Ownership
Care Guide
Handmade objects reward attention. These guidelines help your pieces age beautifully and last for generations.
Ceramics & Stoneware
Handmade ceramics are durable but benefit from gentle handling. The irregular surfaces and textures you see are features of the handmaking process, not defects.
Cleaning
Hand-wash with warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers which can scratch the glaze. Most pieces are not dishwasher-safe unless specifically noted.
Food safety
All ceramics marked "food safe" use non-toxic, lead-free glazes. Unglazed or partially glazed pieces are intended for decorative use only.
Thermal shock
Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g. moving from freezer to stovetop). This can cause cracking even in high-fired stoneware.
Storage
Stack carefully with a soft cloth or paper between pieces. The unglazed foot of a piece can scratch glazed surfaces below it.
Linen & Textiles
Natural linen and wool improve with age and washing. The slight relaxing of fibers over time gives them their characteristic lived-in softness.
Washing linen
Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water. Use a mild, phosphate-free detergent. Linen can be washed with like colors — it does not typically bleed.
Drying
Line dry or tumble dry on low heat. Remove while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles. Linen softens naturally with each wash.
Washing wool
Hand wash or use a wool-specific machine cycle in cold water. Never wring or twist wool — gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry.
Ironing
Iron linen while slightly damp on a medium setting. Use a pressing cloth for embroidered or textured pieces. Wool should be steamed, not ironed directly.
Storage
Store clean and dry, folded rather than hung to prevent distortion. Use cedar blocks (not mothballs) to deter moths in wool storage.
Solid Wood
Wood is a living material that responds to changes in humidity and temperature. Proper care keeps it stable and beautiful for generations.
Regular cleaning
Wipe with a slightly damp cloth followed immediately by a dry cloth. Never leave water sitting on wood surfaces.
Oiling
Apply a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax every 2–3 months, or when the wood appears dry or dull. Rub in with the grain using a soft cloth, let absorb for 30 minutes, then buff off excess.
Heat & moisture
Keep away from radiators, heat vents, and dishwashers. Use coasters under hot or cold drinks. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight which can bleach and dry the wood.
Scratches
Minor scratches can be buffed out with fine-grit sandpaper (following the grain) and re-oiled. Deep scratches should be treated by a furniture restoration professional.
Natural Stone
Stone is naturally porous and can absorb liquids if left unsealed. Most of our stone pieces arrive pre-sealed, but re-sealing annually maintains protection.
Daily care
Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid acidic cleaners (lemon, vinegar) which etch the stone surface. Use only pH-neutral cleaners.
Sealing
Apply a food-safe stone sealer annually — more frequently if the piece is used daily. To test if sealing is needed, drop a small amount of water on the surface; if it absorbs rather than beads, it is time to reseal.
Stains
Blot spills immediately. For oil-based stains, apply a poultice of baking soda and water, cover with plastic wrap for 24 hours, then wipe clean. For organic stains, use diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Avoid
Do not use steel wool, abrasive pads, or strong acidic or alkaline cleaners. These damage the surface permanently.
Blown Glass
Handblown glass is thicker and more durable than machine-made glass, but the very qualities that make it beautiful — slight asymmetry, variation in thickness — also require gentle handling.
Cleaning
Hand-wash in warm water with mild dish soap. The irregular interior of handblown glass makes dishwashers inadvisable — the high heat and pressure can cause stress fractures.
Handling
Hold by the base when possible. Never clench the neck of a vessel or handle abruptly. Set down on a soft surface or mat.
Storage
Do not nest or stack handblown pieces. Store individually, upright, in a padded space. The irregularity of handblown glass means pieces rarely fit perfectly inside one another.
Woven Baskets & Grass
Natural grass and palm fibers are strong but sensitive to moisture and prolonged sunlight. Proper care prevents drying, cracking, and color fade.
Cleaning
Dust regularly with a soft brush or dry cloth. For spot cleaning, use a barely-damp cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing or using.
Moisture
Never submerge in water or leave wet. Excessive moisture can cause the fibers to swell, warp, or grow mold. Allow to dry fully if it gets wet.
Sunlight
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight which bleaches natural dyes and dries fibers, causing brittleness. Rotate pieces periodically if displayed near a window.
Reshaping
If a basket loses its shape, dampen slightly with a mist of water, reshape by hand, and allow to air dry in the desired form.
General Principles
Variation is a feature
Slight irregularities in color, texture, and form are inherent to handmaking. They are signs of authenticity, not defects.
Less is more
Most natural materials need only water and a soft cloth for regular cleaning. Harsh chemicals do more harm than good.
Let pieces age
Linen softens, wood deepens, and brass develops patina. Allow your objects to age naturally — it makes them more beautiful, not less.
When in doubt, ask
Email us at care@aurahaus.com with a photo and question. We'll put you in touch with the maker for specific guidance.
Need specific advice?
Every product page includes care instructions specific to that piece. If you have a question that isn't covered here, our team is happy to help.