I want to clear up a very common misconception: the idea that using a "gentle" or "Eco" cycle will protect your precious metal finishes. While your standard glazes will likely be perfectly fine in these settings, overglaze lusters are a different story. In the comparison photo above, the mug on the left was put through a dishwasher on an Eco-wash setting (under 50°C). Even at this lower temperature, the results after 100 cycles are undeniable. The lustre is no longer shining bright; it is visibly fading and dulling due to the harsh detergents being used. In contrast, on the right, you see the mug that has only been hand-washed, its still shinning bright and beautiful capturing reflections. In my experience, hand-washing is often just as quick as loading a dishwasher. Rinsing your mug under the tap right after use is a simple, five-second habit that protects your lovely pottery. I understand that many people rely heavily on their dishwashers for convenience, but when it comes to handmade pottery with 8% solid 24-karat gold, the trade-off isn't worth it. Here is a quick graph of the Why not to put your beautiful mug in
A Question of Longevity: "But Is It Possible Right?"
When people invest in my higher-end pieces with gold detailing, the first question they often ask me is: "Is this dishwasher safe? My honest answer is always this. Technically, everything is dishwasher safe—but it isn't "dishwasher permanent." and that this is the point of this blog. You can see the comparison images above. While the mug won't break and the base glaze will remain intact, the 24-karat gold lustre will inevitably fade over time. I always use this comparison: You wouldn't put your fine gold jewelry in the dishwasher to clean it. You protect it because you know it's a precious metal.
The Third Firing, temperatures and notes
Every handcrafted piece that includes 24-karat gold, any variation of gold lustre, or Mother of Pearl deserves a higher level of respect. This isn't just about the materials, it’s about the time and care involved in the creation of elevating a piece of pottery or ceramic work. As a ceramic artist, applying lustre is a meticulous process. It requires hand-painting the fine details and then sending the piece through a third specialized kiln firing. I fire my gold lusters are cone range usually 019 to 018, the temperature is between 690 degrees and 750 degrees Celsius. Mother Pearl lusters are recommended to be fired at a lower cone range usually 020 to 019,tempeture between 650 degrees and 700 degrees Celsius, to keep that delicate, rainbow-like "oil slick" effect. This extra stage of firing is what permanently bonds the precious metal to the glaze. When you choose to hand-wash, you are honoring that labor and ensuring the craftsmanship remains as vibrant as it was the moment it left the kiln. Your pottery is essentially "ceramic jewelry," and treating it with that same level of care ensures your lovely ceramic item lasts a lifetime.
Quick Care Guide for Gold-Accented Pottery
Hand-Wash Only: Use lukewarm water and a mild dish soap.
Soft Materials: Use a microfiber cloth or the soft side of a sponge. Never use steel wool.
No Microwave: Because this finish contains 8% solid gold, it is not microwave-safe. Real metal will cause arcing and can damage your appliance.
Avoid Soaking: A quick wash and dry is all it needs to stay brilliant.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, my goal is for you to enjoy your ceramics for years—even decades—to come. While a dishwasher offers speed, hand-washing offers a moment to appreciate the detail, the texture, and that brilliant 24-karat glow.
Investing in handmade work is about more than just a functional mug, it’s about bringing a piece of art into your daily routine. By following above care simple steps, you ensure that the gold stays as bright as the day it first came out of my kiln.
I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite gold-detailed piece in your collection? Leave a comment below or share your photos with me on social media—I always love seeing my work in its new home.
