Stoneware is a term used to define dense porcelain or ceramic that has a comparatively high firing temperature. It is made from clay.
It can either be glazed or unglazed. Stoneware is non-porous, whether vitric or not. It is liquid-resistant. Stoneware has five categories.
These are chemical, electrical, traditional, thermal shock-resistant, and fine stoneware. The most commonly used for ceramics, porcelain, and earthenware are fine and traditional stoneware clay.
They are all dishwasher-safe. But, still, there are a lot of things you should know about.
Read: Can You Put Pampered Chef Stoneware in The Dishwasher?
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Cleaning and caring for your stoneware
Even though most stoneware is dishwasher safe, it is highly recommended that you check with your manufacturer. Some stoneware can be destroyed in the dishwasher.
The detailed pattern, color, and antique parts will get faded. Some stoneware doesn’t work well with harsh dishwasher products.
Harsh dishwasher products are not recommended for stoneware since they destroy the original appearance. Glazes or paint might chip off.
There is stoneware that can be put in the dishwasher. Make sure you avoid soaking them in water since this can lead to breakage and chipping.
Avoid washing stoneware before it cools to room temperature. There is stoneware that doesn’t go well with a sudden extreme change of temperature.
For example, if you take it from the refrigerator or freezer and put it immediately into the oven, it will end up cracking or breaking, or the antique pieces will change in structure.
It is safe to place the stoneware in the dishwasher after it has cooled down.
I will explain in detail how to clean every type of stoneware. Some are best cleaned through hand washing. This will help in retaining the original gloss and structure.
If the stoneware is to be cleaned through hand washing, make sure you use warm soapy water and a damp sponge to rub the surface gently.
Avoid using scrubbers that are rough since they can destroy the painted or glazed part, making it susceptible to chipping.
Removing Stubborn stains
The best way to remove stubborn stains is by use of cola or vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
Pour cola into the burnt stoneware or highly stained stoneware and let it rest for a few minutes. Rub it gently with a damp cotton cloth, sponge, or soft brush.
Afterward, you can wash it with mild dishwashing detergent and water. The other way is to make a paste of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
Apply it gently on the stain, then rub it off after some time with a soft, damp cloth or sponge. Do not use citrus cleaners or citrus juices to clean the stoneware.
It might destroy the original look and make it dull. Some people put unglazed stoneware in the dishwasher. However, it is recommended that you hand wash unglazed stoneware instead of using the dishwasher.
The unglazed stoneware can easily get destroyed in the dishwasher because the clay is more exposed.
Clean different types of stoneware
This is how you should clean and care for different types of stoneware:
Traditional stoneware
These are traditionally made stoneware with a stony fracture when it breaks. It is dense, opaque, and can be of any type of color depending on the clay used.
They are made at a very low cost. Traditional stoneware is non-porous and liquid resistant.
They can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but this can make it take a longer seasoning time.
It is recommended to clean it through hand washing. Use warm water and a soft brush or soft cotton cloth to remove residue.
Use a mild soap that doesn’t have a strong scent, or make a choice to wash without soap.
Soap adheres to the stoneware seasoning, which might lead to soap residue that gets into food.
This makes the food taste or smells like soap. You can only use soap in washing stoneware if it is glazed. It is also advisable that you don’t change the temperature of the water to prevent cracks.
Fine stoneware
This is made from a carefully picked, blended, and prepared primary commodity.
The best way to wash it is by using warm water, a paste of vinegar, and bicarbonate of soda. Wait for the stoneware to cool.
Apply bicarbonate of soda and gently rub with a sponge or soft brush and finally rinse thoroughly. It is also possible to put fine stoneware in the dishwasher.
Make sure you avoid using harsh dishwashing detergents.
Electrical stoneware
This is now used as electrical porcelain. In historic times electrical stoneware was most commonly used.
Before cleaning your electrical stoneware, make sure you confirm with your manufacturer to know the best way to wash it. This type of stoneware is dishwasher safe in case you use it regularly.
Though it is advisable to use hand wash if you have doubts. The most commonly used method of cleaning electrical stoneware is hand wash.
Use dishwashing soap, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), vinegar, a toothpick, a cotton cloth or sponge, and a screwdriver in case you need to remove the screws.
First, wait for it to cool, then unplug it; you can use mild soap, a sponge, and warm water to clean it.
Use mild soap because harsh dishwashing detergent can cause damage to the parts. If there are traces of stubborn stains, use vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
Rub gently and use a toothpick or soft brush to remove stains stuck on the corners.
Wipe the outer surface with a damp cloth, and don’t forget to wipe the bottom part since it can have stains from spills.
You can clean all removable parts as you check the parts that need repair.
After cleaning all parts and leaving them to dry, you can reassemble them and put them in storage until the next usage.
Chemical stoneware
This is a product used to resist alkaline and acids. It is pottery made of clay with low sand content. It is free of iron and limestone.
This type of stoneware is mostly used in industries. If you need to wash chemical stoneware, you will need industrial gloves, water, soap, a soft brush, and a suitable solvent.
First, put on your industrial gloves, and then you should use a suitable organic solvent to neutralize so that it can be safely washed.
Examples of organic solvents are methanol, acetone, amines, esters and ethers, benzene, toluene, and halogenated hydrocarbons.
First, you should put on your industrial gloves.
If you use water-soluble solvents, you should rinse twice with plenty of water and then dispose of them as trash.
And if the content in the chemical stoneware is acidic, you should neutralize it using bicarbonate or potassium carbonate. If it was based, then neutralize using citric acid.
Also, if a solvent is not soluble in water, then you should wash it with a strong detergent and plenty of water.
Thermal shock-resistant stoneware
This is stoneware that has additional raw materials that are very resistant to shock.
This stoneware cannot be affected by a sudden change in temperature. Other stoneware gets affected by a sudden change in temperature, making them crack, as I described before.
This type of stoneware is dishwasher safe if it is glazed and cannot break or crack easily. The antique pieces will remain intact, and the structure of the stoneware will remain the same.
It is okay to use dishwashing detergents when washing this type of stoneware only if you don’t care much about the seasoning.
The dishwasher will clean all the seasoning layers. If you care about the seasoning layer, then choose to hand wash without soap.
FAQ
Can stoneware be greased?
Stoneware can be seasoned by baking or cooking foods high in fat. When this is done for a period of time, it becomes unnecessary to grease your stoneware. Seasoning makes your stoneware
have a non-stick interior surface. Avoid washing with soap to maintain seasoning.
Does stoneware get easily stained?
Since stoneware can be used in the freezer, then put into the oven, and later put on the table, it is highly susceptible to stain build-up.
Clean the stains using the correct method. Use vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and a sponge or cotton cloth to remove stubborn stains.
Can steel wool be used to clean stoneware?
It is recommended that you use a soft cloth or sponge to rub stoneware. Steel wool can cause the glazed surface to chip and destroy its original look.
Conclusion
The majority of stoneware can be put in the dishwasher but if you have doubts, check with your manufacturer to see ways in which you can clean your pottery.
The safest way is to hand wash it to preserve its original appearance.
If your stoneware has delicate antique pieces, it looks bright and soft; then you should hand wash it to prevent the color from becoming dull and prevent damage to your valued stoneware.
The glazed stoneware is safe in the dishwasher since it does not absorb water.
If the user manual indicates that it is safe to use the dishwasher, then you can safely use it.