Does the dream of surrounding yourself with handmade ceramics have practical objections such as dishwasher safe? To be beautiful, …uh.. use beautiful ceramics … means suffering?
Or better yet to quote the Dutch poet Willem Elsschot:
[…] for between dream and deed
laws and practical objections stand in the way
(Willem Elsschot 7 May 1910)
Fortunately not! Handmade dream ceramics and dishwasher convenience do not encounter any practical objections. At least when the glazes used are properly designed and fired correctly.
Dishwasher safe ceramics
We use our dishwasher every day. Pure luxury: dirty dishes straight into the dishwasher, out of sight. In the evening we push a button, in the morning they shine again. But to clean dishes, a powerful cleaning agent is used.
Dishwasher tablets are very alkaline (basic the opposite of acid), like soap and soda. Great for cleaning, but it also attacks the glaze of your dishes. I remember my mom cleaning my grandmother’s old diner plates in the dishwasher. The floral décor on the edges of the plates were (almost) completely gone. That’s how corrosive dishwasher tablets can be.
Modern ceramics take into account the power of the dishwasher. These plates and cups are “dishwasher safe”. And that’s not that difficult. Ceramic glazes are one of the most indestructible “manufactured materials” . But… these glazes must be properly designed and fired.
Strong handmade ceramic glazes
All well-designed glazes are absolutely dishwasher safe. Gloss and colors continue to shine even after daily use in the dishwasher. In fact, contrary to popular belief, also matte glazes do not wear out in the dishwasher. These glazes can be as strong and durable as their shiny counterpart.
But what about the myth that handmade ceramics must only be washed by hand? Well, not all glazes are designed with equal care. And a glaze can be fired incorrectly. Even the best glaze that is not “fired” at the right temperature will never become durable.
I fire at stoneware temperature, about 1280 oC. This ensures a very strong (waterproof) shard and a durable glaze. But a well-balanced glaze can also be made for low-fired earthenware. Although the shard is porous and not as strong, the glaze can be as indestructible as its stoneware counterpart. Provided the glaze is specially designed for this temperature!
Use handmade ceramics
Handmade ceramics can therefore be perfectly dishwasher safe. If this is not the case then it has to do with the design of the glaze in combination with a correct firing. If either is no good, the performance in the dishwasher is also not optimal. The maker can tell you.
I make both ceramic sculptures and functional ceramics. And I design my own glazes, for the temperature I use. Therefore I can also assess whether the glaze will be wear-resistant. But the best test is, of course, just use it. I’ve been eating and drinking from my own made pottery for years. And for years, I’ve been cleaning these, without any problem in the dishwasher.
Don’t you know the origin of your ceramics, are they antiques or is it for decorative use? Then err on the side of caution and wash it by hand. But if you know the maker, enjoy your handmade ceramics every day and wash it the way you want, for example in the dishwasher.
Also interested in handmade ceramics?
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