Caring for Your Ceramic Dinnerware: Washing, Stacking, and Storage Tips

Your ceramic dinnerware is more than just a tool for serving meals—it’s an investment in everyday beauty. Whether you’ve just unboxed a new set of handmade plates or you’re looking to extend the life of beloved pieces, proper care makes all the difference. With a few simple habits, you can keep your plates, bowls, and platters looking pristine for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for washing, stacking, and storing ceramic dinnerware. From preventing chips to maintaining the glaze, these tips are designed to help you enjoy your tableware without worry. Let’s dive in.

Why Ceramic Dinnerware Needs Special Care

Ceramic dinnerware, especially stoneware, is prized for its durability and natural beauty. However, it’s not indestructible. The glaze that gives your plates their smooth, glossy finish can chip or crack if handled roughly. Understanding the material is the first step to proper maintenance.

Stoneware is fired at high temperatures, making it dense and less porous than earthenware. This means it’s more resistant to water absorption and thermal shock, but it can still break if dropped or knocked against hard surfaces. By adopting gentle handling practices, you can prevent most damage.

• Always use both hands when carrying heavy platters or stacks of plates.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes—never place a hot dish directly into cold water.

Washing Ceramic Plates and Bowls: Hand vs. Dishwasher

The age-old question: can you put ceramic dinnerware in the dishwasher? The short answer is yes, most stoneware is dishwasher safe, but there are caveats. Over time, harsh detergents and high heat can dull the glaze or cause fading. To preserve the finish, we recommend hand washing whenever possible, especially for hand-painted or specialty pieces.

When washing by hand, use warm water and a mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive sponges or scouring pads that can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn food residue, let the piece soak for a few minutes—this is gentler than scrubbing.

If you do use the dishwasher, place plates and bowls securely on the rack so they don’t knock against each other. Use a gentle cycle and allow the dishes to cool completely before removing them. This reduces the risk of thermal shock.

• Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth for hand washing.
• Soak stubborn stains instead of scrubbing aggressively.
• For dishwasher, choose a delicate cycle and avoid overloading.

Stacking Ceramic Bowls and Plates Safely

Stacking is a common cause of chips, especially if you’re not careful. When stacking plates, place a soft liner between each one—felt pads, paper towels, or cloth napkins work well. This prevents the bottoms from scratching the glaze of the plate below.

For bowls, stack them with care: place a soft cloth between each bowl to avoid friction. Avoid stacking too many items at once, as the weight can cause stress on the bottom pieces. If you have limited cabinet space, consider using a plate rack or vertical storage for plates to reduce stacking.

Our Pro Shop 10.5" Coupe Entree Plates and Pro Shop 7" Coupe Share Plates are designed for everyday use, but even they benefit from mindful stacking. The coupe shape allows for a smaller footprint, but the same rules apply.

• Use felt pads or paper towels between stacked plates.
• Avoid stacking more than 6-8 plates at a time.
• Store bowls with a soft cloth between each piece.

Storing Dinnerware to Prevent Chips and Cracks

Proper storage is key to long-term care. Keep your dinnerware in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. If you have open shelving, make sure the area is free from high traffic where items might get knocked.

When storing, place heavier items like platters on the bottom and lighter items on top. Our Medium Oval Platter is a versatile piece that deserves careful storage—lay it flat or on its side with padding. Avoid hanging heavy platters on hooks unless they are designed for that purpose.

For special pieces like the Gordon Hull Hand Painted Large Platter, extra care is essential. These hand-painted items should be stored with a soft cloth between them to protect the artwork. Consider displaying them on a shelf where they won’t be disturbed.

• Store heavy items at the bottom of stacks.
• Use shelf liners to cushion surfaces.
• Keep hand-painted pieces away from direct sunlight.

Stoneware Maintenance: Dealing with Scratches and Stains

Even with the best care, your stoneware may develop minor scratches or stains over time. These are usually cosmetic and don’t affect the functionality. To minimize their appearance, try a gentle cleaner made for ceramics, or a paste of baking soda and water for stubborn stains.

Avoid using metal utensils that can leave gray marks on the glaze. Instead, use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils. If you do get a scratch, don’t panic—it adds character, but if you prefer a pristine look, you can often buff it out with a fine abrasive cleaner.

Our Tumbler and Pro Shop Classic Coffee Cups are daily drivers that benefit from regular care. For coffee and tea stains, a soak in warm water with a bit of bleach-free oxygen cleaner works wonders.

• Use baking soda paste for tough stains.
• Avoid metal utensils on glazed surfaces.
• Treat coffee stains with oxygen cleaner.

Special Considerations for Hand-Painted and Specialty Pieces

Hand-painted dinnerware, like our Christina Tosi x JPD Cookie Plate, requires extra TLC. The painted designs can fade or chip if exposed to harsh washing or high heat. Always hand wash these pieces with a soft sponge and mild detergent. Avoid the dishwasher and microwave if possible.

Similarly, limited-edition pieces deserve the same attention. For example, the Gordon Hull Hand Painted Large Platter is a work of art that should be handled with care. When not in use, display it on a stand or store it with protective padding.

If you have pieces with metallic accents, avoid microwaving them, as the metal can cause sparks. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care guidelines.

• Hand wash hand-painted items only.
• Avoid microwaving pieces with metallic accents.
• Store specialty pieces in padded containers.

Caring for your ceramic dinnerware doesn’t have to be complicated. By adopting these simple washing, stacking, and storage habits, you can keep your plates, bowls, and platters looking beautiful for years. Remember, the key is gentle handling and a little extra attention for specialty pieces. Explore our collection to find pieces that will bring joy to your table—and with the right care, they’ll last a lifetime.