Care Guide

The beautiful items that we source from around the world are few and far between. Enjoy them and, most importantly, treat them with love.

Wood Care

Most of our wooden products are one-off or entirely handmade, so each individual piece varies slightly in appearance, which we think enhances its beauty. Most of our timber items have been sealed, however, please note that some timber (teak and other hardwoods) is porous and will mark with oils, harsh detergents, bleaches and other liquids.

For cleaning, we recommend using a warm, damp cloth, with no chemical-based or abrasive products. We suggest polishing with high-grade bees wax to prevent the wood from drying out and to maintain its appearance.

We recommend that you avoid placing hot items like mugs or serving dishes on the surface without a coaster, tablecloth or placemat underneath. This will prevent marks, stains and warping of any kind.

Please keep in mind that splits and cracks may appear in your timber furniture. This should not be seen as a flaw as these changes will not
compromise the construction or structural integrity of your piece. They will simply add to its beauty and story.

Fabric Care

Linen

Linen is a beautiful fabric and softens with every wash. To ensure the longevity of your linen products, wash your linen before first time use in a cold, gentle cycle using liquid detergent only, and leave on the line to dry.

Tumble-drying is not recommended, but if you must, avoid using a hot setting and overloading the machine. Do not bleach, iron or dry-clean your linen products, and if they happen to stain, clean immediately.

We recommend vacuuming our linen sofas on a weekly basis to remove dust and dirt. We also suggest you avoid placing linen in any form in direct sunlight as the UV will cause fading over time.

We recommend rotating your linen cushions often. Also, you can invigorate the cushion inserts (not the linen cover) by laying them out in the sun to air.

Cotton & Cotton Canvas

To ensure the longevity of your cotton products, wash in warm or cool water (never hot) to prevent shrinking and fading. Cotton fabrics (towels, bed linen, tea towels etc.) can be air dried or machine dried using a moderate to low heat. High heat will cause cotton fibres to shrink. Avoid putting thick canvas in your dryer.

We recommend vacuuming our cotton-blend sofas on a weekly basis to remove dust and dirt. We also suggest you avoid placing linen in any form in direct sunlight as the UV will cause fading over time.

We recommend rotating your cotton cushions often. Also, you can invigorate the cushion inserts (not the cotton cover) by laying them out in the sun to air.

Velvet

If you have spilled something, first blot the area gently with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Next, blot a sudsy mix of soap and water using a soft cloth. Allow to dry completely and then brush with a soft, dry brush in the direction of the fabric’s pile. Do not rub, tumble dry, iron or place in direct sunlight.

For tough stains, take your velvet to a professional cleaner for a treatment that won’t damage the pile or appearance of the fabric. We recommend rotating your velvet cushions often. Also, you can invigorate the cushion inserts (not the cotton cover) by laying them out in the sun to air.

Leather & Animal Hides

For any animal skins and furs, we recommend spot cleaning only with a soft, damp cloth with fresh water. Do not submerge in water or apply any harsh chemicals to your genuine cow or Tibetan sheepskin/lambswool hides. Allow to air dry in the shade. Never place the hides or cushions in direct sunlight as this will fade the hair or fleece over time.

Please note that any sheepskins that have been dyed may transfer colour to very light fabrics.

Rattan and Cane Care

For all of our rattan and cane items we recommend indoor use. If you wish to use your piece outside it is important to keep out of direct sunlight, out of any rain and covered from the elements to maintain its longevity and appearance.

For cleaning we recommend brushing lightly with a dry, soft bristle brush and wipe with a soft, dry cloth with no chemical-based or abrasive products. This will ensure any dirt is removed from between the rattan reed strands and cane paneling. We suggest polishing with high-grade bees wax to prevent the rattan or cane from drying out and protect its appearance.

While rattan and cane can withstand moisture to an extent, we advise that you keep your rattan and cane away from excessive moisture as it can cause the fibres to become limp and loose.

Candle Care

To ensure an even and smoke-free burn, the wick should be trimmed to a length of 3-5mm each time before lighting. We recommend trimming with a specialty wick trimmer. Extinguish with 10mm of wax remains to prevent any cracking.

In order to get the most out of your candle, burn it until the majority of the surface of the candle melts. Wax has ‘memory’ meaning it will follow the first burn. We recommend extinguishing the flame with a candle snuffer.

Never leave a burning candle unattended and always keep your candle away from children, curtains and pets. Protect your table or surface on which the candle rests using a candle base, a candle stand or simply a plate or placemat.

Marble & Stone Care

Marble

The beauty and appeal of marble is that each piece has its own unique characteristics within the surface face which can show variation in colour, tone and gradient direction. It is these raw and natural elements that create mood and interest in a space. Marble is a lifelong investment, so it needs to be cared for properly.

For cleaning, we recommend using a soft cloth and warm, distilled water. Marble is porous by nature, so we suggest avoiding direct contact with heat, liquid and abrasive cleaners and chemicals. If food or beverages are spilled onto your marble surface, try to wipe it immediately. For dry-cleaning or polishing, use a micro fibre cloth.

Also, avoid placing hot items like mugs or plates on the surface without coasters or placemats underneath.

Stone

The beauty and appeal of natural stone is that each piece has its own unique characteristics within the surface face which can show variation in colour, tone and gradient direction. It is these raw and natural elements that create mood and interest in a space.

For cleaning, we recommend using a soft, dry cloth. Stone can be porous, so we suggest avoiding direct contact with heat, liquid and abrasive cleaners and chemicals. If food or beverages are spilled onto your stone surface, try to wipe it immediately. If you choose to coat your stone (whether a rough or polished surface) with surface protection products, we recommend Lithofin, a range of mild alkaline cleaners.

Also, avoid placing hot items like mugs or plates on the surface without coasters or placemats underneath.

Quartz & Amethyst

To clean products made of quartz, amethyst or precious stone, gently wipe over with warm water with a slightly damp cloth. Ensure you dry thoroughly indoors or in the shade.

Do not submerge your quartz in water, and do not use abrasive cleaning products, harsh scouring pads and products that contain bleach. Do not put your quartz serve ware in the dishwasher or microwave. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Metal Care

Copper

Tarnishing is a natural layer of corrosion that occurs due to exposure to water and air on metals like silver, brass and copper. To tarnish at bay, you can polish every 6 months with a specialty cleaner. However, you can embrace natural patina as it will not compromise the function of your item.

Remember to gently wash with soap and water as required, using a soft cloth or sponge and allow to dry completely prior to polishing. Avoid any abrasive cleaners and stick to mild soap and water only. Copper products are not suitable for the dishwasher or microwave.

Brass

Tarnishing is a natural layer of corrosion that occurs due to exposure to water and air on metals like silver, brass and copper. To keep tarnish at bay, you can polish every 6 months with a specialty cleaner. However, you can embrace natural patina as it will not compromise the function of your item.

Gently wash your brass items with soap and water as required, using a soft cloth or sponge and allow to dry completely prior to any polishing. Avoid any abrasive cleaners and stick to mild soap and water only. Brass products are not suitable for the dishwasher or microwave.

Iron

Most of the iron products that we stock can be dry cleaned or polished with a soft, microfibre cloth. However, you can gently wash your iron items with soap and water using a soft cloth or sponge and allow them to dry completely. Avoid any abrasive cleaners and stick to mild soap and water only.

Avoid putting your iron products in the dishwasher or microwave. And, please ensure any iron lighting products are switched OFF before you begin cleaning them.

Stainless Steel

Simply clean your stainless-steel flatware with mild detergent and water. Avoid any abrasive cleaners or bleach as these can lead to clouding or scratching. Stainless steel flatware can be cleaned in your dishwasher, but we recommend prior rinse.

If your stainless-steel item has been plated in another metal, such as brass, we recommend avoiding the dishwasher entirely. For these items, gently hand wash in a mild detergent and water with a soft cloth.

Metallic Gilding

Products embellished with metallic gilding need extra care to protect their longevity and beauty and to protect yourself. One example of these products would be our Ariel mugs which are gilded in gold. Another would be our Amethyst and Quartz coasters and serving boards which are edged in silver and gold.

It is incredibly important that you not put these products in the dishwasher or microwave under any circumstances. To clean, simply wipe with water from a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Every 12 months you might consider polishing the gilded edges on these products. Always store out of direct sunlight.

Ceramics, Terracotta & Concrete Care

Ceramics

Each of the ceramic items we stock have been lovingly crafted. Always handle your ceramics with care.

For any ceramic items used for eating and drinking, we suggest washing them before use. While some ceramics can be washed into the dishwasher, however if loaded with other items there is the potential for chipping and cracking to occur. Instead, we recommend washing by hand with mild soap and water with a soft cloth. Avoid any abrasive cleaners or bleaches as this can attack the glaze and compromise the appearance of your ceramics. Any on-glaze decoration should be handled with extra care as these items are more susceptible to damage from detergents.

When serving and removing food from your ceramic dishes or plates, we recommend using a rubber scraper as opposed to metal cutlery as this can lead to marks on the glazed surface. In fact, ensure a minimum contact with all metal items.

Be aware of thermal shock; allow your pieces to cool before using them and never pour cold liquids into a hot cup. Also be aware that any ceramics with metallic gilding of any kind (for example, our Ariel Mugs or Amethyst and Quartz coasters and serving boards cannot be used in microwaves or dishwashers under any circumstances.

Terracotta

Did you know that terracotta is made from baked clay? These two materials are very similar and can be cared for as such, but it is important that you handle your clay and terracotta items with care to avoid any cracks, chips or unwanted damage.

Terracotta and clay are porous and prone to marks; however, we think this enhances their beauty because it makes each piece look well-loved and unique. Terracotta pots used for plants, for instance, absorb the minerals from soil, and over time will create a white cast or residue on the pot. This will not affect the function of your terracotta pot. However, if you prefer to remove any white residue you can do so by soaking the pot in a vinegar solution with the ratio 1:4 parts vinegar to water, after first removing the plant and brushing off any dirt with a stiff bristle brush.

Please note that this cleaning method does not apply to clay or terracotta pots with a glazed finish like our Ariel Pots, or other terracotta items like the base of our Hacienda or Salvador Table Lamps. For these items simply wipe clean a soft, dry cloth.

Handwash any textured, high-fired or reactive clay serveware or flatware with mild detergent and water using a soft cloth. Some of these specific clay items are safe to put in the dishwasher or microwave, but please check on the base of each individual product before you do so.

Concrete

A good rule of thumb for concrete is to avoid acids of any kind, including citrus, acid-based cleaners, vinegar and oils. Also, do not clean your concrete items with any abrasive chemicals or solutions.

To clean, simply wipe gently with warm water, a soft cloth and mild detergent if you wish. If any food or liquids are spilled onto the surface, wipe them immediately with a soft cloth.

Be mindful of heat and avoid placing hot items directly onto the concrete surface as this can lead to discolouration. Instead, use
coasters, placemats or tablecloths.

Please note, the cleaning products you would for a concrete swimming pool are not appropriate for your concrete furniture or homewares. If you would like to use a sealant to protect your concrete furniture, you can apply one every six-twelve months.

Glass & Mirror Care

Glass

Glassware, whether decorative or for food and beverages, can be gently handwashed in water and mild detergent with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, stiff bristle cleaning brushes or metal scouring pads. We recommend handwashing all glass items, however some glass items can be washed in a dishwasher. Do not put any decorative glass items (e.g. vases, glass votives or candle holders) in the dishwasher or microwave.

Mirrors

Mirrors are easily cleaned with water and a soft microfibre cloth. Gently buff out any moisture until the mirror is clean and clear. Be careful not to let the edges of your mirror remain wet over extended periods of time. Do not use any acidic or abrasive cleaners on mirrors as they can damage the surface, edging and backing of the mirror over time. For mirrors with a vintage wooden frame, view our timber guide above.

Rug Care

The following instructions comprises wool, cotton, silk, grass-fibre (jute, sisal, seagrass) rugs.

For any rug, regardless of material, rotating every 6 months highly recommended for even wear. You can rotate your rug more often if certain parts are exposed to the sun more than others to ensure an even fade. We suggest keeping your rug out of direct sunlight, as the UV rays can cause fading of pigment.
 
We recommend regularly vacuuming your rug to avoid any dirt being embedded in the fibres. Ensure you are vacuuming with the beater bar
off, using a high pile setting, and for shorter pile or vintage hand
knotted styles, consider reducing the amount of suction on your vacuum cleaner.

Spot clean any spills or stains by blotting with a light-coloured towel and warm water as soon as possible. We recommend test patching first. Period professional cleaning is recommended to keep your rug in pristine condition. Do not machine wash your rug. Blot dry or dry using a cold air fan. Do not rub or scrub rugs as it can cause permanent damage or disruption to the pile.

Keep in mind that some rugs, like tufted rugs, will shed more than others. Shedding is a normal process that occurs with natural fibre rugs and should subside after 6-8 weeks of regular vacuuming.

For outdoor rugs, shake them to remove dirt, or hose them off with a garden hose. Then let them air-dry in the sun.  

If you would like further information on how to care for your magic carpets and natural fibre rugs, please read Tara’s comprehensive care guide, here.

Other Materials

Faux Flowers & Greenery

We recommend that you keep your faux florals as dry and dust-free as possible. You can wipe them clean with a dry, microfibre cloth or with a feather duster. Avoid submerging them in water. Spot clean where possible with a slightly damp cloth and cool water and pat dry with a tea towel. It is best to keep them out of direct sunlight as this can cause colour to fade over time.

Acrylics

To protect your acrylic items and maintain their appearance, hand wash only in mild detergent and water with a soft cloth. Heat will cause acrylic drinkware and serveware to crack or develop hairline cracks, so please do not put your acrylic items in the dishwasher or microwave.

Silicone

You can clean your food-grade silicone items in the dishwasher or by hand with a mild detergent and water. Always ensure they are completely dry before storing. These items are microwave safe.

×