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Best Way to Store a Pottery Wheel at Home: A Complete Guide
Jul
Meta title: Best Way to Store a Pottery Wheel at Home | The Kiln Shop
Meta description: Learn the best way to store a pottery wheel at home. Protect the motor, prevent rust, and extend its life with these simple storage steps.
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A pottery wheel is a serious investment, and how you store it between sessions affects how long it lasts. Moisture, dust, and clay residue cause more damage to home pottery wheels than daily use ever does. The good news is that proper storage takes only a few minutes after each session.
This guide covers the best way to store a pottery wheel at home, whether you work in a spare room, a garage, or a shed. You’ll learn how to clean it, where to place it, and how to protect the motor so it keeps running smoothly for years.
Why Proper Pottery Wheel Storage Matters
Clay and water are hard on machinery. Splash pans trap moisture against metal parts, clay dust works into bearings, and sudden temperature swings warp wooden bats and stress electrical components. None of this happens overnight. It builds up slowly, and most potters only notice the damage once the wheel starts to wobble, stick, or run unevenly.
Good storage habits prevent three main problems: rust on metal parts, moisture damage to the motor, and dust buildup in moving components. Each one is preventable with a short routine, and each one is expensive to fix once it sets in.
Choosing the Right Spot to Store Your Pottery Wheel
Indoor Storage
A spare room, dedicated studio corner, or basement gives you the most control over temperature and humidity. Keep the wheel away from direct sunlight, radiators, and exterior walls that stay damp in winter. A stable, dry, moderate-temperature room is ideal for both electric and kick wheels.
Garage or Shed Storage
Garages and sheds work well if they stay dry and don’t flood with temperature swings. Insulate the space if possible, and never place the wheel directly on a concrete floor. Concrete draws up moisture, even when it looks dry. A wooden pallet, rubber mat, or shelf keeps the base off the ground and away from that moisture.
Can You Store a Pottery Wheel Outside?
You can keep a pottery wheel outside if it stays in a dry, covered area that’s protected from rain, humidity, and direct sunlight, though electric wheels need extra care because of their sensitive components. If outdoor storage is your only option, a fully enclosed cabinet or shed is safer than a simple tarp. Kick wheels tolerate outdoor conditions better than electric wheels since they have no motor or circuit board, though their metal bearings still need regular lubrication to avoid rust.
How to Prepare Your Pottery Wheel for Storage
Clean the wheel after every session, not just before long-term storage. A quick routine keeps clay from hardening into hard-to-reach spots.
- Wipe down the wheel head, splash pan, and tray with a damp sponge while the clay is still soft.
- Remove standing water from the splash pan. Pooled water is one of the biggest causes of rust on metal trays.
- Wipe the frame and legs to remove dust and clay residue.
- Dry all surfaces fully with a clean cloth before covering the wheel.
- Check for loose bolts, bats, or attachments and store them separately in a dry container.
Skipping the drying step is the most common mistake. Sealing moisture in under a cover speeds up rust rather than preventing it.
Protecting the Motor and Electrical Components
The motor is the most expensive part to replace, so it deserves the most attention. Keep water away from the motor housing at all times, even during cleaning. Never spray or hose down an electric wheel.
Unplug the wheel when it’s not in use, and check the power cord and pedal for cracks or fraying every few months. If you store the wheel in a garage or shed, use a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing packs nearby during humid seasons. Damp air reaches the motor even when the wheel looks dry on the outside.
Covering Your Pottery Wheel Correctly
A breathable, fitted cover is the best way to protect a pottery wheel between uses. Avoid plastic sheeting or tightly sealed tarps, since these trap condensation against the metal and encourage rust rather than preventing it. A canvas or fabric cover allows air to circulate while still keeping dust off the wheel head and motor housing.
If you don’t have a dedicated cover, a breathable furniture cover or fitted cloth works as a temporary solution. Just make sure the wheel is completely dry before you cover it.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Storage Tips
Short-term (daily or weekly use):
- Wipe down and dry the wheel after each session
- Loosely cover the wheel head and splash pan
- Leave it unplugged between uses
Long-term (weeks or months of storage):
- Deep clean every surface, including the underside of the splash pan
- Remove the bat and any attachments
- Apply a light coat of machine oil to exposed metal bearings on kick wheels
- Use a full-coverage breathable cover
- Store in a climate-stable room, away from exterior walls
- Check on the wheel periodically for signs of moisture or pests
Common Pottery Wheel Storage Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing it wet. Even a small amount of trapped water speeds up rust and mildew.
- Using a non-breathable cover. Plastic traps condensation instead of blocking it.
- Placing it directly on concrete. Concrete floors hold moisture that transfers into the base.
- Ignoring the power cord. Cracked or brittle cords are a fire risk and are easy to miss during a quick wipe-down.
- Leaving clay in the splash pan. Dried clay is harder to remove and can clog drainage over time.
FAQ: Storing a Pottery Wheel at Home
What is the best way to store a pottery wheel at home?
Clean and dry the wheel after each use, keep it off concrete floors, and cover it with a breathable fabric cover in a room with stable temperature and low humidity.
Can I store my pottery wheel in the garage?
Yes, as long as the garage stays dry and doesn’t experience extreme temperature swings. Keep the wheel off the concrete floor and use a dehumidifier during humid months.
Should I cover my pottery wheel when it’s not in use?
Yes. A breathable cover protects the wheel head and motor from dust without trapping moisture, which a plastic or sealed cover would do.
How often should I clean my pottery wheel?
Wipe it down after every session, and do a deeper clean, including the splash pan and bolts, at least once a month or before any extended storage period.
Can a pottery wheel be stored outside?
It’s possible if the wheel stays in a dry, covered, and enclosed space, but electric wheels are more vulnerable to moisture damage than kick wheels and need extra protection.
Storing a pottery wheel correctly takes a few extra minutes, but it protects the investment you’ve made in your craft. A dry, ventilated spot, a quick wipe-down after every session, and a breathable cover will keep your wheel running smoothly for years.
Looking for a wheel cover, splash pan, or replacement parts? Browse The Kiln Shop’s pottery wheel accessories to keep your setup protected year-round.
