How to Care For Your Polish Pottery

Photo from Zakłady Ceramiczne “BOLESŁAWIEC”

Polish pottery is handcrafted and adorned with decorative stamps. This traditional craft has been originating from Boleslawiec since 1830.

Known for its durability, it is classified as high-density stoneware, which is highly resistant to both chipping and breakage.

Nevertheless, it requires proper care to please the eye for many years. Otherwise, you risk damaging your beautifully designed ceramics.

Avoid neglect and mishandling, as it's a straightforward way to ruin the delicate artistry of your pottery. Instead, treat your dinner plates and other pieces of Polish pottery ceramics with the respect they deserve.

This article provides information on the materials used in Polish pottery and explains why it is essential to care for it.

Let's jump right into it.

Key Takeaways

Here are some tips on how to care for your Polish pottery:

Use heat as minimal as possible when drying your pieces.
Wipe it with a damp, soft cloth to keep it clean.
Handle the pottery with care to avoid any damage.
Use mild detergent and warm water to clean the pottery.
Let your pottery cool down naturally before placing it in a microwave (or freezer).
Avoid using harsh chemicals on the pottery as they can damage it.
Store your pottery in a dry place and away from direct sunlight.

Materials Used In Polish Pottery

Polish pottery is a unique form of handmade pottery renowned for its beauty and durability. Its secret lies in the use of stoneware clay, which is only found in select regions of Poland.

This clay is exceptionally dense and strong, allowing it to withstand high temperatures during the firing process. It results in a smooth, shiny finish that is highly resistant to chipping and scratching.

Clay is a very durable material, but it can be damaged if not correctly taken care of. Glaze and other materials give it a unique, beautiful look.

Caring for Polish pottery is simple. It is safe to use in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. The glaze also makes it easy to clean, further increasing its durability.

Polish pottery is a remarkable form of pottery that is sure to last for many years to come. Its unique combination of strength and beauty makes it an ideal choice for any home.

Why You Should Care For Your Polish Pottery Pieces

There are several reasons why you should care about your Polish pottery pieces:

Quality and Artistry: Polish pottery is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and intricate designs. Each piece is hand-painted and unique, making it a valuable item to decorate your home.
Investment Value: Polish pottery is often considered a collectible item, and certain patterns or designs can gain in value over time. Caring for your pieces ensures their longevity and helps maintain their value.
Sentimental Value: Many people have sentimental attachments to their Polish pottery pieces, often passed down through generations or collected during travels. Taking care of these items allows you to preserve the memories and sentimental value associated with them.
Durability: Polish pottery is made of hard-wearing stoneware, which is resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading. Because of that, with just a little bit of extra effort on your side, you can keep your pieces retain their original beauty for many years to come.
Functionality: Polish pottery is not only visually appealing but also highly functional. It is oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe, making it practical for everyday use.

Tips to Take Care Of Your Pottery

Caring for pottery is an integral part of its upkeep. To keep your pieces looking their best, follow a few fundamental guidelines.

Use Minimal Heat

Handmade Polish pottery is delicate and needs to be handled with care. To keep your pieces in perfect condition, use minimal heat when drying them. Avoid using a heat gun or hairdryer, as these can cause the pieces to crack.

Instead, opt for a gentler approach, such as air drying or placing them in front of an open window with sunlight streaming in. It will provide an even, low-temperature heat that won't damage the pottery.

Using minimal heat, you can ensure your high-density stoneware pieces remain in top condition.

Do Not Expose Them to Too Much Sunlight

Exposing your pottery pieces to too much sunlight can cause the glaze to fade and crack, compromising the vibrant quality of your pieces. Excessive heat can also weaken the glaze, making it more susceptible to breakage.

To preserve the quality and aesthetics of your pottery, store it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

Do Not Use Strong Chemicals or Detergents When Cleaning

Polish pottery is a beautiful, handmade craft. Using gentle cleaning methods is an excellent method to ensure your pieces stay in the best condition.

Therefore, for best results, avoid strong chemicals or harsh detergents.

To clean your pottery, start by filling a basin with warm water and adding a small amount of mild soap. Use a soft cloth to wipe away dirt and residue.

Take care to avoid any alkaline products like ammonia or strong detergent, which can damage the surface of your pottery.

Finally, rinse the piece thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Be gentle and handle every piece with care.

Let your Polish pottery dry at room temperature before placing it in a display or storage area. Doing so will maintain the beautiful look of the pottery.

Wash With Warm, Soapy Water

Caring for your cherished Polish pottery doesn't require fancy chemicals. All you need is a wash with warm, soapy water to bring it back to its former glory.

The warmth of the water does the trick, loosening any dirt or residue that may have accumulated on the surface. Cold water should be avoided, as it can cause the ceramic to crack.

Polish pottery is known for being non-porous, preventing it from staining or absorbing odors.

So, while there are a variety of special cleaning products available, warm, soapy water can do the job just fine. This simple solution is all it takes to keep your Polish pottery looking pristine.

Photo by Anna Shvets

Rinse Well and Dry Completely

To maintain the beauty and durability of your pottery, rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely. Pottery is made of clay, which is not water-resistant. If moisture is left in the pottery, it can lead to cracking or breakage over time.

Take the time to rinse well and dry completely. This way, you can ensure the longevity of your pottery, even in extreme conditions.

Use Proper Pieces

Polish pottery's traditional, handcrafted nature means that each piece is unique and may vary slightly in size and shape. To get the best results, ensure the piece you select is suitable for microwave use and fits the amount of food you are heating.

Using the correct-sized piece will provide even heating and prevent 'hot spots' that could cause crazing and cracking of the pottery.

Let It Cool Down

When hot dishes come into contact with cold liquids (and vice versa), the sudden temperature change can cause the pottery to crack or break. To prevent this, let your Polish ceramics cool down naturally before putting them in the oven or microwave, especially if they've been previously placed in a freezer.

The same goes for using your piece of pottery to microwave some food just to place it in a fridge a few minutes later.

To preserve your pottery's vibrant colors and artisanal craftsmanship, avoid storing it in the refrigerator while it is still hot. Sudden temperature changes can cause damage, so it's best to let the pottery cool before storing it.

Besides, please keep the pottery dry. Avoid placing hot dishes on wet surfaces or handling them with a damp cloth, as it can cause the pottery to break and spoil your meal.

Photo by Elina Fairytale

Conclusion

Caring for your Polish pottery is a vital part of preserving its beauty and craftsmanship. With the right materials and a few simple tips, you can ensure your pieces remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Remember always to handle your pottery with care. Sudden temperature changes can cause damage, so avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures. When cleaning, use non-abrasive materials and gentle scrubbing motions. It will help preserve the delicate glazes and intricate designs.

Proper care and maintenance of Polish pottery is critical to enjoying its beauty for a lifetime. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure your pieces look as good as the day they were made.

Take care of your pottery, and it will take care of you!