How to Care for Your Ceramic Tableware (Without Losing Your Mind)

June 11, 2026

Right, so you've unboxed your new del hogar pieces and now they're sitting on the counter and you're thinking, okay, now what? How do I not ruin these?

We get this question a lot. And it's a fair one because handmade ceramic is genuinely different from the mass-produced stuff you'd pick up at a superstore. It needs a bit more thought. Not a lot more, but some.

The microwave question

Yes, all our ceramic pieces are microwave safe. But there's one thing worth knowing. Going straight from the freezer into the microwave is not a great idea for any ceramic, handmade or otherwise. The technical term is thermal shock and it can cause hairline cracks over time. Just leave the bowl out for a few minutes first. That's really all there is to it.

What about the dishwasher?

Dishwasher safe, yes. But if you've got pieces with hand-painted details like the Blue Dahlia plates, hand washing keeps them looking their best for much longer. A soft sponge and some mild dish soap. That's it. Avoid the scratchy side of the sponge and definitely skip the harsh cleaning sprays.

Storing without the heartbreak of chips

Here's something nobody tells you until it's too late. Stacking plates directly on each other is how chips happen. A soft cloth between each plate, or even just a paper towel, makes a real difference. We know it sounds fussy but once you've chipped a plate you love, you start doing it automatically.

For mugs, try to store them upright rather than rim-down. Less weight on the rim means it stays intact longer.

Stains happen

Tea and coffee stains inside mugs are very normal. A paste of baking soda and water, left on for about five minutes, then rinsed off, does the job every time. No special products needed. For food stains on plates, a 15-minute soak in warm soapy water usually sorts it out before washing.

The bit that actually matters

These pieces are made by hand. Each one has tiny variations in glaze, in shape, in weight. That's not a quality issue, that's the whole point of buying handmade. Treat them gently and they'll honestly outlast most of the other things in your kitchen.

Have a specific question about one of your pieces? Drop us a line at ask.delhogar@gmail.com and we'll sort you out.

Shop the pieces mentioned:
👉 Plates, Platters and More
👉 Browse all del hogar ceramics

Frequently Asked Questions

Are del hogar ceramic plates microwave safe?

Yes, all our ceramic plates and bowls are microwave safe. The one thing to avoid is going from freezer directly to microwave as the sudden temperature change can cause cracks over time. Give your pieces a few minutes at room temperature first.

Can I put del hogar ceramic in the dishwasher?

You can, all our pieces are dishwasher safe. That said, for anything with hand-painted details we'd recommend hand washing. It keeps the colours looking vibrant for a lot longer.

There are tea stains inside my mug, how do I remove them?

Mix baking soda with a little water into a paste, rub it gently onto the stain, leave it for five minutes and then rinse. Works every time and you don't need any special products.

How do I store ceramic plates without them getting chipped?

Put something soft between each plate when stacking. A paper towel works fine. It stops the plates rubbing against each other and chipping at the edges.

How long will handmade ceramic plates last?

A long time, genuinely. Avoid dropping them and avoid thermal shock and they'll be with you for years. The glaze on handmade ceramics is often more durable than factory pieces because it's fired at higher temperatures.