This product is not designed for use in ovens or over direct flame. It is safe for use in microwave ovens.
We recommend sealing the pores when you first use the vessel. This will help prevent dirt and stains from sticking.
Please avoid using abrasives such as metal scouring pads or cleansers on painted items, as they may damage the paint.
When you purchase the product, there may be fine cracks (crazing) on the surface, and some of the products may develop cracks as you use them, but this will not affect their use.
Before use
Each time you use it, soak it in plenty of clean water and allow it to absorb enough water. This will prevent food moisture from getting in, reducing the risk of mold and dirt seeping in. When soaked in water, spots may appear. This is because the container has absorbed moisture. The spots will disappear if you dry it thoroughly.
After use
Please avoid leaving food in the container for long periods of time.
After use, immediately remove any dirt and dry thoroughly before storing.
How to seal pores
1) Place a plain, clean cloth in the bottom of a pot, place the container on top of it, and add enough stirred rice water to cover the container. (Caution: Please thoroughly clean the pot to remove any oil stains before use. Otherwise, stains and dirt may occur. Put the containers in the pot upside down. Do not put anything other than the containers in the pot. Air may get in and cause the containers to break during boiling. If you are stacking containers, place kitchen paper or a plain white dishcloth between them to prevent them from hitting each other.)
2) Bring to a boil over low to medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes without letting it boil. If you let it boil, the bottom of the pot or the dishes may collide and break, so please be careful. (Caution: Do not heat for a long time. The starch may burn. Try not to leave the product unattended while it is on the fire.)
3) After turning off the heat, leave the container on and let it cool. Once it has cooled, remove the container and wash it. (Caution: If you leave it in the pot for a long time, it will absorb more water than necessary. Remove it when it has cooled down to a temperature that will not cause burns.)
4) Wipe with a dry cloth and let it dry naturally. Although this will vary between individual items, dry thoroughly in the sun for at least a day. (Caution: Even if the item appears dry, there may still be moisture remaining. If you store the item without drying it properly, it may become moldy.)
When sealing a large container that does not fit into a pot
When sealing the pores in a large container that does not fit into a pot, prepare a container large enough to fit the container in, such as a bucket. Place the container in the container and slowly pour in the warm rice water from the edge. Once the water has cooled, wash and dry the container. If the pores do not fill in the first time, repeat the process several times.
When sealing using an induction cooker
When using an induction cooker, if you place a dish directly on the pot, a portion of the dish will heat up, which can easily cause temperature differences inside the dish. This can cause distortions and lead to damage. Please note that there are some differences between the sealing method used with an induction cooker and the method used with a gas stove.
1) Make a space between the bottom of the pot and the container. Place a plain, clean, folded white dish towel on the bottom of the pot, leaving a 1.2 inches space between the bottom of the pot and the container. Then, place the container on top of it.
2) Creating a space between the bottom of the pot and the container allows water to circulate more easily inside the pot, preventing part of the container from heating up. If you are using an induction cooker, please pay attention to the above points. Other than this, the procedure is the same as for sealing the pores when using a gas stove.