When you hear how to take care of your utensils, it may seem a little difficult, but a little bit of work is required before you use the utensils.
This will reduce the burden on you.
For customers who purchase pottery, we will include a paper with easy care instructions.
We will introduce you to the characteristics of each handmade pottery (clayware) and how to care for it so that you can use it with peace of mind for a long time.
Seal (before first use)
There are two main types of vessels: ceramics and porcelain.
For pottery with coarse soil and absorbent water, soak it in water to prevent it from getting dirty or smelly, to prevent water leakage, or to make it with starchy ingredients such as rice or potato starch.
It may be necessary to use something to block penetration or rough holes in the soil.
Many porcelain and semi-porcelain do not require sealing.
Depending on the pottery, there are also some types of glaze, clay, and fired materials that do not require sealing.
Please refer to each product page to see if a seal is required.
By the way, if an earthenware pot is not tightly sealed, it will be difficult to boil, so be sure to seal it before using it.
≪ Method of sealing ≫
1. Please wash gently before use.
2. Put the bowl in a pot, pour in the rice water until it just covers it, and boil it over low heat for about 15 minutes.
3. Let the pot cool down, remove the container, and dry it thoroughly.
Ceramics are grainy and have countless tiny holes that are invisible so they absorb water.
The viscosity of the rice water will fill in the holes, making it resistant to impacts and dirt, and less likely to attract stains or odors.
Because "konahiki" containers have high water absorption, sometimes what looks like stains may appear on the surface just by soaking them with water.
However, if you let it dry, it will disappear.
When boiling, earthenware is not hard and is often soft, so it is prone to chipping if the vessels collide with each other or are subjected to impact.
Make sure not to overlap or collide.
If you find it a little troublesome to close the eyes
We recommend the following method for easy maintenance: Just soak the rice in water or fresh water and let it soak for a while.
This seems easy to do.
We sometimes receive questions about "does it absolutely have to be used?" regarding "eye closures."
UTSUWABI, the owner, likes the way things get a little stained, change color, and change into a tasteful texture as they are used, so he seals them. I didn't.
However, I think it's better, though not absolutely.
For example, you may have bought leather shoes or a leather bag because you liked them, but then you got caught in the rain and rain stains formed on them.
At that time, it would have been a bit troublesome, but I wish I had sprayed it with waterproof spray before using it.
I'm sure you have thought that.
Just like leather products, ceramics are prone to staining when they contain moisture.
Therefore, by sealing the area in advance, like using a waterproof spray, you can reduce the possibility of stains and dirt and maintain the condition.
For items that are particularly susceptible to stains, such as powdered items, and very clean white dishes, I want to keep them in a clean condition for as long as possible.
I try to keep my eyes closed.
Before serving food
Dry vessels tend to absorb moisture, which can easily cause stains.
If you dampen the food by soaking it in running water, and then wiping it gently before serving, it will become less likely to stain.
When storing
After using the utensil, please wash it as soon as possible and dry it thoroughly.
Insufficient drying may cause mold and odors.
When storing items one on top of another, use items of the same material and shape.
This will prevent scratches.
Placing kitchen paper or Japanese paper between the two will prevent scratches and absorb moisture.
About use in microwave ovens and dishwashers
Ceramic is sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so please refrain from using it as much as possible.
Some items are OK to use. Please check each product page.
If mold grows
Especially during the rainy and humid seasons, be careful of the kitchen and cupboards as they are humid.
Mold looks like a lot of dark, vague dots.
The container itself does not have nutrients for mold, so the direct cause is food left on the container that has not been washed.
Mold is quite difficult to remove, so first of all, it is important not to let it get moldy.
The measure to prevent mold is to dry thoroughly.
Since pottery has water absorbency, even if you think the surface is dry, the absorbed moisture has not been removed.
Place the pot with the bottom side up, without overlapping it for half a day to one day, and let it dry for about a day.
In case of mold:
If it gets moldy, first wash it and try boiling to sterilize it.
If that doesn't work, soak it in diluted bleach, then rinse it thoroughly, and dry it thoroughly in the sun.
Due to water absorbency, we do not recommend using bleach except when removing mold.