How to Clean Japanese Lacquerware

Last Updated: October 2, 2020

Maintaining the beauty of Japanese lacquerware requires not treating lacquerware bowls like any other bowl you would put in the dishwasher. Here is how you can care for Japanese lacquerware.

Steps

1
Hand wash with warm water and a soft cloth or sponge after each use.
2
Remove any dirt with a cloth soaked in warm water.
- If the item has grease that cannot be removed with warm water alone, you can use a mild liquid, diluted detergent. Hand wash gently.
3
Drain face down.
4
Hand dry after draining with a soft towel.

Community Q&A

Question

My lacquerware has cracked due to old age. And it's drying out I think. What can I do?

Community Answer

If I were you, I would ask a professional lacquerware craftsman to fix the crack. Without a crack, I would apply a mixture of 1 tablespoon of edible vegetable oil and a drop of dish soap, rinse the lacquerware with water, and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. This is the right care I learned from a professional lacquerware craftsman.
Question

How can I bring back the shine on my Japanese lacquered ornament after I smeared it with a damp cloth?

Community Answer

Try steaming your Japanese lacquered ornament. Then, let it dry. It should be shiny afterward.

Warnings

Please pay enough attention to the corner.

Thanks!
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Mouse harm: Should be accommodated to completely remove the smell of food.

Thanks!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Never clean lacquerware with a:
- Dishwasher
- Boiling or very hot water - hot temperatures will weaken the lacquerware
- Leaving it soaking in water - Water will absorb into the lacquerware and weaken it.
- Steel wool, a wire brush, anything metal or similar - This will scratch the lacquerware
- Dryer
Thanks!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0