How to Remove Clay From Clothing

The Golden Rule is Zero Water

You know the drill: you sit down at the wheel, lose yourself in the process, and before you realize it, you’re covered in clay including your favorite shirt or pants. The typical knee-jerk reaction is to grab a damp cloth or rush to the sink and start scrubbing under running water. Stop right there. That is the single most destructive thing you can do.

Let’s look at how to save your clothes without frustration or ruining your washing machine.

Why Water is Your Enemy

Water continuously reactivates ceramic clay. If you try to wipe away a wet spot, you aren't cleaning it; you are driving the clay particles deeper into the fabric's fibers. Once you’ve "massaged" the clay into the weave, getting it out becomes nearly impossible.

The Right Approach: The Magic of Complete Desiccation

The secret to clean clothes is surprisingly simple and requires only one thing: patience.

1. Let it dry completely Let the clay on your clothing dry until it is rock-hard. Simply hang the garment up and forget about it until the next day.

2. Scrape and brush Once the clay is bone-dry, rub the fabric between your hands. The clay will flake off as dry dust. You can use a soft, dry brush to help remove the residue. All that will remain of the original mess is a faint smudge.

3. Machine wash Only after this pre-treatment should you toss the garment into the washing machine and run your regular cycle. You’ll find the stain is completely gone.

From the Relyef Studio: How We Handle It

To be frank, I’m not a big fan of aprons. I work in the studio wearing the most basic clothes I have. When I get dirty, I don’t stress. I let it dry, flake it off, and wash it.

Tip: Be mindful of the clay color. White and light-colored bodies wash out clean almost every time. However, if you work with high-iron or heavily pigmented clays (especially red earthenware), these stain intensely and are very difficult to remove. For those, stick to old rags you don't mind ruining, or wear an apron.

Heading to a Workshop? Wear an Apron.

If you are visiting a ceramic studio for a one-time experience, you might not have a professional potter's apron, but a set of older clothes will always do. For those of you spending significant time at the wheel, an apron is a vital piece of kit.

Not all aprons are created equal. A standard kitchen apron protects your chest, but once you sit at the wheel, your legs are left exposed. That is why we recommend a specialized potter's apron. These are split down the middle (divided), providing individual coverage for each leg while you sit astride the wheel.

Enjoy your making, and remember: getting dirty is part of the craft. You just need to know how to handle it.