Care & Cleaning
How to wash natural stone dinnerware.
Hand wash is the default. Know your stone, keep acids away, and read the label before the dishwasher.
Golden rules
- Check the label before buying
- Know your stone before washing
- Hand wash whenever possible
- Keep acids far away
Introduction
Not ordinary ceramic
Natural stone dinnerware brings a unique aesthetic to the table with its distinctive textures and rustic charm. However, it is not ordinary ceramic—it requires special care. This guide will help you understand how to properly clean and maintain your stone plates to keep them looking beautiful for years.
01
First, check the “ID card”
Can all natural stone plates go in the dishwasher?—Absolutely not.
Whether a stone plate is dishwasher-safe depends entirely on the stone type and product design. The most reliable method is to check the product label or manual for a “Dishwasher Safe” mark.
Rare cases only
Dishwasher-safe
Some dense stones, such as Soapstone, can withstand dishwasher cleaning in certain product designs.
- Examples: some Finnish Karelian Soapstone lines are labeled dishwasher-safe.
- Even then, brands often still recommend hand washing as the gentler option.
Most natural stone
Not dishwasher-safe
Slate, Marble, and Travertine plates are almost all strictly prohibited from the dishwasher.
- Fragility — water jets and collisions can chip or crack edges.
- Absorption & staining — heat and detergents drive liquids into pores.
- Chemical corrosion — acidic detergents can etch marble.
Important: many “marble-look” plates are ceramic, not natural stone. Always read the material description carefully.
02
The right way to hand wash
For most natural stone plates, gentle hand washing is the safest method.
-
Wash promptly
Clean soon after use to prevent food residue and oils from setting.
-
Warm water + mild soap
Use warm water and a gentle, pH-neutral dish soap.
-
Soft cloth or sponge
Gently wipe the surface—never scour.
-
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse all soap residue off completely with clean water.
-
Dry immediately
Pat dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
What to absolutely avoid
Acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon juice, bleach)
Etch stone surfaces, especially marble and travertine.
Abrasive cleaners or steel wool
Scratch the surface and ruin the polish.
Prolonged soaking
Water can penetrate pores, causing discoloration or cracking.
Hot water
Extreme temperature changes can cause cracking.
03
Special care by stone type
Soapstone
Dense, non-porous, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant.
Relatively low-maintenance; regular cleaning is enough. Surface scratches can be buffed with fine sandpaper.
Some products are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is still recommended.
Marble
Beautiful but delicate, with noticeable natural pores.
Keep away from acidic foods (lemon, tomato, vinegar). Minor scratches: marble polishing powder. Consider a food-grade sealer.
Acids etch — treat marble as the delicate guest.
Travertine
Highly porous structure that easily absorbs liquids.
Dry foods only — best for dry, skin-on fruits. Dark liquids like soy sauce are extremely hard to remove.
Consider professional sealing before first use.
Slate
Hard and rustic in appearance.
Do not put in the dishwasher. Do not use as a cutting board. Simply wipe with a damp cloth.
Hard does not mean dishwasher-proof.
04
Daily usage taboos
Do not
Microwave / Oven
Most natural stones cannot withstand microwave or high-temperature oven heat.
Do not
Cutting board use
Stone will dull knives; knives will scratch stone (especially soapstone).
Do not
Extremely hot food
Extreme temperature differences can cause cracking. Let hot food cool slightly before serving.
Do not
Prolonged liquids
Soups, sauces, and juices left on the surface can penetrate and stain.
05
Troubleshooting common issues
Oil stains
Use a stone-specific cleaner or apply a baking soda paste, let sit for several hours, then rinse.
Water spots / hard water marks
Wipe with diluted white vinegar (granite and soapstone only; avoid on marble and travertine), then rinse and dry immediately.
Minor scratches
Soapstone: buff with fine sandpaper. Marble: use professional polishing powder.
Loss of luster
Restore shine with food-grade stone polishing powder or specialized conditioning oil.
Closing
A little care, a longer table life
Natural stone dinnerware is one of a kind. A little extra attention rewards you with a quieter patina that deepens as the table gathers again.
Check the label before buying, know your stone before washing, hand wash whenever possible, and keep acids far away.
This article is compiled from publicly available information for educational purposes only. Always refer to the product manual for specific care instructions.