Handmade ceramics bring personality, colour, and joy to everyday moments whether you’re sipping your morning coffee from a hand-thrown mug or setting the table with beautiful, one-of-a-kind bowls and plates. But when it comes to washing up after these moments, you might be wondering… are my handmade ceramics safe to put in the dishwasher?
Let’s talk about how to look after your pieces so they stay looking lovely for years to come.
Can handmade ceramics go in the dishwasher?
The short answer? Yes, they can*
All of my ceramics are fired to stoneware temperature, making them durable enough for everyday use. So if life’s busy or the sink is full, don’t worry - you can absolutely pop your handmade ceramics in the dishwasher.
*unless there is gold lustre on the piece. Gold lustre will gradually wear off if you put it in the dishwasher, so best to always hand wash these ceramics!
That said, if you want to keep your pieces looking their absolute best, here’s my honest advice…
Our Recommendation: A Balanced Approach
We want your ceramics to live a long, beautiful life with you. So here’s our honest advice:
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Dishwasher safe? Yes, technically.
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Best practice? Wash by hand when you can, especially for plates and bowls you truly treasure or ones with gold lustre.
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Everyday use? If you’re in a rush, go ahead - just place them carefully on the top rack, spaced apart from metal or heavy items.
Dishwashers can be harsh over time, especially with very hot water, abrasive detergents, and items that might knock against each other. Hand-washing helps protect the glaze, preserve surface texture, and avoid chips from other plates or pans.
So if it’s a piece you really love, or one you use often, treating it with a little extra TLC can make all the difference. And if one gets a little chip or scratch? That’s part of its story, too. Like all well-loved things, a handmade mug can age gracefully.
Ceramics should be enjoyed, not saved “for best”
I believe in bringing joy to the everyday, and that means using the pieces you love regularly, not leaving them in a cupboard for special occasions. Handmade ceramics are made to be held, used, and enjoyed.
So whether you're gifting a mug to a friend or treating yourself to a new bowl, know that it's strong enough to handle daily life, but also worth a little extra care now and then.
Looking for something special?
If you’re ready to add a splash of colour to your kitchen or find the perfect gift, you can explore my current handmade collections here.
Every piece is made with love in my studio just outside of Edinburgh, crafted to last, made to bring joy.