Care of noble materials

Because here there are no plastics with shiny surfaces and sharp edges, but rather noble and living materials, we share a list of care and cleaning tips so that they preserve intact the love with which they were made, so that your objects wear as well as you, Over time. Because unlike mass-produced objects, handmade ones age with beauty and character and time covers them with a dull patina of history and charm. We want things that age with us, things that we inherit, things that last a lifetime.

Woods

Woods for culinary use
Wash normally after use with warm water and dish detergent. You don't need to dry them with a cloth. From time to time you can wipe them with a cotton ball with edible oil to hydrate the wood if it seems a little dry. Generally the same use with food and washing keeps it sufficiently moist.

Wood for decorative and utilitarian objects
To maintain your wooden objects, simply shake off the dust and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun or intense humidity. But if you ever notice that they have lost their natural vigor, shine or opacity, there are different solutions on the market for this. There are spray sealants with different glossy or matte finishes, natural varnishes, colorless wax, linseed oil or special cleaning products for wood. Whichever you choose, always be sure to test the product on a small area first to see how the material reacts. Remember that he is alive!

Vegetal fibers

For baskets, individual items and other objects made of natural fibers, it is recommended to sun them from time to time to avoid the formation of fungus in their braiding and sewing. Food or other stains can be gently brushed with a toothbrush or soft clothing brush. It is not advisable to submerge them in water or wash them under the tap. If possible, wipe them with a damp cloth for the most stubborn stains.

animal fibers

Alpaca and sheep wool pieces
Like all wool garments, they should be washed by hand, with cold or lukewarm water (never hot) and delicate laundry detergent. If you choose to do it in the washing machine, let it be on the most delicate program, if not, in a sink or bathtub. It is recommended not to spin or squeeze, but to dry naturally in the shade, lying flat on towels so that they absorb moisture, not hanging so as not to deform them due to the weight of the water. Woolen garments are not ironed, and if strictly necessary, it should be done with steam and a towel over the garment so that it is never in direct contact with the iron.

Wool figurines, objects, dolls or toys
Like all wool garments, they should be washed by hand, with cold or lukewarm water (never hot) and delicate laundry detergent. If you choose to do it in the washing machine, let it be on the most delicate program, if not, in a sink or bathtub. To dry, it is recommended to squeeze them with a towel and then rearrange the figure while it is wet and then let it dry naturally.

Felt
As it is a seamless technique, but only made of pressed wool, felt objects should not be washed, as they tend to deform. You can give them a refreshing steam bath using a kettle or pot to boil water, but always being careful to do it delicately and taking care not to deform it.

Skins
The best care for sheepskins is to always keep them fluffy like sheep. If you sit on it permanently or your baby sleeps there all the time because he loves it, it will eventually start to flatten out. You need to brush and shake the fur regularly to prevent it from losing its tameness. You can vacuum it gently too, but take care of it from stains! In that case you will have to use a damp towel with mild soap and rub in the direction of the hair, but without abuse and let it dry naturally. Do not put it in the washing machine or dryer, and it is recommended that it avoid direct and prolonged sunlight.

Land

Clay pieces for culinary use
It is advisable to cure clay objects before their first use in order to close the pores of the clay, but you can also leave this process to time and use.
Oil curing: Using a paper napkin, paint the entire object with edible oil. Then put in the oven for 5 minutes on high heat and let cool before washing and using.
Curing with milk: For large pots and jugs, diluted milk with a tablespoon of butter can be boiled in them. The idea is that the milk boils and is in contact with the entire internal surface of the object for a few seconds. You can help yourself by stirring vigorously or tilting the object so you don't have to fill it with milk. After this, wash and dry normally.
Another useful recommendation for clay objects for culinary use is to separate them according to their use for salty or sweet foods, since this material is porous and absorbs flavors (that's the secret of flavor they say!). When removing clay objects from the oven or fire, it is advisable to place them on a wooden board to avoid sudden changes in temperature that could break them.

Stoneware ceramic pieces
Stoneware ceramic pieces such as the Guanguali wonders should never be placed on direct fire (unlike the Quinchamalí clay pieces for example) because they break. Yes, they can be used in the oven and even in the microwave without any problem. When removing them from the oven, it is advisable to put them on a wooden board to avoid sudden changes in temperature.

Stone

Utilitarian stone objects must be seasoned before being used for culinary purposes. For that we suggest 2 methods.
Curing with rice: grind a handful of rice against the object until a white powder forms. The idea is to leave the surface completely white, making sure that the dust penetrates the small porosities of the rock.
Oil curing: Paint the entire plate with edible oil with a paper napkin and wait for the stone to absorb it for a few minutes.