Care Instructions

Care Instructions for Wooden Products

Each furniture is a unique, handcrafted piece made from natural wood. With proper care, it will last for generations and retain its beauty and character.

Cleaning

• Dust regularly using a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp (not wet) microfiber cloth.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, detergents, or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the wood's natural finish.

Conditioning

• Nourish the wood with a natural furniture wax, beeswax polish, or mineral oil.
• Apply a thin layer with a soft cloth, let it absorb for a few minutes, and then buff gently to restore luster. This helps prevent drying, cracking, and warping.

Placement

• Keep the furniture away from direct sunlight, radiators, or heat vents, as excessive heat can cause the wood to dry out or fade.
• Avoid placing it in damp or humid areas, which can lead to swelling or mold growth.
• Use felt pads under the legs when placing on delicate flooring.

Use

• Your furniture is sturdy but handcrafted. Use it for sitting or display, not as a step stool or to support heavy loads.
• Minor scratches or marks can be gently buffed out with fine-grit sandpaper, then re-oiled or waxed.

Long-Term Care

• Over time, your furniture may develop a rich patina; this is a natural part of its beauty and heritage.
• With regular care and gentle handling, it will continue to age gracefully and tell its story for years to come.

 

Care Instruction for Bolga Baskets 

This Bolga Basket is a work of art, handwoven from natural elephant grass by skilled artisans in Bolgatanga, Ghana. With proper care, it can last for many years as a cherished heirloom, retaining its beauty and strength.

Follow these simple steps to preserve its quality, shape, and color:

General Care

• Keep it dry: Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture or rain. If your basket gets wet, gently shake off excess water and let it air dry completely in a cool, shaded area.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Extended sun exposure may cause the natural dyes to fade over time. Store your basket in a shaded, well-ventilated space.
• Clean gently: Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust. Do not use harsh detergents or chemical cleaners, as they can damage the natural fibers.

Reshaping Your Basket

Because Bolga baskets are woven from flexible elephant grass, they may slightly lose shape during shipping or storage.
To restore the original form:

• Lightly sprinkle or mist the basket with water until the fibers are damp (not soaked).
• Gently reshape with your hands into the desired form.
• Allow it to air dry naturally in a shaded area.

This method revives the basket's natural suppleness and keeps it looking beautifully handcrafted.

Long-Term Care

• Handle with care: Though strong, these baskets are made from natural materials that can fray with rough handling.
• Avoid heavy loads: For longevity, don't overload your basket beyond its intended use.
• Refresh occasionally: A light misting and reshaping every few months helps maintain the basket's structure and elasticity.

 

Care Instructions for Brass Products 

1. Routine Care

• Dusting 

Use a soft, dry microfiber or lint-free cloth to wipe the hook regularly to remove dust and oils from skin‑contact. This helps slow tarnish.

• Gentle cleaning 

Occasionally, wipe with a cloth dampened in warm water plus a few drops of mild dish soap. Then rinse and wipe with a clean, damp cloth and immediately dry thoroughly with another soft cloth. Moisture is a significant cause of tarnishing.  

• Avoid contact with moisture 

Especially in humid rooms (bathrooms, near sinks), you'll want to ensure the hook dries promptly if it’s splashed. Water spots and mineral buildup accelerate tarnish. 

• Avoid abrasive cloths or sponges. 

Use only soft cloths. Scouring pads or steel wool will scratch the brass surface and degrade the finish. 

2. Deep Cleaning / Polish (as needed)

Since the hook is solid brass (not brass-plated), you have more flexibility—but because it's handcrafted and decorative, you'll want to handle it gently.

• Visual inspection 

Is the brass looking dull, tarnished, or showing green or blue oxidation spots?

If so, you might choose to renew its shine. 

• Polish method 

Brass polish route – Use a brand-name brass polish (such as Brasso), following the safety instructions, and apply with a soft cloth, buff, then rinse and dry.

Natural route – Half a lemon sprinkled with salt, rub gently over the surface, rinse thoroughly, then dry. Because the lemon acid and salt can be aggressive, the rinse & dry step is crucial.

• After the polish/rinse step

Once you've cleaned/polished, make sure to dry the piece thoroughly and buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Also, try running a dry cloth over it periodically to maintain the shine.

• Patina vs. shine 

Recognize that solid brass will naturally patina (darken slightly) with time. If you enjoy that aged character, clean gently and avoid over-polishing. If you prefer a brighter look, polish now and then to maintain it. 

3. What to avoid

• Don't use bleach, ammonia, strong acids, or general household harsh cleaners. These can strip finishes or damage the brass.
• Don't use scouring pads, steel wool (unless very fine and used with extreme care), or abrasive brushes. These can scratch and encourage tarnish. 
• If the brass is lacquered (though, in this case, I believe it is raw/un-lacquered recycled brass), then polishing may be inappropriate. 
• Avoid leaving water droplets or moisture on the surface for prolonged periods. Wipe promptly after any splash. 

4. Installation & Handling Tips

• When installing or hanging items from the hook, avoid anything that is excessively heavy or could scratch the brass surface.
• Wear clean, dry hands when touching/installing the hook. Oils from skin accelerate tarnish. Some brass hardware guides suggest wearing gloves for the first few weeks until a light protective oxidation layer develops. 
• If the hook is near external walls or in high-moisture environments (bathrooms, near windows), check it periodically for signs of corrosion and wipe it more often.