1.  First of all, NEVER attempt to clean a piece that you know or suspect has repairs.  The cleaning process could cause damage to the repair, creating even a bigger problem!
	2. NEVER use bleach to clean your pottery.  If you left a cotton towel in bleach water for a few days what would happen?  The towel would simply fall apart.  The bleach would physically eat the cotton.  Cotton is a natural material.....as is the clay your pots are made out of.  If you leave pottery sit in bleach water, you will have the same results as the towel......you will RUIN your pottery!
	3.  Mild dishwashing detergent works great for most cleanings.  If however, there is some water marks, pencil marks or deep crazing on the piece you might want to go a few steps further.
	4.  Water marks are easily removed with a 50-50 vinegar water solution.  Soak the piece for an hour our two and these water stains should disappear.  If not, try using something like CLR or Lime-A-Way.  Both of these are excellent for removing stubborn stains from calcium/phospate deposits.  Do NOT soak your piece in these chemicals.  Apply sparingly.
	5.  To remove dark crazing, Peroxide #40 (40% strength) is the safest, effective way to clean pottery.  This can be purchased at a beauty supply store.  Please note this is NOT the peroxide we all have in a brown bottle in our medicine chest.  That solution is a much weaker strength.  Be very careful when using the Peroxide #40.  It will burn your skin if it comes in contact.  We recommend you get a bucket and fill it with the solution.  Then gently add your piece to the bucket.  This is NOT an overnight process.  It will take several days to a week or two to get the full results.....but it is worth the wait!  Once your piece is clean, be sure to wash it thoroughly with regular dishwashing detergent or  let it soak for a day or too in plain water.  Dry completely!
	6.  Last but not least, what about pencil marks.  Lots of people write to us asking the easiest way to remove pencil marks.  They can be very stubborn.  Soap and water....even soaking...won't touch them!  So.....try a pencil easer!  It really does work!
	7.  Once your pottery is clean.......sit back and enjoy it!