CARING INSTRUCTIONS

Each piece we have curated is special in manifold ways, be it due to its age, patterns, colours, manufacturer, the historical events when it was made, the type of glaze or its mere as is significance, and that is why is important to take care of each piece accordingly.

To make sure your vintage/antique objects have a long lasting life, we have put together a brief caring instructions list.

Porcelain/China/Crystal 

• avoid changing the water temperature and instead use lukewarm water when washing them;
• use a gentle detergent and avoid using dishwashing soap;
• avoid using bleach or any abrasive cleaners;
• avoid using harsh scrubbers, sponges or brushes;
• ensure you gently clean items that any decorations (inside and above the glaze);
• not use a dishwasher unless stated otherwise in our description;

All items that feature colloidal gold details, colours or any painted details should not be dishwashed, as these can get faded or the porcelain might break due to water pressure, temperature, detergent.

Additionally, crystal pieces that contain lead oxide, whilst exposed to heat, high fluoridated water pressure and harsh detergents, might end up looking mattified or having that hazy film that cannot actually be removed, as the minerals and additives in the water fail to evaporate and are literally etched onto the porous facade of the stemware.

 

Ceramic

• avoid sudden ambient temperature changes, so if ceramics are brought inside from freezing or hot temperatures, we recommend you give them some time to adjust to interior temperature before washing them;
• never use hot or freezing cold water, as the sudden change of temperature could cause the clay or glaze to crack;
• use lukewarm water to clean ceramic items;
• do not use harsh detergents to remove stains from ceramics.

Stains usually occur on stoneware/earthenware due to the ceramic higher porosity that allows moisture to penetrate deeper and stay wet creating the environment for these stains to appear, most likely under the glaze. So, due to seepage of moisture through very small and oftentimes invisible cracks in the glaze (be it crazes, crackles or pin holes), the moisture combined with organic matter give that dark colour, stained look. Fear not, they are still safe to use, as long as you do not expose these pieces to high temperatures. 

If you have any questions about how to care for your OBOL curated pieces, you can always drop us a message on Instagram or email us and we would be more that happy to help [really!]