The Care Guide

Sometimes, with beautiful homeware's comes the fear of not wanting to use them! We're guilty of this as well, but with time and the help of our fellow artisan’s we’ve become proud users of all the handmade wares we bring home.

We hope to instill a bit more confidence in anyone who is hesitating to purchase or break in their pieces with this comprehensive care guide, containing the tips and tricks we've accumulated over the years. 

General Notes

1. Avoid dishwashers, microwaves, and soaking in water for extended periods.
   If non-oily foods or substances adhere to the piece, simply rinse it under lukewarm water.
   If there are oily areas, instead of solely lukewarm water, use a mild dish detergent and a soft sponge to gently clean the piece. Rinse away all soap residue. 
   Do not use metallic scrubbing pads, harsh chemicals, or acid cleaners. They are likely to scratch and dull the piece's surface over time.
   After rinsing, fully dry the piece with a soft cloth. Leave the piece out to dry on a dish rack overnight before storing. 
   After drying thoroughly, store the piece on a shelf or in a cabinet with good airflow.
   Continued maintenance and use will deepen the piece's patina, texture, and longevity.

Glass

1. Hand-blown/furnace-made glass is not resistant to rapid changes in temperature. To avoid a break, keep the piece away from dishwashers, open flames, liquids near boiling, and drastic temperature changes. 
   Do not stack or store the piece with the weight on the lip. 
   Always be careful when using chipped or cracked glass. Not handling with care may result in injury.
   If lightly dirty, rinse the piece under lukewarm water using a soft sponge.
   If there are oily areas, instead of solely lukewarm water, use a mild dish detergent and a soft sponge to clean the piece gently. 
   After drying thoroughly, store the piece on a shelf or in a cabinet with good airflow.

Ceramic

1. Most hand-thrown ceramic wares are left with an unglazed foot. If rough to the touch, use a piece of 220 grit sandpaper to polish until smooth. 
   Refrain from sliding the piece across surfaces to help avoid scratches on furniture. 
   Ceramic pieces can be unglazed, partially glazed, and fully glazed. Each application requires a slightly different approach to caring for the piece.
   The porosity of unglazed clay bodies can retain a lot of moisture and bacteria. Avoid soaking the piece in water for extended periods, which can lead to discoloration, odor, and mold.
   It is best to wash the piece after each use. Lukewarm water and a mild detergent will do. For a hardier stain, you can use gentle cleansing products like Bon Ami.
   Wipe the piece with a soft cloth after washing, and dry on a dish rack overnight before storing.

Wood

1. Do not use metallic scrubbing pads, harsh chemicals, or acid cleaners when washing woodenware. Lukewarm water and a mild detergent will do. 
   Avoid soaking the piece in water for extended periods, as this can lead to a raised woodgrain, which is rough and unpleasant to the touch.
   If the piece comes into contact with moisture before cleaning, wipe it away with a soft cloth before it can be fully absorbed.
   Washing the piece after each use is best to avoid staining and discoloration. Lukewarm water and a mild detergent will do.
   Wipe the piece thoroughly with a soft cloth after washing, and dry on a dish rack overnight before storing. Water left on woodenware may result in a raised wood grain. 
   If the surface of your piece feels rough or dry after washing, treat the wood with a food-safe oil or wax product like walnut or mineral oil. Reapply regularly with a piece of cloth as needed.

Leather

1. Avoid setting leather in direct sunlight or soaking in liquids. Discoloration and bleaching from the sun may occur, while liquids can result in staining, discoloration, and cracking on the piece's surface. 
   For general care, use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and dirt, and condition the piece regularly.
   To condition, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a lint-free cloth and gently rub it into the leather in a thin, even coat. Let it dry for at least two hours or overnight if possible. Then, buff off any excess.
   Leather creams are suitable for aniline leathers, while natural oils like lanolin and neatsfoot can soften leather. Waxes provide more waterproofing. 
   If the leather gets wet, immediately blot it gently with a clean, dry cloth and let it air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

Urushi Lacquerware

1. Tough woodenware is suitable for hot and cold foods; avoid serving scorching items and boiling liquids in the piece. Extreme heat exposure may irreversibly cause the lacquer coating to turn milky in color.
2. Plate your food at a 'ready to eat' temperature. Warming up your vessel with lukewarm water before serving will help reduce the chances of damage.
3. Wooden items tend to retain flavors and smells, so we recommend having dedicated pieces for specific uses.
4. To protect the lacquer surface, avoid the use of metal utensils.
5. Do not put the piece in the dishwasher, fridge, freezer, or microwave.
6. Avoid soaking your urushi piece in water for prolonged periods. 
7. Wash your piece in lukewarm water, only using a small amount of mild detergent if needed.
8. Do not use metallic scrubbing pads. They will cause the urushi to scratch and eventually peel.
9. Wipe it dry with a soft cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly on a dish rack overnight before storing. 
10. When not in use, store the piece in a controlled climate without rapid changes in temperature, humidity, and dryness.

Soft Metals (Copper, Silver, Brass, Tick, Aluminum and Nickel)

1. If the piece comes into contact with moisture before cleaning, wipe it away with a soft cloth. Long-term exposure to moisture or storing food inside for extended periods may result in the darkening of the piece.
2. Specialized cleaners or polishing cloth can help restore the original shine on un-lacquered metals.
3. If lightly dirty, rinse the piece under lukewarm water using a soft sponge.
4. If there are oily areas, instead of solely lukewarm water, use a mild dish detergent and a soft sponge to gently clean the piece. For a natural cleaning solution, try acidic liquids such as lemon juice or half a glass of vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of salt.
5. Do not use metallic scrubbing pads or knives directly on the metal piece, as this could result in unnecessary scratching and dulling of the surface. 
6. After rinsing, fully dry the piece with a soft cloth. Leave the piece out to dry on a dish rack overnight before storing.
7. Note: Unlike Copper, which is easily eroded, the darkening of Aluminum is the result of a natural chemical occurrence formed to prevent corrosion. This form of oxidation is harmless in terms of food hygiene.