How to Remove Utensil Marks on Pottery

Fine gray lines on pottery, especially dinnerware, are usually metal marks from silverware or flatware utensils. Large gray skid marks on pottery are usually from metal pots and pans rubbing on the dinnerware or pottery items in the dishwasher. Metal utensil marks do not come off with soap and water. These marks take a little extra work but you can remove them with a common household cleaning product.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Cloth or sponge
• Household cleaner containing oxalic acid

Instructions

1. Place a towel in the sink to protect against breakage before you start working with good pottery or dinnerware.

2. Select a piece of dinnerware or pottery with utensil marks and wet the area of the mark with a little water.

3. Sprinkle some household cleanser on a cloth or sponge. The household cleanser must contain oxalic acid in order to work on utensil marks on pottery. Zud and Barkeeper's Friend are two products containing oxalic acid that will work to remove utensil marks. These products also work for porcelain and enamel.

4. Rub the marked area gently with the cloth or sponge using a circular motion. Let the item soak a few minutes if the utensil marks are still visible after some rubbing.

5. Rinse with clear water. If this is dinnerware used for eating, be sure to wash with soap and water before use. Throw away the sponge or cloth so it does not transfer oxalic acid to your dinner dishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Oxalic acid removes rust spots on dinnerware and pottery as well.

• Oxalic acid is a common household cleaner but take precautions not to rub your eyes or leave it on your skin for any length of time.

• You will not be able to remove deep knife cuts or gouges.

References

• New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service: Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products
• Utah State University: Making A House A Home
• Good Housekeeping: Removing Black Lines from Stoneware