hat are the correct ways, methods, and the things to absolutely avoid doing when it comes to cleaning or caring for certain kinds of materials? How to prevent iron from rusting, copper from developing the unpleasant patina, cork from discoloration and denim from fading? In Part 1 of this series, we covered a wide range of materials and comprehensive instructions on how to care for them respectively.
Educating your customers on how to properly care for items they buy depending on the material will enhance their overall experience and also extend the lifespan of the offerings. So in continuation of Part 1, we bring to you yet another informative article detailing how to care for materials.
Table of contents:
Metals
How to care for silver
It is essential to polish silver items regularly with a silver polish cloth. This will prevent tarnishing. To minimize silver’s exposure to air, silver jewelry is recommended to be stored in a tarnish-resistant pouch or box. At all times, silver items should be kept away from chlorinated water or household cleaning products as the contaminants and chemicals can result in dulling the silver.
Also read: Sterling silver sizzles across town
Check out Qalara’s range of silver products here.
How to care for stainless steel
A beacon of durability, stainless steel products can withstand corrosion and boast a 100% recyclability efficiency. The cost-effective material is also easy to maintain. Stainless steel cookware can be cleaned using water and a mild dishwashing soap. Other stainless steel essentials and surfaces can be wiped with a soft cloth and mild detergent, then dried thoroughly to prevent water spots. To maintain the shine or remove fingerprint marks, use polish and non-abrasive cleaning pads.
Check out Qalara’s range of stainless steel products here.
How to care for zinc
Zinc jewelry has to be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent, then dried thoroughly to prevent water spots. Applying a protective coating of wax or oil to zinc surfaces can prevent tarnishing and oxidation. Advice your customers against using abrasive cleaners or acidic substances on zinc objects as they may damage the finish.
Check out Qalara’s range of zinc products here.
Wood, barks & plant fibers
How to care for mango wood
A tropical plant, mango wood is native to India, Myanmar and other regions in East Asia. These trees grow really fast and due to them being a by-product of the mango industry, the wood’s supply is plentiful. It is also very affordable in comparison to teak, mahogany, etc. A combination of damp cloth and mild soap is the best way to clean mango wood offerings.
Check out Qalara’s range of mango wood products here.
How to care for MDF
For cleaning purposes, MDF products should be wiped with a damp cloth. To prevent swelling, avoid prolonged exposure to water. Furniture polish or wax is used to maintain the finish along with wood filler and touch-up paint to repair scratches or any chips. Ensure that MDF items are protected from extreme temperature and humidity changes.
Check out Qalara’s range of MDF products here.
How to care for natural fibers
For items made from natural or plant fibers, such as rattan, seagrass, or sisal, regular dusting with a soft brush or cloth is essential. Fibers can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth if stains occur and then air dried immediately afterwards. The trick is to always keep these items away from moisture to prevent resultant mold. Adequate storage in a dry, well-ventilated area is crucial.
Check out Qalara’s range of natural fiber products here.
How to care for teak wood
Teak wood is renowned for its water and decay-resistant properties. Furniture and other products made from this mellow-colored tropical wood can be cleaned using a solution of mild detergent and water, then rinsed and dried thoroughly. To make teak wood shine, a protectant, teak oil or sealer can be applied annually. This shall also help maintain its natural color and protect against weathering. Avoid placing teakwood furniture in direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Check out Qalara’s range of teak wood products here.
How to care for water hyacinth
An invasive aquatic plant, water hyacinth is harvested and converted into valuable industrial items such as rugs, baskets, carpets, furniture, and handbags! Braided and interwoven, hyacinth products can be cleaned with a soft brush or cloth and mild detergent; then rinsed and air dried thoroughly. Prolonged exposure to moisture should be avoided as it can cause mold growth or weaken the fibers. To enhance durability, a protective sealant can be applied on to water hyacinth surfaces.
Check out Qalara’s range of water hyacinth products here.
How to care for wool
Woolen garments should be hand washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. Machine washing is permissible if the settings are on a delicate/wool/hand wash cycle. Post the wash, wool garments should be reshaped and the air dried flat. It is instructed to avoid wringing or twisting wool to prevent stretching or distortion. When embellished, it is best to dry clean wool items.
Check out Qalara’s range of wool products here.
Natural & synthetic fabrics
How to care for leather
‘How to clean leather goods’ is a famously asked question. Supple and supremely durable, users will be happy to know that leather is very easy to repair & maintain. While it can be prone to scratches, scuffs and stretch marks, a little bit of leather oiling or conditioner shall do the trick. Keep leather away from formulations such as alcohol, fragrances, or dye and simply depend on warm water to spot clean whenever required.
Also read: Debunking myth: Eco leather vs faux leather
Check out Qalara’s range of leather products here.
How to care for macrame
While macrame instantly gives a delightful boho spin to décor, the intricate knots of macrame must be handled with care. To prevent dust/dirt accumulation, macrame items must be dusted regularly with a soft brush. For deeper cleaning, it is advised to gently hand wash in lukewarm water with milk detergent
Also read: The macrame miracle: A timeless craft
Check out Qalara’s range of macrame products here.
How to care for muslin
Muslin is a loose plain-weave fabric made from cotton. Known for its fine, smooth, and soft texture, it is lightweight and breathable. Caring for muslin involves hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent, gently squeezing out excess water (avoid wringing), and air drying to prevent shrinkage. If required, it can be ironed on low heat with a pressing cloth.
Check out Qalara’s range of muslin products here.
How to care for silk
Silk garments are recommended to be hand washed in cold water with a gentle detergent, and then air dried away from direct sunlight. Avoiding wringing or twisting silk can prevent stretching and distortion. Silk fabric must be ironed on a low heat setting with a cloth over it to prevent damage.
Check out Qalara’s range of silk products here.
How to care for velvet
Velvet is made using a dense pile of evenly cut fibers. The texture of velvet is derived from the yarn in the pile fabric that tends to flatten and create an uneven appearance. Velvet upholstery and furnishings can be vacuumed regularly with a brush attachment to remove dust, debris, and lint. Spills on velvet should never be blotted. Stains can be spot cleaned immediately with a mixture of water and mild detergent without scrubbing excessively as this may crush the fibers. Simply shaking off excess moisture and air drying should do the trick.
Check out Qalara’s range of velvet products here.
Ceramics & stone
How to care for marble
To let marble décor and lifestyle offerings exude long lasting elegance, they have to be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Use of acidic or abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the surface. Marble furniture and countertops should also be periodically protected using sealant to avoid staining and to maintain luster.
Also read: Top 12 products to source from India
Check out Qalara’s range of marble products here.
How to care for porcelain
Ceramic ware can be of different kinds. Earthen ware, stoneware, terracotta, bone china, and porcelain are some examples. They differ based on color, strength, porosity, texture, tactility, and finishing. Porcelain is fired at a much higher temperature and is non-porous. Which is why porcelain items can be hand washed with mild dish soap and warm water. Harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaners can damage the glaze and should be avoided. Porcelain items should be stored carefully to prevent chipping or breakage.
Check out Qalara’s range of porcelain products here.
How to care for semi-precious stones
Maintaining the allure of semi-precious stone jewelry or other products involves cleaning them with a soft, damp cloth. This removes any accumulation of oils and dirt. Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners is also vital. They must be handled with care and stored away from direct sunlight to preserve their color.
Check out Qalara’s range of semi-precious stones products here.
How to care for soapstone
A type of metamorphic rock, soapstone is a talc-rich non-porous mineral stone. Similar to quartzite, marble or granite, soapstone has a natural beautiful veining pattern. Soapstone surfaces should be cleaned with a soft cloth that is dampened with mild soap and water. Periodic application of mineral oil can enhance its natural color and protect against stains. Harsh chemicals along with abrasive cleaners should be avoided as these can damage the soapstone surface.
Check out Qalara’s range of soapstone products here.
How to care for terracotta
When cared for appropriately, terracotta products can last for a very long time. Pots, planters and other offerings made from terracotta can be cleaned with a soft brush or cloth and mild detergent and then rinsed. In particular, terracotta pots can be submerged in a mixture of warm water and mild liquid soap and cleaned using a scrubbing brush. Excess suds can be rinsed off and the item can be air dried. To prevent water absorption and reduce the risk of cracking, a layer of sealant can be applied onto surfaces.
Check out Qalara’s range of terracotta products here.
How to care for terrazzo stone
Having recycled marble, quartz, shell, granite, glass and more in its composition with cement or epoxy as the binder, terrazzo emerges as a hard, eco-friendly, and impact-resistant material. Terrazzo products bring in great texture to decor and its surfaces can withstand staining and cracking. They can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent, then dried thoroughly to prevent water spots. Harsh acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage the surface. Using mild sealers periodically can protect terrazzo from stains and moisture penetration.
Check out Qalara’s range of terrazzo stone products here.
Semi-solid compounds
How to care for resin
Resins are substances of natural or synthetic origin. These can be distinguished into various types such as plant resins, vinyl esters, epoxies, and polyurethanes. Resin-based décor or craft items can be cleaned with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water. Exposure to extreme heat or direct sunlight can cause warping or discoloration. Use coasters or felt pads to protect resin furniture from scratches.
Check out Qalara’s range of resin products here.
Conclusion
Don’t forget to let us know if there are other materials whose care and upkeep you would like us to cover. Prioritizing material care is essential for maintaining the product quality. By educating your customers about treating their products right and heeding care instructions, you shall enable them to ensure longevity and value of their purchases. This can thereby enhance their satisfaction and loyalty to your business. Together, we can elevate the customer experience and build lasting relationships founded on trust and product integrity.
~ Written by Gauri S
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