As spring approaches, it's time to give your home a fresh start and ensure that every corner shines with cleanliness. From decorative trays to hand-forged stainless steel cutlery, various materials adorn our living spaces, each requiring specific care to maintain their beauty and longevity. In this guide, we'll explore how to clean and care for different materials commonly found in home products.

Brass and Copper

Brass adds warmth and sophistication to any space with its golden hue and timeless appeal, while copper exudes a rustic charm and character to any kitchen or dining area. Whether it's a decorative tray or a bowl, both often serve as elegant focal points in home décor.

Both brass and copper are prone to tarnishing, especially when exposed to moisture and air. Regular cleaning and polishing are essential to maintain their rich colour and shine. Lacquered copper and brass items have a protective coating that helps prevent tarnishing, while unlacquered pieces develop a natural patina over time.

To clean lacquered pieces, gently wash or wipe with mild soapy water and a gentle cloth, dry immediately. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the lacquer. 

While some people love the brownish-green patina of unlacquered brass and copper, it may not be to everyone’s taste. To clean, mix equal parts vinegar & water or lemon juice & baking soda into a paste. Apply with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry thoroughly. For stubborn patina, you may need to leave the lemon juice and baking soda paste for a bit longer before cleaning.

Polish with coconut oil to restore their shine and protect them from tarnishing.

Mango Wood

Mango wood is prized for its sustainability, durability, and unique grain patterns. It's often used in furniture, wall art, and dinnerware such as cheese boards and serving bowls, adding a touch of natural beauty to any space.

While mango wood is known for its strength and resilience, it's important to protect it from excessive moisture and direct sunlight, which can cause warping and fading. 

For decorative mango wood pieces, regularly dusting with a soft cloth or microfiber duster is enough.

For deeper cleaning and specifically for dinnerware pieces, mix mild dish soap with warm water and gently wipe the surface. Avoid soaking. Apply a coat of food-grade mineral oil to maintain their appearance and prevent drying out. 

Hand-forged Stainless Steel

Hand-forged stainless steel combines craftsmanship and functionality, making it a popular choice for cutlery and kitchenware. Its rustic luxe appearance, weighty feel, and durability make it a staple in contemporary home décor.

While stainless steel is usually resistant to corrosion and rust, hand-forged steel can develop orange rust spots. The reason is that the hand-forging process uses iron hammers to bring pieces to shape, and sometimes iron particles from the hammer can transfer to your hand-forged pieces. Other culprits are hard water and strong detergents, which can leave iron particles on stainless steel. It is these particles that rust and not the steel itself. Therefore, to maintain the timeless appeal of your hand-forged pieces, it is crucial to care for them.

To clean, hand wash hand-forged cutlery with warm, soapy water, and dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and tarnish.

Regularly polish your pieces with mineral or coconut oil to protect from tarnish and rust.

Stoneware

Stoneware is valued for its versatility, durability, and earthy charm. Whether it's a decorative bowl or a mug, stoneware pieces add rustic elegance to any table setting.

Stoneware is dishwasher safe and resistant to chipping, making it ideal for everyday use. However, it's important to avoid drastic temperature changes, as stoneware can crack under thermal shock. Regular cleaning and proper storage ensure that stoneware items remain in pristine condition for years to come. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.

To remove stubborn stains, soak stoneware in a solution of vinegar and water before washing. 

Dry stoneware thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and ensure longevity. 

Marble

Marble epitomizes luxury and sophistication with its timeless beauty and unique veining patterns. From cheese boards to decorative pieces, marble adds a touch of elegance to any room.

While marble is durable and heat-resistant, it's also porous and prone to staining. Spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent damage, especially on unlacquered surfaces. 

Clean marble surfaces with a gentle cleanser specifically designed for marble or a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. 

Seal marble surfaces regularly with a food-safe sealant such as walnut oil and wax mix to protect against stains and etching ensuring that it retains its natural beauty for generations.. 

As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember to take special care of the materials that adorn your home. With these tailored cleaning tips specifically for our UK climate, your natural décor pieces will continue to bring beauty and elegance to your living space for years to come. Happy cleaning!