How to Care for Ceramic Vases — And How to Check If They Are Watertight

Ceramic vases are one of the most enduring and versatile decorative objects in any home or commercial space. From sculptural statement pieces to understated bud vases, ceramics bring texture, warmth, and artisan character to a room like few other materials can. But ceramic is also a material that rewards a little care and attention — and knowing whether your vase is watertight before filling it with fresh flowers can save you from a very unwelcome surprise.

This guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and protecting your ceramic vases — plus a simple, foolproof method for testing whether your piece is watertight.

Understanding Ceramic — Why Care Matters

Not all ceramics are the same. The term covers a broad family of fired clay materials — from earthenware and stoneware through to porcelain — and each has different levels of porosity, durability, and sensitivity to water and cleaning products.

• Earthenware — fired at lower temperatures, making it more porous and more prone to absorbing water. Often features a glaze to seal the surface, but the base and any unglazed areas remain porous.
• Stoneware — fired at higher temperatures, producing a denser, less porous body. More durable and naturally more water-resistant than earthenware.
• Porcelain — the most refined and least porous of the ceramics. Fired at very high temperatures, producing a smooth, hard, translucent body that is highly water-resistant when glazed.

Understanding which type of ceramic your vase is made from will help you care for it correctly — and determine whether it is safe to use with water and fresh flowers.

How to Check If Your Ceramic Vase Is Watertight

This is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps before using a decorative ceramic vase with fresh flowers or water. A vase that is not fully watertight can seep moisture slowly onto surfaces, causing water damage, staining, and in some cases mould.

The simple watertight test — step by step

1. Place the vase on a dry surface — use a clean, dry piece of paper or a white cloth underneath the vase so any moisture seepage is immediately visible.
2. Fill the vase with water — fill it to the level you would normally use it, whether that is full or partially filled.
3. Wait 30 to 60 minutes — leave the vase undisturbed on the dry surface. Do not move it during this time.
4. Check the paper or cloth underneath — if there is any moisture, dampness, or water marks on the surface beneath the vase, it is seeping and is not fully watertight.
5. Check the exterior of the vase — run your hand around the outside of the vase, particularly near the base, to feel for any cool or damp patches that could indicate seepage through the ceramic body.

If your vase passes the test with no moisture visible after 60 minutes, it is safe to use with water and fresh flowers.

What to do if your ceramic vase is not watertight

A vase that seeps is not necessarily unusable — it simply needs a little attention before you fill it with water. Here are your options:

• Use a glass or plastic liner insert — place a smaller glass vessel or a purpose-made liner inside the ceramic vase to hold the water. This is the simplest and most effective solution and does not alter the vase in any way.
• Seal the interior with a food-safe ceramic sealant — a clear, food-safe waterproofing sealant or ceramic glaze sealer can be applied to the interior of the vase. Apply in a well-ventilated area, allow to cure fully as per the product instructions, and retest before use.
• Use the vase for dried or artificial florals only — if the seepage is significant, the vase may be better suited to a purely decorative role with dried flowers, artificial stems, or sculptural objects rather than fresh cut flowers.

Everyday Cleaning — How to Clean a Ceramic Vase

Regular, gentle cleaning keeps ceramic vases looking their best and prevents mineral deposits, watermarks, and residue from building up over time.

For glazed ceramic vases

• Rinse with warm water after each use if the vase has held fresh flowers — floral stems and water can leave residue and bacteria inside the vase.
• Wash with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap using a soft cloth or sponge — never abrasive scourers, which can scratch the glaze.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and dry with a soft cloth immediately to prevent water spots.
• For decorative vases used without water, dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth or a soft brush to prevent buildup in any textured or relief surfaces.

For unglazed or matte ceramic vases

• Unglazed ceramics are more porous and absorb moisture more readily — avoid soaking or submerging in water.
• Wipe with a slightly damp cloth only and dry immediately and thoroughly.
• Do not use soap or detergent on unglazed surfaces — it can absorb into the clay body and be difficult to rinse out fully, potentially affecting the appearance over time.
• A dry or barely damp soft brush is ideal for removing dust from textured, unglazed surfaces.

How to remove water marks and mineral deposits from ceramic vases

If you notice a white, chalky residue on the interior of your vase — this is mineral deposit left behind by tap water, particularly in hard water areas. To remove it:

• Fill the vase with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water and leave to soak for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Use a soft bottle brush to gently scrub the interior, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• For stubborn deposits, repeat the process or leave the vinegar solution to sit overnight before scrubbing.
• Always rinse thoroughly after using vinegar and dry completely before storing or using again.

How to remove stains from ceramic vases

• General staining — a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water applied to the stained area, left for 15 to 20 minutes, and then gently scrubbed and rinsed is effective for most light staining.
• Flower stem staining (green or brown residue) — soak in warm water with a small amount of mild bleach for glazed vases only, then rinse extremely thoroughly. Never use bleach on unglazed ceramics.
• Exterior stains on glazed surfaces — a lightly dampened cloth with a small amount of mild soap and gentle circular rubbing is usually sufficient. Rinse and dry immediately.

Protecting Your Ceramic Vases — Long-Term Care Tips

• Always use a protective base — place felt pads or a protective mat under ceramic vases to prevent scratching surfaces beneath and to protect any unglazed base from absorbing moisture from surfaces.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes — moving a ceramic vase directly from a cold environment to a very warm one (or vice versa) can cause thermal shock, which in extreme cases can cause cracking. Allow ceramics to adjust to room temperature gradually.
• Keep out of direct sunlight — prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause some glazes and hand-painted finishes to fade over time. Display in indirect light where possible.
• Handle with care — always lift ceramic vases from the base, never from the neck or rim, which are the most structurally vulnerable points.
• Store carefully — when storing ceramic vases, wrap in soft cloth or tissue paper and avoid stacking pieces directly on top of each other, which can cause chipping.
• Change the water regularly — if using with fresh flowers, change the water every two to three days to prevent bacterial buildup, which can stain the interior and cause odour.

When to Seek Professional Restoration

Minor chips and hairline cracks in ceramic vases are common and, in many cases, can be repaired at home with ceramic adhesive for decorative pieces not intended for water use. However, significant damage — large cracks, broken sections, or damage to a valuable or antique piece — is best addressed by a professional ceramics restorer, who can repair, reglaze, and match finishes with skill and precision.

If a vase develops a hairline crack, it should no longer be used with water until the crack is assessed and repaired — even a hairline crack can allow seepage and can widen over time.

Using Ceramic Vases for Dried and Artificial Florals

Not every beautiful ceramic vase needs to hold water. Many of the most striking decorative ceramic pieces are best suited to dried botanicals, artificial stems, or purely sculptural use — and this is where a vase that is not fully watertight comes into its own.

Dried pampas grass, preserved eucalyptus, cotton stems, and quality artificial florals all work beautifully in ceramic vessels and require zero water, no watertight testing, and minimal maintenance beyond an occasional dust.

Shop Our Ceramic Vase Collection

Explore our curated collection of ceramic vases, vessels, and decorative objects across the Florabelle Living Group portfolio — from sculptural statement pieces to refined everyday forms. Whether you are styling a residential property, a retail space, or a commercial interior, our range offers pieces that are designed to be both beautiful and enduring.

Trade accounts welcome — apply online or speak with our Business Development team today.