Cleaning tips
Many people will purchase the pottery as a unique display or art piece but some will want to use them as functional dishware with food.
As you may have noticed, the piece you purchased is glazed where food or drink will be placed but the outside or "no-food" area can be partially glazed or not glazed at all. Some of my pieces can also be pif-fired (specified as such) and use ancestral methods to make them waterproof such as the use of beeswax, pine rosin or mix of ingredients (beeswax, pine rosin, oil, herbs).
Glazed vessels:
My work is really based on centuries-old techniques and aren't always prepared for dishwashers or microwaves. Some wild clays must be fired at lower temperature than "commercial" clays and the unglazed parts may still absorb water.
Thus mindfulness and "love" is required. Take special care of placing food in the glazed area only and practice good hygiene by keeping food away for the unglazed part(s).
Washing
To maintain the condition and quality of your piece as well as longevity, hand-washing with a non abrasive cloth or soft sponge in warm soapy water is recommended. For example, if you have a bowl, clean gently the glazed area inside and try to avoid introducing food or liquid in the unglazed parts.
Don't place your piece in extreme hot or cold environments such as an oven or freezer, as this could cause thermal shock and breakage.
Sometimes accidents happen. If non-glazed areas have been in contact with food (sauce, soup, and so on.), you may want to clean then pasteurize your pottery before using it again in the future.
My technique is to place the item in a pan of water, bring the item to a gentle boil over low flame then simmer for 15 minutes then remove and cool to room temperature. Make sure the pottery it thoroughly dried. Here in Southern California it's super easy, I simply place the pottery in a sunny area of the kitchen or even outside.
Handmade pottery can develop mildew if not kept dry, it's rare but it can happen with any handmade pottery (not just my pieces) and you have to be more careful especially in humid weather or environment.
In such cases, soak the piece overnight in a sanitizing solution made up of 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach + 1 gallon of cool water (hot water stops bleach from sanitizing). Remove dishes and allow to completely air dry. Use gloves or utensils to remove dishes from the solution.
For added food safety, some pieces and especially plates or bowls are sometimes treated with a food grade pottery sealant called "Liquid Quartz". You can find more information about it HERE
Pit-Fired Vessels Waterproofed with Beeswax or Pez
Pit-fired vessels are not glazed. The clay is made water-resistant with an ancestral coating such as beeswax, pine rosin, or pez—a mixture that may include beeswax, rosin, oil, and herbs.
With gentle care, however, they can remain functional for a long time. Traditionally, a properly applied beeswax lining can remain functional for many years. Georgian qvevri literature indicates that recoating may be needed only about once every ten years, although actual longevity depends on use, cleaning, storage, clay porosity, and how the wax was originally applied. A new coating can be re-applied if necessary and I will provide an instructions sheet on how to do so easily at home.
Everyday Cleaning
After use, empty the vessel and rinse it gently with cool water. Wipe the food-contact area with a soft cloth or nonabrasive sponge. If necessary, use a very small amount of mild, unscented dish soap and rinse promptly.
Do not soak the vessel or leave it standing in washing water.
Never use abrasive pads, stiff brushes, scouring powders, or baking soda. These can scratch and gradually remove the beeswax or pez coating.
Avoid Heat
Do not use hot or boiling water. Never place the vessel in a dishwasher, microwave, conventional oven, or freezer, and do not expose it to a direct flame.
High temperatures can soften or melt beeswax and pez, while sudden temperature changes may crack the pottery. Unless a piece is specifically described otherwise, use naturally sealed vessels only for foods and beverages served or fermented at room temperature or cooler.
Drying and Storage
After washing, allow the vessel to drain and air-dry completely in a well-ventilated place. Leave the opening uncovered while it dries. Do not place it in intense sunlight or inside a hot vehicle, as excessive heat can soften the natural coating.
Store the vessel uncovered in a dry location. Do not close it with a lid or cloth until both the vessel and covering are completely dry. Porous pottery stored while damp may eventually develop a musty smell or mildew, especially in humid environments.