How to Clean and Care for Stoneware Bowls
By Gibson Homewares | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the right way to clean and maintain stoneware bowls so they last for years. Includes tips for reactive glazes, dishwasher safety, and everyday use.
Quick answer
To keep stoneware bowls looking their best, wash them with mild detergent and avoid thermal shock. Most are dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends the finish, especially on reactive glaze pieces.
Why stoneware needs special care
Stoneware is fired at high temperatures, making it durable and chip-resistant, but it is still porous. The reactive glaze that gives many bowls their unique two-tone look is a surface finish, not a protective coating. This means acidic foods or harsh scrubbing can dull the glaze over time.
The dishwasher dilemma
Most stoneware bowls, including the Gibson Elite Port Gaia and Beckett sets, are labeled dishwasher safe. However, the high heat and strong detergents in a dishwasher can gradually wear down reactive glazes. For everyday use, the dishwasher is fine; for prized pieces, hand washing is gentler.
Step-by-step care routine
- 1. Rinse immediately after use: Rinse bowls with warm water as soon as you finish eating. This prevents food from drying and sticking, which can stain the porous stoneware. Don't let food dry on the bowl; it makes cleaning harder and can leave marks.
- 2. Hand wash with mild soap: Use a soft sponge and a mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive pads or steel wool. For bowls with reactive glazes, this is the safest method to keep the finish intact. Even if the label says dishwasher safe, hand washing extends the life of the glaze.
- 3. Avoid thermal shock: Never put a hot stoneware bowl directly into cold water, and do not place a cold bowl into a hot oven. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking. Let bowls cool to room temperature before washing or refrigerating.
- 4. Dry thoroughly before stacking: After washing, dry bowls completely with a soft towel. Stoneware is porous, so moisture trapped between stacked bowls can lead to mold or mildew. Stack only when fully dry, and consider placing a paper towel between bowls for extra protection.
- 5. Store in a stable environment: Keep stoneware bowls in a dry cabinet away from direct heat sources like radiators or stoves. Extreme humidity or heat can weaken the glaze over time. A consistent room-temperature environment is best for long-term storage.
Products that make care easier
- Gibson Elite - Made in Portugal - Port Gaia 4 Piece Cereal Bowl Set, 6.2” Stoneware Bowls, Reactive Glaze Finish, Soup, Dessert & Snack Bowls, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe: Made in Portugal with a reactive glaze finish that creates a warm two-tone palette. The reactive glaze is beautiful but can fade if exposed to harsh dishwasher detergents; hand washing helps preserve the color contrast.
Gibson Elite - Made in Portugal - Port Gaia 4 Piece Cereal Bowl Set, 6.2” Stoneware Bowls, Reactive Glaze Finish, Soup, Dessert & Snack Bowls, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe - Gibson Elite Beckett 4-Piece Dinner Bowl Set – Reactive Glaze Stoneware – Shallow Pasta Bowls – Wide-Rim Round Design – Microwave & Dishwasher Safe: Features a reactive glaze finish with subtle flecks, making each piece a functional work of art. The flecks are part of the glaze, not a defect; avoid abrasive sponges that could scratch the surface.
Gibson Elite Beckett 4-Piece Dinner Bowl Set – Reactive Glaze Stoneware – Shallow Pasta Bowls – Wide-Rim Round Design – Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
