Wie pflegt man Keramik? Tipps für Reinigung, Trocknung & Co.

How do you care for ceramics? Tips for cleaning, drying & more.

LB Berlin

Ceramics are made for real life. Still, how you care for them decides whether plates, vases or countertops look just as gorgeous after years as on the first day. At Formwerk Berlin we see every day what works and what dulls glazes in the long run.

In this guide you get clear practical rules, quick household remedies and an overview of the most important no-gos, so your ceramics stay beautiful and you save yourself stress.

Formwerk Töpferbedarf Berlin

Have fun! Your Formwerk Berlin Team

For those short on time: Ceramic is a very durable material, but not an indestructible one. To keep your ceramic dishes, vase or countertop looking beautiful for a long time, gentle care is usually enough:

 

Regular cleaning with warm water and a mild (pH-neutral) dish soap, a soft cloth and, if needed, a sponge is usually enough. Stubborn stains can be removed with household remedies such as baking soda or citric acid pastes.

 

Avoid aggressive scouring agents, coarse sponges or cleaners containing hydrofluoric acid – they can damage glazes or surfaces. Well-fired clay (stoneware/porcelain) is generally waterproof and dishwasher-safe. Untreated terracotta, on the other hand, is porous and sensitive to frost; drainage holes, proper drainage and overwintering are important here.

 

Use cutting boards and felt pads to avoid scratches. For cracks or chips, food-safe ceramic adhesives are a good option. In the following article you will find detailed practical tips, suitable household remedies and recommended products.

General care tips for ceramics

Ceramics (such as dishes, bowls, floors or countertops) are hygienic and usually non-porous, so dirt hardly gets in. Still, you should treat your ceramic pieces with care: strong impacts and scratches can damage glazes or cause cracks. Stack dishes carefully and place felt or cloth dividers between them to avoid scratches.

Temperature protection: Avoid big temperature swings. Let warm dishes cool down before you dip them in cold water. Never put extremely hot pots on unprotected ceramic surfaces without a trivet, because localized heat can cause stress cracks.

Scratch protection: Always use cutting boards for food, because ceramic is abrasion-resistant but can dull knives. Use trivets or pot holders under hot pots and dishes.

Daily cleaning: Wipe ceramic surfaces with warm water and, if needed, a little mild, pH-neutral dish soap. Then dry with a soft cloth. This applies to kitchen countertops just as much as to dishes or bathroom ceramics. A kitchen or glass cleaner (without abrasives) gives good results on greasy dirt. Always rinse with clear water afterwards and rub dry.

Tip (Formwerk Berlin): Our high-fired stoneware ceramics are water- and oil-repellent. That's why mild cleaners (dish soap, glass cleaner) and a soft cloth are enough.

Basic rules: Never use steel wool or strong abrasives – they cause micro-cracks in the glaze. Avoid cleaners containing chlorine or fluorine, as well as strongly alkaline (pH>8) products. Remove stains right away to prevent them from setting in.

Cleaning: removing stains gently

The fresher the stain, the easier it is to remove: wipe up spilled liquids (coffee, wine) right away with a damp cloth. For dried-on or stubborn stains, household remedies and suitable cleaners help. We've put together an overview of typical stains and what to do about them:

Type of stain Household remedy steps Professional solution
Grease/oil 1. Fresh: wash off with hot soapy water.
2. Stubborn: apply a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit briefly, then brush off.		 Degreaser or kitchen cleaner with soda (use sparingly).
Wipe with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly.
Water spots/limescale 1. Apply a vinegar or citric acid solution (e.g. 1:1 with water) and let it sit briefly (max. 5–10 min.).
2. Wipe off and rinse with clear water.		 Special limescale remover. Afterwards, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Using vinegar cleaner regularly (in small amounts) helps.
Coffee/tea/red wine 1. Wipe off while fresh.
2. Apply baking soda paste (baking soda + water), rub in, let it sit (5-10 min.), rinse off.		 If necessary: magic eraser (melamine) or glass cleaner with alcohol. For deep discoloration, try a small amount of vinegar.
Baked-on food 1. Scrape off with a plastic scraper (carefully).
2. Soak in warm soapy water (10–20 min.).
3. Apply baking soda paste and clean with a soft sponge.		 Grog cleaner or special ceramic cleaner. Soak stubborn residue (add vinegar if needed), then use a mild abrasive (not steel).
Metal marks (cutlery) 1. Spread baking soda paste on the spot and rub in circles with a soft cloth.
2. Wipe off and polish.		 Use a glass-ceramic/cooktop cleaner: rub in and polish with a soft cloth. (Repeat several times)
Rust 1. Apply lemon juice with a little salt (or vinegar), let it sit, brush off.
2. Rinse thoroughly and dry.		 Use a rust remover (e.g. oxalic acid based) selectively.
Mold / verdigris 1. Rinse with baking soda or baking powder, or use a slightly alkaline cleaner.
2. For planters: brush out and let dry well.		 For plant pots, use a plant-safe mold remover. Afterwards, dry the pot well and store it frost-free.

Always wipe all treated areas thoroughly with clear water and dry them well. Test new cleaners on an inconspicuous spot first. For stoneware or porcelain, mild household products are usually enough; stronger products are only needed for truly heavy soiling.

For stubborn stains on your ceramic plates, ideally put on gloves. First remove dirt mechanically (e.g. with a wooden or plastic scraper), then treat with a household remedy or cleaner. Work gently in circular motions, rinse generously and dry with a lint-free cloth.
 

Material comparison: glazed, unglazed, stoneware, porcelain, terracotta

Ceramic type Properties Cleaning / care products Do’s Don’ts
Glazed stoneware (high-fired) Nearly non-porous (waterproof), very hard and break-resistant. High-temperature glaze protects the surface. Mild cleaners, dish soap, soft sponges. Limescale spots: vinegar cleaner. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Use a cutting board. No scratchy sponges or steel sponges. No harsh cleaners or cleaners high in fluorine or chlorine.
Glazed earthenware (low-fired) More porous material – the glaze seals the surface. Less temperature-resistant than stoneware. Gentle hand washing recommended. Warm water, mild dish soap. Baking soda paste for stains. Dry before use; warm rinsing temperature. No extreme temperature changes (e.g. heating straight from the refrigerator). Only mild cleaners. No soaking in a sink full of water.
Porcelain Very hard, fine, often translucent. Very high firing temperature (≥ 1280°C), completely dense and food-safe. Dishwasher and oven safe. Mild cleaners, soft sponges.. Careful in the dishwasher: leave enough space from sharp edges. No heavy-duty detergents (they bleach) in the dishwasher. No hard metal cutlery without a pad underneath.
Unglazed terracotta / cotto Open-pored, absorbs moisture and stains. Absorbs water in frost and can crack. Baking soda paste, lukewarm water. Strong acidic cleaners only on small spots (e.g. vinegar). Let dry well. Store the pot on feet, use the drainage hole (drainage). Do not wash in the dishwasher. No long water baths. Store frost-free, not outdoors. No oil-based waxes.
Porcelain stoneware (tiles, countertops) Glazed or polished tiles: extremely scratch-resistant and dense. High-temperature firing (≥ 1200°C). pH-neutral cleaners, soft cleaning cloths. With hard water, use a gentle descaler if needed. Wipe down regularly. Use non-slip surfaces (cutting board, pot holders). No abrasive scouring agents. No waxes. No harsh chemicals (acids, lyes).

Source: manufacturer guidelines and practical recommendations

This table shows typical characteristics: high-fired ceramics (stoneware, porcelain) are very robust and usually dishwasher and microwave safe. Low-fired ceramics such as untreated terracotta are absorbent and need extra care (frost protection, and sealing may be necessary). In all cases: clean gently, dry quickly and protect from scratches.

Drying, storage and frost protection

Always dry well after cleaning: let ceramics air dry or wipe them dry with a soft cloth. Avoid trapped moisture in poorly ventilated cabinets, since condensation can encourage mold.

Tip: Keep terracotta planters dry and frost-free in winter. High-fired terracotta (frost-resistant at ~1050–1100°C) can survive frost because it is fired very dense. For low-fired earthenware (classic terracotta), experts recommend drainage: drainage holes and a layer of gravel or pottery shards at the bottom of the pot keep water from pooling and bursting the vessel when frost sets in.

Storage: Only stack dishes with protection (terry cloth or felt dividers). Avoid direct contact between ceramic pieces. Large platters or sculptures should be stored upright (like plates in a cabinet) and should never be dropped onto hard surfaces. For seasonal storage at the very least: store them dry and frost-free!

Repairing ceramics: cracks and chips

Broken pieces can often be saved. For broken plates, cups or decorative items there are food-safe repair adhesives. Here is how:

  • Collect & clean the shards: Rinse and dry all the pieces thoroughly. Sort them before you glue.
  • Choose an adhesive: For tableware, a food-safe epoxy or instant adhesive (dishwasher and microwave safe) is recommended. For larger chips (e.g. in a sink or washbasin), use filler mortar or a special paste. Important: for dishes that come into contact with food or go in the dishwasher, you must use specialty adhesives explicitly certified as “food-safe.” If in doubt, only use repaired pieces as decoration.
  • Glue the pieces: Apply a thin layer of adhesive to both sides (one or both sides depending on the product). Carefully fit the pieces together and hold them in position. If necessary, secure them with masking tape or a rubber band until the adhesive sets.
  • Remove excess: Once dry, remove excess adhesive with a sharp knife and file or sand the seam smooth. Then clean the glued area.
  • Finishing: If needed, you can touch up with specialized glaze paint or fill the repair to make it invisible.

Safety: Wear gloves when making repairs (broken edges!) and use the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let repaired drinking and eating vessels cure for several days and test them before use.

Household remedies vs. professional cleaners

For everyday use, household remedies are often enough – and environmentally friendly. Baking soda gently removes stains. Vinegar/citric acid dissolve limescale. Dish soap cuts grease. Combinations (e.g. baking soda and vinegar) can fizz up powerfully and loosen dirt. These products are non-toxic and inexpensive.

Professional products solve especially stubborn problems: e.g. glass cleaner with alcohol (against grease and tarnishing), limescale removers or streak removers (antistatic), metal removers for rust. Look for eco labels and dose carefully – often a little is enough. Our shop recommendation: mild ceramic cleaners without ammonia or strong chlorine additives

Environmental aspect: Many household remedies are biodegradable. Avoid solvents like acetone or highly concentrated acids if possible. If you do use them (for example vinegar cleaner on stubborn limescale), rinse immediately with plenty of water. That protects you and the environment.

Formwerk Berlin: practical tips

As the founder of a young pottery supply shop, I recommend investing in good utensils (soft sponges, microfiber cloths, a glass cooktop scraper). Here at Formwerk Berlin we mainly use melamine cleaning erasers for dull spots and special kitchen cleaners with soda for daily use. Our ceramic wares (stoneware plates, dishes, cups) are dishwasher safe, but we recommend hand washing for especially fine pieces.

Important: Every ceramic piece is one of a kind – we always advise customers individually. If you have questions about your particular piece, feel free to ask us – we know the maximum temperatures and glazes of our products exactly.

Have fun with your ceramics, and don't let a few cracks or stains discourage you. A little patina is part of the charm 🥰

Formwerk Töpferbedarf Berlin

Your Formwerk Berlin Team

FAQ (frequently asked questions about ceramic care)

  1. How do I remove stubborn stains from my ceramics?
    Use simple household remedies: a paste of baking soda and water helps against tea and coffee stains. For limescale or stains, letting diluted vinegar (vinegar cleaner) soak in often works wonders. A glass-ceramic cleaner works well on metal marks. Afterwards, always rinse thoroughly and dry.

  2. Is ceramic dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe?
    High-fired ceramics (stoneware, porcelain) are waterproof and often dishwasher and microwave safe. Still, we recommend washing delicate handmade pieces by hand with lukewarm water. Unglazed terracotta or decorative ceramics can absorb water, so it is better not to put such pieces in the dishwasher or microwave.

  3. Do I need a sealant (impregnation) for my ceramics?
    No, standard ceramics (especially stoneware and porcelain) are already watertight thanks to the high firing temperature. Glazed surfaces are sealed anyway. Unglazed clayware (e.g. terracotta flower pots) can be treated with special terracotta sealers if needed, but does not need to be retreated every day. As a general rule, glazed tableware needs no additional coating.

  4. How do I protect my ceramics from frost in winter?
    Make sure no moisture stays standing in vessels: with terracotta planters, store them upside down (no water in the pot), keep drainage holes clear and use drainage material. Frost-resistant ceramics (high-fired) can stay outdoors, while ordinary open clay ware is better stored frost-free.

  5. What to do about small scratches or dull glaze spots?
    A mild glass or polish cleaner often helps. For fine scratches, a glass-ceramic abrasive strip (melamine sponge) can sometimes restore some shine gently. To prevent scratches: felt between stacked plates and soft cloths protect the glaze.
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