How to Clean and Care for Resin Homewares

Resin is one of the materials I return to because it holds shape, color, and softness in such a beautiful way. It can feel sculptural, but it can also be used every day. That balance is what I love most.

The pieces are meant to be lived with. A bowl should be able to hold fruit on the counter, sit in the middle of a table, or become part of a small ritual at the end of the day. A tray should move from the kitchen to the bath to the bedside without feeling too precious.

This guide is meant as the more detailed, everyday version of our care advice, especially for questions like how to clean resin, how to remove marks, and what to avoid. For the main care hub, you can also visit our materials and care page.

Start with the full Materials + Care guide for the core care instructions, then use this post for more specific resin care questions.

Quick resin care guide

·       Hand wash with mild soap and warm water.

·       Use a soft sponge or cloth.

·       Dry with a soft towel after washing.

·       Avoid dishwashers, harsh cleaners, abrasive scrubbers, high heat, and prolonged direct sun.

·       Wash soon after serving strongly colored foods like berries, turmeric, tomato sauce, red wine, or coffee.

What makes resin different from ceramics and glass

Resin has a warmer feeling than glass or ceramic. It has a softness to the touch, and because each piece is handcrafted, the surface may have slight variations that make it feel alive.

Unlike ceramic or glass, resin does not love extreme heat, harsh scrubbing, or abrasive cleaners. It is durable, but it prefers gentle care. I think of it the way I think of many handmade things: use it often, clean it simply, and do not treat it like something made for industrial dishwashing or high heat.

Everyday cleaning: what's safe, what isn't

For everyday cleaning, hand wash your resin piece with mild soap and warm water. Use a soft sponge or cloth, then dry it with a soft towel. That is usually all it needs.

Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, gritty cleaners, bleach, ammonia, and strong chemical sprays. These can dull the surface or create fine scratches over time. Even if a mark does not show immediately, abrasive cleaning can slowly change the finish.

For trays, bowls, cups, plates, and serveware, I like to clean them soon after use, especially if they have held anything oily, acidic, or deeply colored. A quick wash is easier than letting food sit for hours.

These pieces are made to be used with food, not kept on a shelf. I use our pieces for fruit, salads, snacks, desserts, and small bites because they are made for that kind of everyday serving.

Safe vs. avoid

 

How to remove stains from resin

Most marks can be removed with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. For a stubborn spot, let the piece soak briefly in warm soapy water, then wipe gently.

If you are dealing with something more colorful, wash the piece as soon as you can. Highly pigmented foods can leave marks if they sit too long on the surface.

For light surface marks, you can try a paste of baking soda and water, but use it gently. Do not scrub hard. The goal is to lift the mark, not polish the piece aggressively.

Heat, sun, and dishwashers: what damages resin

Do not put resin in the oven, microwave, or near an open flame. Avoid placing very hot pans, boiling water, or hot serving dishes directly onto resin. If you are serving warm food, let it cool slightly first or use the piece for room-temperature presentation.

Direct sun can also affect resin over time. A little sunlight in a room is fine, but long exposure in a bright window or outdoors can shift the color or finish. If you use your pieces outside for entertaining, bring them back in afterward instead of leaving them in the sun.

For dishwashers, I always recommend hand washing as the gentlest option. Dishwashers use heat, pressure, and detergents that can be harder on handmade resin over time.

Long-term care and storage

Store resin pieces where they will not rub against rough surfaces. If you stack bowls or plates, place a soft cloth, paper towel, or thin protective layer between them.

Try not to store heavy items on top of more delicate forms. Resin has strength, but sculptural shapes deserve a little breathing room. For trays and larger pieces, store them flat when possible. If you lean them upright, make sure they are secure and not under pressure.

A note from Tina's studio

In the studio, we handle each piece many times before it leaves us. It is shaped, finished, checked, and touched by hand. That process is why I always hope the care feels simple rather than intimidating.

These objects are meant to become part of your home. Use the bowl for fruit. Bring out the tray when friends come over. Put a small dish by the sink for jewelry. Set a cup on your desk with flowers or spoons or whatever makes the day feel a little better.

Care should not make the piece feel distant. It should help it stay with you.

FAQs

Can resin go in the dishwasher?

I recommend hand washing. Dishwashers use heat, pressure, and detergent that can be too harsh for handmade resin over time.

Can resin be used with food?

Yes. These pieces are made for serving and everyday use with food. I like them for fruit, salads, snacks, desserts, and small bites.

How do you remove stains from resin?

Start with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. For light marks, a gentle baking soda and water paste can help, but avoid hard scrubbing.

Can resin sit in the sun?

A little sun in a room is fine, but long exposure to direct sun can affect the color or finish. Bring outdoor pieces back inside after use.

Can you serve hot food in resin?

Warm or room-temperature food is best. Do not place very hot cookware, boiling water, or oven-hot food directly onto resin.

Keep exploring

For core product care, visit Materials + Care. To browse serving pieces made for everyday use, explore the Dine collection.