Since ceramics generally absorbs water, moisture and oil from food, and tea stains can soak through and cause stains and odors.
Glaze does not allow water to pass through, but water penetrates from a tiny pinhole on the surface and glaze cracks called cracking.
Tea stains soaked into a cracking is one of the flavours of ceramics some people like it, but if you want to prevent stains and odors as much as possible, we recommend that you use a method called Medome (seasoning) before use.
*Yakishime earthenware (unglazed), especially those with unglazed white clay parts, stains may become noticeable so please do Medome before using it.
*In some cases, moisture may ooze out on the surface of Yakishime, such as sake cup and teacup, but this can be stopped by doing Medome.
[How to Medome (seasoning)]
Use cloudy rice-wash water, or wheat flour or starch dissolved in water to season ceramics.
Add an additional handful of rice to prevent moisture seeping from the surface, or if you want a tighter seasoning.
Put cloudy rice-wash water and ceramics in a pot that is big enough to completely soak the ceramics and boil it on low heat.
(Make sure you put the ceramics in room temperature water before heating. Putting it straight into boiling water may cause damage.)
Turn the heat off after boiling for about 20 minutes (or until the rice lose shape after about an hour if you added rice).
Let it soak for about 8 hours, take out the ceramics wash thoroughly and dry well.
[For everyday use]
When using the product, soaking it in water every time before you use will make it difficult for moisture of food soaking into it, and prevent stains.
Wash it with a soft sponge and washing-up detergent and rinse well after use.
If it is a Yakishime earthenware and the surface is rough, it is best to use a soft scrubbing brush.
Do not use cleanser, hard sponge or metal scrubbing as it will damage ceramics.
Since a Yakishime earthenware as a whole absorbs water, we recommend using synthetic detergent as little as possible or using additive-free soap.
Leaving food on it for a long time or soaking it for a long time can cause stains, molds and odors.
Please wash it immediately after use, dry thoroughly, and store in a well-ventilated place.
Dishwasher and microwave oven safe with normal use.
However, due to fragile nature of ceramics, there is a possibility of damage depending on the condition and usage of the ceramics.
In the unlikely event of damage, we will not compensate for damages. Please use it at your own discretion.
*ceramics with gold or silver decorations are not microwave safe.
*Except for heat-resistant ceramics, do not use in an open flame or an oven.
[If stained or an odor remains]
○ Use kitchen oxygen bleach ○
Soak in accordance with the instructions and precautions of each manufacturer’s kitchen bleach. Then rinse thoroughly with running water and let it air dry.
○ Wash with baking soda (sodium carbonate) ○
If stained, put 1 tablespoon of baking soda on a sponge that absorbed water, and wash the stains by slowly rubbing them. If it does not come off at once, add baking soda again and rub repeatedly
○ Boil in sodium bicarbonate water ○
Put water in a pot (use cold water and not hot water), dissolve plenty of edible baking soda, soak ceramics and boil for 20-30 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let it cool in the pot. Once the water becomes warm, take the ceramics out and wash it.
If the stain does not come off at once, repeat the process several times.
Follow the baking soda manufacturer’s instructions on how to use baking soda.
The surface texture will change over time even if you use it with care. We hope you enjoy the expression of ceramics that changes as you use it.