Ceramics Use & Care

Made to be used. Made to last.

KAOLENNE ceramics are created for everyday rituals — from a quiet morning coffee to the meals and moments shared around the table.

With thoughtful care, your ceramics can retain their beauty and character for years to come. Because ceramic bodies, glazes, firing methods and decorative finishes vary across our collections, care requirements may differ from one piece to another.

Always refer to the care information shown on the individual product page, packaging or base of the product before use.

Before First Use

Wash your ceramic piece before first use with warm water, a mild detergent and a soft sponge.

Avoid steel wool, harsh scouring pads and highly abrasive cleaning products, particularly on matte, reactive, hand-decorated or specialty glazes.

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Microwave Use

Not every ceramic piece is suitable for microwave use.

A Quick 3-Step Check

1. Look — Check for metallic decoration

Look for gold, silver, platinum, metallic rims, metallic decals or reflective decorative details.

If metallic decoration is present, do not microwave. Metal may interact with microwave energy and cause arcing or sparking.

2. Touch — Check the decorative surface

If the decoration feels noticeably raised, textured, layered or appears to be applied over the glaze, check the product-specific care instructions before microwaving.

A raised decoration does not automatically mean that it is unsafe. However, specialty finishes may behave differently when heated.

When the decorative process is unclear, do not microwave unless the product is specifically marked Microwave Safe.

3. Check — Read the product label

Look at the base of the product, its packaging or the product page.

If you see Microwave Safe, the product has been designated for microwave use according to its care instructions.

If no microwave suitability is stated, do not assume that it is microwave safe.

Important Microwave Precautions

Never heat empty ware

Do not microwave an empty cup, bowl, plate or ceramic vessel. Place food or liquid inside the product before heating.

Avoid sudden temperature changes

Avoid moving ceramic ware directly between extreme temperatures:

• Freezer to microwave
• Freezer to hot oven
• Very cold conditions to high heat
• High heat to cold water

Rapid temperature changes may create thermal stress and cause cracking.

Handle heated ceramics carefully

Even microwave-safe ceramics can become hot through contact with heated food or liquids.

If the ceramic itself becomes unusually hot while the contents remain comparatively cool, stop microwave use.

Jian Ware & Iron-Rich Glazes

Jian-style ceramics are known for their deep, naturally varied surfaces created using iron-rich glazes and high-temperature firing.

Their appearance develops through interactions between clay, glaze, temperature and kiln atmosphere.

Because glaze composition, ceramic body, thickness and firing conditions may vary, different Jian-style pieces may respond differently to microwave heating.

Some iron-rich ceramic compositions may become unusually hot during microwave heating. If this occurs, discontinue microwave use.

Natural differences in pattern, crystallization, tone and surface appearance are part of the character of the firing process and are not necessarily considered defects.

Linglong Porcelain

Linglong porcelain combines a high-fired porcelain body with carefully formed translucent decorative areas.

Despite its delicate appearance, well-made Linglong porcelain can be suitable for everyday use.

KAOLENNE Linglong products marked Microwave Safe may be used in a microwave according to their individual care instructions.

Avoid exposing Linglong porcelain to sudden temperature changes. Do not move frozen or extremely cold pieces directly into a microwave or other high-temperature environment.

Metallic & Decorative Finishes

Ceramics containing metallic decoration require special care.

Do not microwave products featuring:

• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Metallic lustre
• Metallic rims
• Metallic decals
• Other metal-containing decorative finishes

Unless specifically stated otherwise by KAOLENNE, these products should be considered not microwave safe.

For delicate metallic finishes, hand washing is generally recommended to help preserve their appearance.

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Dishwasher Care

Products marked Dishwasher Safe may be cleaned in a household dishwasher.

For best long-term care:

• Use a mild dishwasher detergent.
• Position pieces securely.
• Prevent ceramics from knocking against one another.
• Leave adequate space around delicate items.
• Avoid highly abrasive cleaning products.

For hand-painted, metallic, crackle-glazed, highly textured or specialty-finish ceramics, hand washing may be recommended.

Always follow the care instructions for the individual product.

Hand Washing

For delicate and artisan ceramic pieces, hand washing is the gentlest option.

Recommended

• Warm water
• Mild detergent
• Soft sponge or cloth

Avoid

• Steel wool
• Metal brushes
• Aggressive scouring pads
• Highly abrasive cleaners

Do not leave specialty ceramics soaking for unnecessarily long periods.

After washing, rinse thoroughly and allow the piece to dry completely.

Oven & Freezer Use

Ceramic does not automatically mean oven safe or freezer safe.

Oven

Only place a KAOLENNE ceramic product in an oven when it is specifically marked Oven Safe.

Always observe any maximum temperature stated on the product page or packaging.

Freezer

Only place a KAOLENNE ceramic product in a freezer when it is specifically identified as freezer safe.

Allow frozen ceramic ware to warm gradually before exposing it to significant heat.

Never move a frozen ceramic piece directly into a microwave or hot oven unless the product has specifically been designed for that use.

Thermal Shock

Even high-quality porcelain can be damaged by extreme temperature changes.

Avoid:

• Freezer → Microwave
• Freezer → Hot oven
• Hot oven → Cold countertop
• Hot ceramic → Cold water
• Boiling liquid → Extremely cold ceramic

Gradual temperature changes help protect both the ceramic body and glaze.

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Cutlery Marks

Grey or dark lines may occasionally appear on ceramic plates or bowls. These are not always scratches.

Because many ceramic glazes are harder than stainless-steel cutlery, small amounts of metal may transfer from knives, forks or spoons onto the ceramic surface.

These marks may be more visible on:

• White ceramics
• Light-colored glazes
• Matte surfaces
• Satin finishes

Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning methods to remove them. Avoid steel wool and aggressive metal scouring pads.

Matte & Reactive Glazes

Matte, reactive, crystalline and artisan glazes behave differently from conventional glossy surfaces.

Depending on the glaze, they may naturally show:

• Cutlery marks
• Water marks
• Subtle staining
• Tonal differences
• Texture variation
• Differences between pieces

These characteristics are often part of the intended material expression rather than manufacturing defects.

To help preserve the finish, wash pieces promptly after use and avoid prolonged contact with strongly colored foods or liquids.

Crackle Glazes

Crackle glazing creates a deliberate network of fine lines across the glazed surface. These glaze lines are part of the intended visual character of the piece.

To care for crackle-glazed ceramics:

• Avoid prolonged soaking.
• Do not leave coffee or tea in the vessel for extended periods.
• Avoid prolonged contact with strongly staining liquids.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products.
• Allow the piece to dry thoroughly after washing.

A decorative glaze line is different from a structural crack.

If a crack extends into the ceramic body, can be physically felt through the structure or appears to compromise the integrity of the piece, discontinue use for hot food or beverages.

Natural Variation

Ceramics are shaped by material, glaze and fire.

Small variations may naturally occur between individual pieces, including differences in:

• Glaze tone
• Surface texture
• Pattern
• Crystallization
• Dimensions
• Shape
• Decorative placement

Reactive and artisan glazing processes may result in more noticeable variation.

These differences give each piece its individual character and are not necessarily considered defects.

Stacking & Storage

Ceramics undergo shrinkage and subtle dimensional changes during firing. As a result, small differences in diameter, height and profile may occur.

When stacking:

• Place each piece down gently.
• Avoid excessive pressure.
• Do not force pieces tightly together.
• Avoid stacking too many delicate pieces.
• Use soft separators for polished or specialty-finish surfaces during long-term storage when necessary.

Chips & Cracks

Inspect your ceramics periodically.

Stop using a piece for hot food or beverages if you notice:

• A deep structural crack
• A loose or cracked handle
• Severe chipping on a drinking rim
• Sharp exposed ceramic edges
• A crack extending through the ceramic body
• Unusual sparking during microwave use
• Excessive or abnormal heating during microwave use

Small glaze variations and intentional crackle effects should not be confused with structural damage.

If you are uncertain about the condition of a KAOLENNE piece, please contact us before continuing to use it.

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Care at a Glance

A Simple Rule to Remember

However, appearance and material alone cannot confirm microwave safety.

Check the product. Follow the label.

When in doubt, do not microwave.

Need Help?

If you are unsure how to care for a specific KAOLENNE product, please refer to the care information on its product page or contact our customer care team.

We will be happy to help you find the appropriate care instructions for your piece.