the modern pottery studio

CHILL ~ BLACK AND WHITE

Complementary forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts

The Chill ~ BLACK AND WHITE is a ceramic pipe handmade from the Ben Medansky studio in downtown Los Angeles.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Heath Dinnerware

Heath Ceramics pieces are the result of thoughtful design and top-notch local manufacturing, plus a little bit of love from everyone on our team. But it’s not just in the making: Heath dinnerware and accessories can use a little extra TLC once you bring them home too. We sat down with our smart and super-friendly Customer Service team—Tressa, Vanessa, and Sibyl—to talk through the ins and outs of how best to keep them looking fresh and clean.

Photo by Renee Zellweger

What’s the biggest piece of advice you give to customers about how to care for their Heath dinnerware?

Heath products are uniquely durable—but they are ceramics after all, so they’re not completely indestructible. Even with our strong clay body and unique firing techniques, pieces can still break if dropped or knocked against a hard surface. In fact, ceramics are a lot like our own bodies: they can resist a lot, but bump them the wrong way or expose them to the wrong elements, and things can get broken or bruised.

Overall, it’s important to remember that Heath pieces require care. Our products are not high-maintenance, but being thoughtful about how you wash, handle, and use them plays a big role in extending their lives. In fact, we regularly hear from customers who have cherished pieces for decades!

What should customers understand about clay, glaze, and the processes of making and maintaining ceramics?

Just as there’s an art to making ceramics, there’s also quite a bit of science behind it as well. There are a number of factors that affect quality and appearance, ranging from the type of clay that’s used, the chemistry of the glaze, and even where a piece sits inside the kiln as it’s being fired. Our clay body has stood the test of time, as it’s the same formulation that Edith Heath first created in the 1940s. And many of our most popular and classic glazes like Opaque White and Moonstone also date back decades, though we reevaluated and reformulated all of our glazes just over a decade ago to keep up with current regulations.

But the physics and chemistry don’t stop in the factory. Things like the acid levels in your dishwashing detergent or minerals in your water can affect the appearance of glazes over time. Similarly, just because a piece is fired at high temperatures doesn’t mean it can easily withstand oven temperatures in everyday use.

What are some tips for dish washing to help give Heath pieces a little extra tender loving care?

If you’re using a dishwasher, the most important thing is to choose the right detergent: you should look for something that’s non-abrasive and low in citric acid (often used in citrus-scented soaps), which can cause unnecessary wear on some of our glazes. Unfortunately, many of the popular consumer brands, like Cascade and Lemi Shine, fall into this category. We recommend either Seventh Generation or Planet Dishwasher Detergent, both of which also happen to be eco-friendly.

Of course, it’s also important to use common sense when loading your dishwasher: rinse first and make sure not to overload and avoid having plates touch! You may also want to wash on a gentle or China cycle for a shorter wash time, less intense pressure, and lower heat. These small considerations can make a big difference.

What about heat? Can Heath dishes go in the microwave and oven?

Yes! But, but it’s best to heat things slowly and in moderation to avoid heat shock. Keep in mind that Heath products are generally meant to be used for serving—not cooking—so we recommend putting them in the oven on your “warm” setting or at low temperatures for slow, even warming. (It’s also not a bad idea to put them in right after you turn your oven on so they can warm up with it.)

Same goes for the microwave: it’s probably best not to cook a whole meal in there, but rather to warm up leftovers for a minute or two. Try not to put super cold food directly in the microwave, and evenly disperse foods so they warm up evenly.

Do Heath dishes ever get scratched or stained?

Both can occur, but we’ve got solutions! For scratches from flatware, we recommend hand-washing occasionally with Bar Keepers Friend, which we sell online and in our stores. Fun fact: interestingly, flatware marks actually sit on top of the glaze rather than cut into it. That’s right: the ceramics are actually stronger than the soft metal in the flatware, which causes forks and knives to occasionally leave a superficial residue—not the other way around.

Staining sometimes occurs if food is stored too long in Heath products—we’ve all left berries in a bowl or a tea bag in a mug a bit too long. Again, it’s an issue of chemistry, where the acid from the food can stain the piece, especially as the food breaks down. It’s best to remember that Heath pieces are for serving—not storage—but if you do find yourself in this situation, we recommend washing with 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, then rinse thoroughly.

What’s the best way to care for Heath Home products?

We take pride in the quality our Heath Home products—glassware, flatware, boards, linens, and beyond—all of which are produced by companies that share our values in creating well-designed and well-manufactured goods. Most products come with care instructions directly from the maker, and also feature quick tips in the descriptions on our website. When in doubt, take a gentle approach to cleaning and handling.

How do customers get in touch with Customer Service?

We’re here seven days a week to answer your questions by phone or email (or feel free to stop by one of our stores). If you’re having an issue with one of our products, it’s best to send us your purchase details and a description of the issue, with photos if possible. Of course, we cover any manufacturing defects, and do our best to resolve any issues quickly and painlessly.