A process called 'medome' should be used to protect your new piece of earthenware from undesirable discoloration and the build-up of unpleasant odors. This process involves treating the surface of the earthenware with starch prior to its first use.

   The Medome Method

1Fill your earthenware vessel with the water remaining after washing rice (alternatively use water mixed with a little flour or potato starch).

2Place the vessel over a low heat and slowly increase the temperature. Increasing the heat too rapidly may crack or break the ceramic.

3Reduce the heat just before the water boils and keep it at a low simmer for 15-20 minutes.

4Turn off the heat and leave the vessel to cool with the water inside. The longer you can do this, the better; half a day is ideal.

5Once cooled, drain the water and wash the remaining starch off the surface of the vessel. Wipe with a cloth and leave to air dry.

An alternative to the medome method is simply to soak the vessel in water for between 12 and 24 hours, and then thoroughly dry before use.

Simply rinse the vessel with warm water prior to serving hot food. Or, use cold water if you are serving cold items. This will prevent odors and stains from adhering to the surface of the vessel.

Wash your earthenware vessel using a neutral washing liquid and a non-abrasive sponge. Ensure that the vessel is rinsed and dried immediately after washing, as failing to do so can result in off-smells or mold gathering on the surface of the ceramic. Store in a well-ventilated place.

Unless specifically treated to be heat resistant (please refer to each product's care guide), earthenware should not be used in a microwave or oven; sudden changes in heat can crack or damage the ceramic.

Prior to the first use, porcelain vessels should be washed with a non-abrasive sponge and neutral washing liquid. The vessel should then be rinsed and dried thoroughly. The same procedure should be used after each subsequent use. Porcelain should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place to prevent mold.

Before each use, simply rinse the vessel with warm water prior to serving hot food. Or, use cold water if you are serving cold items. This will prevent odors and stains from adhering to the surface of the vessel.

In general, porcelain vessels can be used in a microwave. However, if the porcelain's glaze contains any metal, it is not microwaveable.

• STAINS - any stains should be dealt with as soon as possible, as removal can become increasingly difficult the longer the stain remains. Stains from acidic liquids, such as oils or tea, can be removed by sprinkling baking soda on the affected area, leaving for around 10 minutes, and then wiping clean with a cloth. Please note that due to the abrasiveness of baking soda, care should be taken not to use too much or too often.
• HARD WATER MARKS AND ODORS - soak the ceramic vessel in a pot filled with water with lemon juice or citric acid added. Bring the water to the boil two or three times, and leave to cool before rinsing and wiping dry. For persistent odors, vessels can be soaked in water and baking soda for 12 hours. The vessel should then be thoroughly rinsed and dried to remove any residue.
• MOLD - most patches of mold can be removed simply by washing the ceramic in the usual manner. However, to remove persistent mold from crevices and grooves, place the vessel in water and bring to the boil for approximately 10 minutes. Adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to the water will increase the effectiveness.
• CHIPS - small chips and cracks can be repaired using putty glue. If the ceramic is used for serving food and drink, please ensure the putty glue is of food standard. A more complete repair for chips and cracks can be achieved through a process called 'kintsugi', in which the mends and cracks are masked by seams of gold or silver. This is typically carried out by a professional, and if you wish to fix your vessel in this way, please contact the vendor directly.

Prior to its first use and after every subsequent use, your glassware should be washed with a neutral washing liquid using a non-abrasive sponge. You should rinse it carefully and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth, rather than allow it to air dry. This is to prevent water stains forming on the glassware. A non-woven fabric or linen cloth is preferable for drying glassware to prevent any lint remaining on the surface.

Aside from heat-resistant types, glassware should not be placed in microwaves, ovens or dishwashers.

• CLOUDING - This is typically caused by the calcium in tap water or oil compounds in food and drink. If calcium is the cause, the clouding can be removed using a cloth soaked in vinegar - the acid in the vinegar counteracts the alkaline of the calcium. The glassware should then be washed and dried as normal. If oils are the main cause, then baking soda is effective at removing the clouding. Slightly wet the glassware and then sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into the item. Use scrunched up cling film to polish the glassware - a sponge will simply absorb the baking soda. Lastly, rinse and dry as normal. Important: these methods are not suitable for crystal glass.
• COFFEE & TEA STAINS - if the glassware does not contain any metal or wooden parts and if it is safe to do so, then such stains can be removed by soaking in diluted bleach for around 30 mins. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards.
• CRACKS & CHIPS - Contact the manufacturer or vendor, as they may be able to rectify any chips or cracks.

Occasionally, brand new lacquerware can still carry some of the odor of the lacquer sap. This smell will usually dissipate if the lacquerware is left in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from sunlight for a few weeks. If you cannot wait this long, you can wipe the surface of the lacquerware with some rice cooking water mixed with a small amount of vinegar.

Wash your lacquerware with a non-abrasive sponge and neutral washing liquid. Lukewarm water is best for washing lacquerware, as this will help to develop the lacquer's luster over time. Soaking or leaving lacquerware wet for an extended period is not advised due to the risk of warping and cracks forming. Wipe and dry your lacquerware with a soft cloth to prevent calcium build-up on the surface. Store your lacquerware in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from sunlight.

Though generally durable, lacquerware can crack or warp if exposed to sudden changes in temperature. Products should, therefore, not be placed in microwaves, ovens or dishwashers.

• STAINS - soak your lacquerware in warm or cold water for up to 10 minutes. Then, wash as normal. Do not soak lacquerware for longer than this as it may cause cracks and warping of the surface.
• HEAT DISCOLORATION - lacquer may melt and turn white if exposed to very high temperatures. The surface may lose its luster if it is exposed to sunlight or artificial lighting for an extended period of time. If such damage occurs, the surface will need to be re-applied with new lacquer sap.
• MOLD - White mold can be removed by wiping with a cloth soaked with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Black or blue molds indicate that the problem has penetrated below the surface. In such circumstances, contact the manufacturer or vendor for advice.
• SCRATCHES & PEELING, CHIPS & CRACKS - such damage will require a re-application of lacquer. Please contact the manufacturer or vendor for advice.

Prior to its first use and after each subsequent use, wash the tinware with a non-abrasive sponge and a neutral washing liquid. It is important to dry tinware immediately after washing to prevent water stains appearing. Due to the relatively soft nature of tin, it is not recommended to use abrasive scrubs or brushes to clean tinware to avoid scratching the metal.

Furthermore, tinware should be kept away from heat sources due to the metal's low melting point. Similarly, tinware can degrade if kept at very low temperatures for an extended period, so please avoid keeping it in the freezer or refrigerator.

• STAINING & DULLING - Apply and polish the affected area with a small amount of toothpaste either with your finger or a gauze cloth. The tinware can then be washed in lukewarm water in the usual way. Dark liquids can cause some staining to tinware; so, ensure that such liquids are not left in the tinware for prolonged periods and that any tin items are thoroughly washed and dried as soon as possible after use.

Certain resins, such as polyurethane, can leave an odor. However, leaving the wooden item in a well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight, for two weeks should rid the product of this odor. For a wooden container, the same result can be achieved by repeatedly filling it with lukewarm water and pouring it away once cooled.

Wood can crack, warp and become moldy if soaked in liquid for an extended period of time. So, it is best to dry any products as quickly as possible after use. Washing should be carried out with a non-abrasive sponge and a neutral washing liquid. However, if the item is made from untreated wood, it is preferable to avoid using any kind of soap, as this can quickly seep into the wood. After washing, all wooden products should be dried with a soft cloth immediately and stored in a well-ventilated, dark place.

Sudden changes of temperature or extreme temperatures can be damaging to wood. Therefore, wooden products should not be used in microwaves, ovens or refrigerators, which can cause wood to crack.

• SCRATCHES & ROUGH SURFACES - Carefully rub a cloth soaked in any vegetable-derived oil into the affected area.

Waterproofing is essential to protecting leather and preventing stains. Regularly treat leather with a waterproofing product designed for leather, such as spray, and avoid water contact. However, only apply the minimum waterproofing required to protect against weather damage, as these treatments can prevent the natural development and softening of the leather over time.

Using a cloth or leather brush, wipe any dirt from the surface of the leather after each use. Leather is best stored in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.

Leather tends to shape itself around the form in which it is kept. It is therefore important to ensure that there are no folds or kinks when your leather product is stored, as the resulting creases may become permanent. Handles on shoulder bags are especially liable to crease. If you intend to store a leather product for an extended period, stuff the product with either towels or newspaper and wrap in cloth. This absorbs any moisture and allows the product to hold its shape during storage.

It is important to treat leather regularly with oil to prevent cracks forming on the surface as the material becomes dry. Small leather products that are handled frequently do not need moisturizing more than once a season. Larger items, such as bags, will need to be treated as often as once a month to provide sufficient protection. The following instructions indicate how to undertake the oiling process.

Equipment:

• Leather-cleaning brush
• Leather oil or cream
• Soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge
• Cloth for buffing.

Process:

1Using the brush, carefully wipe away any dirt or marks from the surface of the leather. For persistent marks, use a well-wrung, damp towel to wipe away any dirt.

2Apply a small amount of the cream or oil using the soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Staining can occur if too much oil/cream is used. If the area feels slightly moist after application, this is the correct amount of oil/cream. However, too much oil/cream will make the area sticky; the excess can be removed with a cloth. The oil/cream can also be applied to any metal workings, such as zips or buttons, to prevent them rusting and staining the leather.

3Allow the oil/cream to penetrate the surface for 10 minutes. Then, use the buffing cloth to bring the surface to a shine.

• SPEW - this is the name for the white powder or 'bloom' that forms on the surface of leather. It is often confused for mold, but is actually formed when natural oils inside the leather come into contact with air. Spew can simply be wiped away with a cloth, and oil or cream applied to the area.
• MOLD - if the affected area is small, wipe the mold away with a well-wrung cloth, then wipe again with a dry, soft cloth. More serious mold can be removed by wipe the area with a cloth very lightly soaked with alcohol. This method does carry the risk of discoloring the surface of the leader, so it is important to try it first on a more concealed area. For both minor and more serious mold problems, oil or cream should be applied after wiping and drying, using the 'Special Care Instructions' outlined above. If you are uncertain about cleaning mold yourself, please consult a leather repair shop.