USAGE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS - CERAMIC TILES

Earthenware, renowned for its delicacy and the richness of its decorative colors, can be used every day. By taking care of your pieces and knowing the best practices, it is possible to enjoy them for decades.

Earthenware is a living material, composed of a biscuit covered with glaze, which ages over the years. Like wood, it reacts to temperature differences.

It is important to avoid thermal shocks that are not tolerated by earthenware (for example: a plate just taken out of the refrigerator and washed with hot water) because they weaken the enamel.

The aging of earthenware, also known as crazing, is a change in the visual appearance of the product. These small cracks, or micro-cracks, cannot be considered a manufacturing defect. Because this phenomenon is difficult to control, it can appear quickly, after many years, or even never.

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Fridge

Earthenware can be refrigerated. To avoid thermal shock, it is recommended not to expose it to high temperatures immediately after removing it from the refrigerator.

Freezer

Earthenware should not be placed in the freezer. Defrosting would cause thermal shock.

Oven

It is not possible to use earthenware for oven cooking. We recommend our stoneware baking dishes specifically designed for this purpose.

Microwave

Microwaving is strongly discouraged for all our pieces, as the risk of thermal shock is significant. It is prohibited for pieces decorated with gold.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash

The earthenware can be washed by hand, using a regular sponge and dish soap. We recommend not using a stainless steel sponge.

The earthenware should not be soaked: the heat and moisture absorbed by the foot will eventually cause crazing.

It is not recommended to leave fatty or acidic preparations (marinades, vinaigrettes…). We recommend rinsing them under hot water after serving, so that these preparations cannot seep through the un-enameled base of stacked plates.

Dishwasher

Earthenware can be washed in the dishwasher, choosing a low temperature program, avoiding short cycles that heat up too quickly, and overly aggressive detergents.

However, using a dishwasher is strongly discouraged for items decorated with gold.

It is recommended to wipe each piece dry after washing to preserve the shine of the earthenware. Drying the base is especially important to prevent any water from seeping in.

Specific care for tea

Because tea is very staining, it's advisable to wash cups and teapots fairly quickly after use. You can use bleach water to clean tea residue.

Handling & Storage

Earthenware is susceptible to damage. It is recommended to handle the pieces delicately, avoiding bumping them against each other or against external elements (tapping your spoon on the edge of your cup, throwing your keys into a tray, etc.), which could create fragility.

It is not recommended to use ceramic cutlery, which can mark and damage earthenware pieces.

It is advisable to place a piece of soft fabric, or a doufline, between each plate to protect the enamel from micro-scratches that could be caused during storage.

USAGE AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS - OTHER PRODUCTS

Textiles

• Machine wash at 40°C, preferably use a special colour detergent.
• Tumble dryer allowed, but with a moderate program.
• Money laundering prohibited.
• Ironing is permitted, at a moderate temperature and on the reverse side to preserve the longevity of the fabrics.
• Dry cleaning permitted.

Acrylic trays

• No immersion in water.
• Dishwasher not allowed.
• Clean only with a non-abrasive, damp sponge and non-abrasive soap.

Laminated wood coasters

• No immersion in water.
• Dishwasher not allowed.
• Clean only with a non-abrasive, damp sponge and non-abrasive soap.

Stoneware baking dishes

• Oven safe.
• Avoid thermal shock (e.g., placing a dish straight from the oven on a cold marble work surface).
• Dishwasher safe, can be soaked in water for stubborn stains.
• Handle the dishes carefully to avoid chipping them.

Glasses and carafes

• Dishwasher not allowed.

Lighting fixtures

• Place on a flat surface to prevent tipping.
• Do not install in a humid environment (e.g., bathroom), or outdoors.
• Turn off the power supply before any intervention or bulb replacement.
• Hand wash with a soft sponge and non-abrasive dishwashing liquid.
• Dry on a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Dishwasher prohibited.

SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

Thanks to our glazing techniques and the presence of feldspar in our clay, our earthenware is more resistant than traditional earthenware. It is therefore suitable for use in restoration, provided it is cared for properly.

Washing instructions

• Hand washing does not require the use of any special products.
• Professional machine washing is possible, provided that the dosage of detergents and rinse aids, as well as the machine settings, are checked in consultation with your supplier. Very short cycles, often at higher temperatures, can pose a risk due to potential thermal shock.
• Earthenware can be damaged by acidic preparations such as salad dressing, lemon juice, certain fruits, or sauces. After serving, be sure to quickly remove any food residue under hot water. Soaking is not recommended. If stains appear on the unglazed base, cleaning with a mild bleach solution is also possible.
• It is advisable to wash teapots and teacups promptly after use to prevent tannin buildup. If necessary, cleaning with bleach is also possible.

Food warmer

• The plates can be kept warm using a plate warmer or a heat lamp, taking care to avoid thermal shock. It is recommended to bring the plates to room temperature before placing them on the heat source (do not exceed 50°C to 60°C).
• Avoid any direct contact between the earthenware and the heat, favouring indirect diffusion.

Handling

• To prolong the life of your pieces, handle them carefully: transport them in small quantities, avoiding shocks and friction, especially when stacking and washing them. It is best to store them in stacks of about twenty, placing a piece of soft cloth or a duffel bag between each plate.
• The use of ceramic cutlery or utensils with earthenware is not recommended. Some materials may leave grey marks on the surface of the glaze, which can be removed with bleach.