jobs. Just because something is made from stoneware doesn’t automatically mean it’s oven safe.

The same goes for stovetops, open flames, and broilers. Keep your mugs away from those.

What is thermal shock, and why does it matter?

Thermal shock happens when pottery experiences a sudden, significant change in temperature.

Ceramics expand when heated and contract when cooled. If different parts of a piece change temperature too quickly or unevenly, the resulting stress can cause cracks or even a complete break.

For example, taking a mug out of the freezer and immediately filling it with boiling water is a pretty terrible idea.

Other things I’d avoid:

Putting a very cold piece directly into extremely hot water.
Taking pottery straight from a hot dishwasher and filling it with ice water.
Moving pottery between the refrigerator or freezer and a hot oven.
Exposing a piece to direct heat from a burner or flame.

Your mug is designed to hold hot coffee and tea. You don’t need to be afraid of using it for its intended purpose. Just avoid extreme temperature swings.

Why is stoneware so durable?

Most of my functional pottery is made from stoneware, a type of ceramic fired to temperatures high enough to develop a dense, durable clay body.

During firing, something called vitrification happens.

Here’s the approachable explanation: as clay gets hot enough, some of its components begin to melt and form a glassy structure within the clay body. This helps bind everything together and reduces the amount of water the finished pottery can absorb.

Think of the difference between a dense stoneware mug and a porous terracotta flowerpot.

Terracotta is designed to allow moisture to move through its walls. A properly vitrified stoneware mug, on the other hand, should absorb very little water.

That’s important for durability, cleanliness, and everyday use.

Many inexpensive decorative mugs and ceramics are made from lower-fired earthenware, although plenty of mass-produced mugs are also made from durable stoneware or porcelain. The material, firing process, design, and quality of manufacturing all affect how well a piece holds up.

Handmade doesn’t automatically mean stronger than factory-made. But properly made stoneware is absolutely capable of standing up to years of regular use.

Why is the bottom of my handmade pottery unglazed?

If you’ve ever turned over one of my mugs, you’ve probably noticed that the bottom has an area of bare, unglazed clay.

That’s intentional. And no, it doesn’t mean your mug is unfinished or improperly sealed.

There’s a common misconception that pottery has to be completely covered in glaze to be waterproof or safe to use. But that’s not how properly vitrified stoneware works.

Remember vitrification from the section above? That’s the important part.

A properly vitrified clay body is dense and has very low water absorption, even without glaze.

Glaze provides a smooth, glass-like surface that can make pottery easier to clean, protect the surface, and add color and decoration. But glaze isn’t simply a waterproof coating that turns otherwise unsuitable clay into durable dinnerware.

The clay body itself matters.

So why leave the bottom bare?

Because glaze melts during firing. If I glazed the entire bottom of a mug and placed it directly on a kiln shelf, the molten glaze could fuse the mug to the shelf. Not exactly the outcome I’m going for.

Leaving the foot of the pot unglazed allows it to sit safely on the kiln shelf during firing. Afterward, I smooth the bottom so it won’t scratch your tables or countertops.

The unglazed area on the exterior bottom of your Ice & Dust Pottery mug is completely normal and isn’t, by itself, a food safety concern.

One important distinction: vitrification doesn’t automatically guarantee that every exposed clay surface is appropriate for direct food contact. Clay composition, firing maturity, and the intended use all matter. That’s why the surfaces of my functional drinkware that come into contact with your beverages are glazed with materials selected for that purpose.

In short: your mug doesn’t need glaze on its bottom to be a properly finished piece of pottery. That bare clay is there for a reason.

What if my handmade pottery develops tiny cracks?

There are a few different types of damage to watch for, and they’re not all the same.

Crazing: tiny cracks in the glaze

Have you ever seen a mug with a network of tiny, hairline cracks running through its glazed surface?

That’s called crazing.

Crazing usually happens because the glaze and clay body expand and contract at slightly different rates. Over time, the glaze can develop a fine network of cracks.

Some artists intentionally use crackle glazes for decorative effects. But crazing on the inside of functional drinkware deserves more attention.

Those tiny cracks can create places where moisture, food residue, and microorganisms are more difficult to remove, particularly if the underlying clay is porous.

Crazing can also weaken a piece, and in some cases it may indicate a glaze that isn’t a good fit for the clay body.

Does every crazed mug automatically become a dangerous bacterial science experiment? No. The actual risk depends on the clay, glaze, extent of crazing, and how the piece is cleaned.

But I wouldn’t recommend continuing to drink from a mug with significant crazing on its interior, especially when you don’t know how the piece was made.

If you’re unsure, ask the potter.

Pinholes, rough glazes, and other surface defects

Another thing to watch for is pinholing: tiny holes or pits in the glazed surface.

Small cosmetic imperfections can be perfectly normal in handmade ceramics, especially on decorative surfaces. But defects on surfaces that regularly contact food or beverages deserve closer attention.

Deep pinholes, flaking glaze, sharp edges, or areas where the glaze is visibly deteriorating can create cleaning problems or expose the underlying clay.

If the inside of your mug starts looking rough, cracked, or damaged, it’s worth having the maker evaluate it before you continue using it.

Can chemicals leach out of pottery?

Potentially, yes. And this is one reason why the materials and processes used to make functional pottery matter so much.

Ceramic glazes are made from combinations of minerals and other materials that melt together during firing to create a glass-like surface.

When a glaze is properly formulated and fired, it should be stable under its intended conditions of use.

But some poorly formulated, improperly fired, or deteriorating glazes can release substances into food and beverages. This is called leaching.

Historically, lead has been one of the biggest concerns with ceramic foodware. Cadmium is another regulated concern, particularly with certain pigments and decorations. Other glaze ingredients, including some metal colorants, can also be problematic when incorporated into unstable glaze formulations.

Acidic foods and drinks can make certain leaching problems worse.

A few things worth knowing:

A glaze being shiny doesn’t automatically make it food safe.
A product being labeled “lead-free” doesn’t guarantee that every other aspect of its glaze chemistry is safe.
Clay and glaze materials can contain naturally occurring trace elements, but their presence doesn’t automatically mean harmful amounts will migrate into food.
A glaze labeled food safe by its manufacturer still needs to be used with an appropriate clay body and firing process.

I don’t use lead-containing glazes in my work. My functional pottery is made using materials selected for food-contact use and fired for their intended application.

The takeaway isn’t that you should be afraid of handmade pottery. It’s that functional ceramics require a little more knowledge and care in their production than simply making something that looks pretty.

My favorite mug broke. Can I glue it back together?

First of all, I’m sorry.

I know that probably sounds dramatic coming from someone who makes mugs for a living, but I get it.

People get attached to their favorite mugs. Maybe it’s the one you reach for every morning. Maybe somebody gave it to you. Maybe you bought it at a market on a really great day, and it reminds you of something.

When a handmade piece breaks, it’s not always as simple as replacing it with another mug.

So, can you glue it back together?

Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean you should drink from it again.

There are plenty of adhesives that can bond broken ceramic pieces together. The problem is that repairing the appearance of a mug and restoring it to safe, functional drinkware are two very different things.

Is there a food-safe glue for broken ceramic mugs?

This is probably the question I see most often when people ask about repairing pottery.

You’ll find plenty of adhesives advertised as waterproof, heat-resistant, or even suitable for certain types of food contact.

But those claims don’t automatically mean an adhesive is appropriate for repairing a broken mug that will repeatedly hold hot liquids, go through washing cycles, and experience everyday use.

There are other concerns, too. A repaired mug may have tiny gaps where moisture and residue can collect. The adhesive can deteriorate with heat or cleaning. And the original ceramic may have additional fractures that aren’t immediately visible.

Even if an adhesive has a food-contact certification for a particular application, that doesn’t establish the safety or durability of your repaired mug as a whole.

My recommendation is simple: if a mug, bowl, or other piece of functional pottery breaks, retire it from food and drink use.

Please don’t try to glue your favorite mug back together and continue drinking coffee out of it.

It’s not worth the risk.

Can you put broken pottery back in the kiln to repair it?

Unfortunately, no. Not in the way most people imagine.

Once pottery has been fired, it has undergone permanent chemical and physical changes. You can’t simply put broken pieces back into a kiln and expect them to melt together again.

Refiring damaged ceramics can also introduce additional problems, including distortion, glaze defects, or further cracking.

There are specialized ceramic restoration techniques, but they aren’t the equivalent of restoring a broken mug to its original, reliably food-safe condition.

How to repair broken pottery for decorative use

Here’s the good news: if you’re willing to give your broken mug a new purpose, you can absolutely put it back together.

A favorite mug can become a pen holder, a little planter for a dry arrangement, or just something you keep on a shelf because you love it.

For decorative repairs, I recommend looking for a clear two-part epoxy specifically labeled for bonding ceramics. These adhesives can provide a strong bond and may work especially well when there are small gaps or missing fragments.

A cyanoacrylate adhesive, commonly called super glue, can also work for clean breaks where the pieces fit together closely.

Here’s the general process:

Gather the pieces. Carefully collect the broken fragments, watching out for sharp edges.
Clean and dry everything. Remove dust, dirt, and grease. Let the pieces dry completely.
Do a dry fit. Figure out how everything fits together before opening the glue. Trust me, you don’t want to discover that you’re missing a piece halfway through.
Apply the adhesive sparingly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Too much glue can create thick, visible seams and prevent the pieces from fitting together properly.
Hold the pieces in place. Depending on the adhesive, you may need gentle pressure or painter’s tape while the bond sets.
Allow the full curing time. Dry to the touch and fully cured are not the same thing.

Products such as Gorilla Epoxy can bond ceramic, but the manufacturer specifically states that its epoxy is not intended for food contact.

That’s fine for a decorative repair. It is not fine for a mug you plan to drink from.

Once repaired, keep your piece out of the dishwasher, microwave, and oven. Avoid prolonged exposure to water, too, unless the adhesive and intended use specifically allow it.

And if the piece has a missing section, especially along the rim, don’t leave sharp edges exposed where someone could cut themselves.

Congratulations on your new pen cup.

What about kintsugi?

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese repair technique that uses lacquer, often finished with gold, to highlight the places where a ceramic object has broken.

I love the philosophy behind it. Rather than hiding damage, the repair becomes part of the object’s history.

But traditional kintsugi is a specialized craft in its own right, and I don’t offer it as a service.

Traditional techniques use urushi lacquer, which contains urushiol in its uncured state. That’s the same family of compounds responsible for the allergic reactions associated with poison ivy. Working with it requires knowledge and appropriate precautions.

Properly cured traditional urushi repairs are a different matter from DIY epoxy-and-gold-powder kits, and some are suitable for particular food-use applications when completed by experienced practitioners.

But I wouldn’t recommend assuming that any kit marketed as “kintsugi” will make a broken mug safe to drink from again.

If you’re interested in traditional kintsugi, I’d encourage you to seek out someone who specializes in it.

What if my pottery arrives broken?

That’s a completely different story, and something I absolutely want to make right.

I take a lot of care when packing and shipping my pottery, but once a package leaves my hands, it can encounter some pretty rough handling along the way. Unfortunately, even the best packaging can’t prevent every accident.

If your Ice & Dust Pottery order arrives broken or damaged in transit, I’ll send a replacement if one is available, or a full refund if it isn’t. You shouldn’t be stuck paying for something that didn’t arrive in one piece.

All I ask is that you contact me within seven days of delivery and include photos of the damaged pottery and the shipping box and packing materials. These photos are important because they help me document the damage and file an insurance claim with the shipping carrier.

Please hang on to the box, packing materials and broken pieces until we’ve resolved the issue, just in case the carrier needs additional documentation.

You can find the full details in my shipping and damage policy, or contact me directly to report a problem.

Shipping damage is different from accidental breakage after months or years of use. If something arrives damaged, I want to fix that. If your favorite mug takes a tumble three years from now, that’s where the Oh Shit Discount comes in.

Does handmade pottery come with a lifetime warranty?

No, and I think it’s important to be upfront about that.

I make my pottery with the intention that it will be used and enjoyed for a very long time. I take the durability of my work seriously.

But pottery is a durable good, not an indestructible one.

Everyday use introduces wear, temperature changes, accidental impacts, and sometimes just plain bad luck. Even the best-made ceramic piece can eventually chip, crack, or break.

I don’t think it would be reasonable for me, or any maker of functional ceramics, to promise that something used every single day will last forever.

That said, there’s a difference between a piece that gets knocked off the counter and one that develops a problem during ordinary use.

If you think something is wrong with the way your pottery was made, please reach out. I’d much rather know about a potential issue than have you quietly throw something away.

I can’t promise every situation will result in a replacement, but I’m always happy to take a look.

Your mug broke? Ask me about the Oh Shit Discount.

Okay, so your favorite Ice & Dust Pottery mug has met its untimely demise.

Maybe the cat knocked it over. Maybe you dropped it in the sink. Maybe the universe decided you were having too good of a morning.

Whatever happened, I’m sorry. That sucks.

And while I can’t bring your mug back from the dead, I can make replacing it a little less painful.

I offer an Oh Shit Discount to returning Ice & Dust Pottery customers who need to replace a broken piece.

Here’s how it works:

Send me a message using the same email address you used when you originally ordered.
Tell me what happened. You’re welcome to include a photo of your dearly departed pottery, too.
I’ll look up your previous order and verify your purchase.
Once we’ve confirmed your order, I’ll share the replacement discount details with you.

There’s just one catch: I don’t make everything forever.

My work evolves, glaze combinations change, and some designs eventually retire. So while I’ll do my best to help you find something you’ll love just as much, I can’t guarantee that your original piece is still available.

And no, the discount isn’t a lifetime warranty or a promise of an identical replacement. It’s just a little something I offer because I know how much it sucks to lose a favorite handmade piece.

Contact Ice & Dust Pottery about a broken piece

A final word about handmade pottery

I don’t want any of this to make you nervous about using your pottery.

Quite the opposite.

I make functional ceramics because I love the idea of something handmade becoming part of someone’s daily routine. I want you to drink coffee out of your favorite mug, put it in the dishwasher, and reach for it again tomorrow.

You don’t have to treat it like a priceless museum artifact.

Just treat it like something worth taking care of.

And if one day it slips out of your hands and shatters on the kitchen floor?

Well, shit happens.

At least now you know what to do.