Some objects become part of a home almost without announcement. A wooden box settles on a shelf. A journal finds its place beside the bed. A small bell, candleholder or stone becomes familiar simply because it has been there long enough to belong.
A little care helps such things age more gracefully.
The guidance below offers a general starting point for looking after items from the Hawthorn & Key collection. Materials, finishes and intended uses vary, so always read and follow any instructions supplied with the individual product.
Begin with the individual product
Before cleaning, washing, polishing or treating an item, check its label, packaging and product description.
A decorative object should not automatically be assumed to be waterproof, dishwasher-safe, food-safe, suitable for outdoor use or intended to hold a burning candle. An oil burner, candleholder or incense holder should only be used for its stated purpose and according to the instructions provided.
If you are uncertain, a soft dry cloth and a cautious approach are usually a sensible place to begin.
Wooden items
Wood is best treated gently.
Dust wooden boxes, ornaments and decorative pieces with a soft dry cloth. Avoid soaking them in water or leaving them in damp conditions. Unless the product instructions state otherwise, keep wooden items away from strong heat, prolonged direct sunlight and areas where they may be exposed to repeated splashes or condensation.
Do not apply oils, waxes, polishes or cleaning products unless they are suitable for the particular finish. A treatment that suits one piece of wood may alter the colour, surface or appearance of another.
Journals, paper goods and leather-look items
Keep journals, cards, bookmarks and paper goods away from moisture, strong sunlight and sources of heat. Store them in a dry place and handle them with clean, dry hands.
Some journals and accessories may be made from leather, fabric, coated materials or leather-look alternatives. Use only care products suitable for the material described in the individual product information. If the material is uncertain, avoid creams, oils and cleaning solutions that may leave marks or change the finish.
Metal items
Dust metal ornaments, bells, candleholders and decorative pieces with a soft dry cloth.
Moisture, fragrance oils, wax residue and some household cleaning products may affect particular finishes. Wipe spills promptly and avoid abrasive cloths, scouring products or strong chemical cleaners unless the product instructions specifically allow them.
Metal surfaces may change naturally over time. If you prefer to preserve the original finish, use only a polishing method suitable for the specific material.
Glass and ceramic items
Handle glass and ceramic items carefully and place them on a stable surface.
Before use, check for cracks, chips or other visible damage. Do not use a damaged candleholder, oil burner or incense holder with heat or flame.
Wash an item only where its instructions indicate that washing is appropriate. Do not assume that a decorative piece is dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe or suitable for boiling water unless this is clearly stated.
Stones, minerals and jewellery
Stones, minerals and jewellery should be treated according to their individual material, finish and construction.
Some stones tolerate gentle cleaning, while others may be porous, delicate, treated or sensitive to moisture, heat and household chemicals. Unless the product information clearly states otherwise, avoid soaking stones or using strong cleaners, steam, ultrasonic devices or abrasive materials.
For everyday care, handle jewellery gently, store pieces separately where practical and keep them away from perfumes, oils and household cleaning products. A soft dry cloth is often the safest first step.
If a piece includes several materials, use the gentlest method suitable for the most delicate part.
Textiles, pouches and soft accessories
Keep fabric pouches, cloths and soft accessories clean and dry. Follow any washing instructions provided with the individual item.
Avoid prolonged exposure to damp, strong sunlight and sources of heat. Where no washing guidance is provided, use a cautious approach rather than assuming that machine washing or tumble drying is suitable.
Candleholders, incense holders and oil burners
Decorative accessories intended for heat or flame require particular care.
Inspect holders before use and do not use an item that is cracked, chipped, unstable or visibly damaged. Place it on a level, heat-resistant surface and follow the instructions supplied with the product.
For more detailed guidance, please read our Candle, Incense & Oil Safety page.
Storage and everyday care
A few simple habits are helpful across many types of objects:
- keep items clean and dry;
- dust gently with a soft cloth;
- avoid unnecessary exposure to moisture, strong sunlight and heat;
- clean spills promptly;
- use only products suitable for the specific material;
- store delicate items where they will not be knocked, scratched or crushed;
- check product-specific instructions before using an item with food, water, heat or flame.
If something does not seem right
Stop using an item if it appears damaged, unstable or unsuitable for its intended purpose.
If a product arrives damaged, incomplete or different from the item ordered, please contact us before returning it. Include your order number and clear photographs where possible.
You can also read our Returns & Refunds page for further information.