Personalized stoneware is a timeless investment, valued for its durability, beauty, strength and resilience. Although all these qualities are typical of stoneware, if you’re not careful, all these things will be lost. No matter what you choose to use your stoneware for, you must take proper measures to ensure that it is not destroyed.
Daily Care Essentials
There are some things you need to do regarding your stoneware to ensure that it’s not under risk of damage.
Temperature Management: Although stoneware has very high resistance to wear and tear, sudden changes in temperature will cause thermal shock which can cause cracks. Prevent this by allowing your stoneware to reach room temperature before placing it in machines like ovens or microwaves. Don’t place hot stoneware on a cold countertop or running water and when reheating leftovers, use a gradual heating process rather than fast exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cleaning Guidelines: Regular cleaning ensures that your stoneware will remain free from dirt and beautiful. When cleaning, use warm water with mild dish soap, skip metal scrubbers instead use soft bristled brushes. If you need to do a deep clean, just soak the stoneware in warm water and vinegar solutions for 10-15 minutes before washing. If your cleaning technique is right, the design will be preserved and the glaze will not be damaged.
Safe Storage: Besides cleaning, you need to also store your stoneware properly as proper storage can prevent scratches, bacterial growth and chipping. When storing, you need to use linen dividers between stacked pieces to avoid surface damage. Don’t stack heavy items on delicate or finely detailed stoneware and store them in a dry well ventilated area so moisture will not build up. Proper storage will ensure your plate remains safe for daily use.
Preserving Your Investment
To ensure you don’t suffer a loss on your investments on stoneware, you need to avoid and do some things.
Damage Prevention: Careful handling of your stoneware will prevent wear and tear. If you use wooden plastic utensils instead of metals when dealing with your stoneware, you reduce the risk of chips on your stoneware. When baking, cover only two-thirds of the surface with food to allow even heat distribution. Allow your stoneware to cool naturally before washing, never wash hot stoneware immediately.
Surface Protection: Stoneware glazed surfaces add to its beauty but special care is required so there’s no damage to the glaze. When dealing with partially glazed pieces, hand wash them as machine washing may be too harsh on painted designs. Don’t use sharp utensils as they can scratch the glaze. Check frequently for glaze chips as damaged areas are prone to further damage. Observing these precautions will ensure that the polished look of your stoneware is retained for a long time.
Temperature Guidelines: There can be damage to your stoneware due to sudden temperature changes. To avoid this, don’t preheat an empty stoneware dish in the oven, there should always be food in the dish before heating. When dealing with frozen foods, allow them to thaw out first before placing them in stoneware. Another thing you need to do is to keep your oven temperatures below 450°F to prevent damage to the stoneware durability due to excessive heat.
Although stonewares are strong materials, it’s not impossible to damage them. As time passes, small cracks, chips and surface wear may develop if it’s not maintained well. Inspect your stoneware pieces regularly to detect any sign of damage. One telling sign of damage is hairline cracks, these are thin lines on your stoneware that can expand and cause larger damage to it. If you have a stoneware that has a deep crack, avoid using it for cooking purposes, instead use it as a decorative item. Notice when there’s glaze wear so that your food remains safe.
Personalized stoneware is more than just a kitchenware, you can use it as a sign of personal expression and a symbol of craftsmanship. Although durable and versatile, proper care is essential to make sure that each piece stays beautiful no matter how long they’re used for. If you follow the proper cleaning and storage techniques, the lifespan of your stoneware will be preserved and its designs and engravings will not be damaged.
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