Selbrae House: Product Care Guides
At Selbrae House, we are proud to offer well-made handcrafted products that offer an alternative to mass-produced and throwaway tableware and serveware. We believe in buying better and less, both for today and for tomorrow, so our products are designed to be used, and to be durable. We’re committed to putting natural materials at the heart of Selbrae House products. Slate, oak, linen and olive wood all feature prominently in our collection, and we love what they bring to us as makers, and to our customers.
We are passionate about encouraging our customers to extend the life of the products they purchase from us and this guide will help you deal with most situations you may encounter.
Caring for your Slate
To ensure your slate product remains in optimal condition, please follow these cleaning and maintenance recommendations:
Cleaning: Clean your slate product after each use using a water-based spray cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth. This will help remove any residue or spills and keep the slate looking its best.
Avoid Immersion: To protect the foam backing and maintain the quality of your surfaces, avoid immersing the slate product in water. If the foam backing does become wet, allow it to dry completely with the foam side facing up.
Dishwasher: Please refrain from putting your slate product in the dishwasher, as this can cause damage. Handwashing is the recommended method to ensure the longevity of your slate.
Knife Use: Be mindful when using sharp knives on the slate surface as it may create marks or scratches, and probably isn’t good for your knives. If you notice any marks, gently rub the affected area with a soft, lint-free cloth and a small amount of food-safe oil. This will help reduce the appearance of the marks.
Engraved Designs: If your slate product features an engraved design, avoid applying oil to the engraved section, as this may darken the design. If oil does come into contact with the engraved design, create a paste using bicarbonate of soda and water. Apply the paste to the design, allow it to sit for 15 minutes to draw out the oil, and then wash it off thoroughly to restore the original appearance.
Remember to dry the board thoroughly afterwards.
Stain Removal: If staining occurs, such as from leaving food, particularly cheese, on the board for an extended period, you can use a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained area, leave it for 15 minutes, and then wash it off thoroughly to restore the original appearance.
Remember to dry the board thoroughly afterwards.
Acidic Substances: it is important to avoid using acidic substances (such as lemon juice) on slate surfaces. Acidic substances can react with the minerals in the slate, causing a chemical reaction that results in a visible stain on the surface.
Caring for your Oak
Cleaning: After each use, clean your oak product using a soft, lint-free cloth and a water-based spray cleaner. Gently wipe the surface to remove any residue or spills and keep the oak looking its best.
Avoid Immersion: Do not leave your oak product immersed in water. Immersion can lead to warping, or damage to the wood. Instead, wipe off any excess water after use and allow the product to dry naturally.
Dishwasher: Never use a dishwasher to clean your oak product, as the high temperatures and harsh detergents can cause irreversible damage.
Storage: Ideally, store oak boards, especially larger ones, on a flat surface instead of on edge. This will help prevent warping and maintain the shape of the board over time.
Wax-Oil Revival: If your oak board shows signs of wear or dryness, it can be revived by applying a wax-oil coating. We supply a suitable wax-oil product (click here to view) to rejuvenate the wood.
Stain Prevention: Avoid leaving items, especially cheese, on the board for extended periods as this can cause stains to develop. Promptly clean any spills or food residues to prevent staining.
Stain Removal: If stains do develop, you can use an abrasive scourer or fine sandpaper to gently lift most stains. Once fully cleaned and dried, re-apply wax-oil to the affected area to seal and protect the wood.
Caring for your Linen
Our linen products are made from a linen/cotton mix. Please follow these cleaning and maintenance recommendations to ensure their longevity:
Initial Cold-Water Wash: For your linen product's first wash, we recommend using cold water. Pure cottons and linens may shrink marginally and experience some degree of fading on the first wash, but our careful design accounts for this.
Washing: Use a mild detergent and wash with similar colours or other linens at 30 degrees Celsius, with a slow spin.
Tumble Dry, Bleach, and Dry Cleaning: Avoid tumble drying, bleaching, or dry cleaning your linen products, as these processes can damage the fabric.
Drying and Ironing: Dry your linen product flat to maintain its shape and avoid mildew. If desired, you can iron it on the reverse side while damp. Linen develops a wonderful lived-in look and will become softer over time, so ironing may not always be necessary or desirable.
Stain Removal: To remove stains from your linen product, follow these steps:
- Scrape off and soak up any remaining food particles.
- Squeeze a generous amount of liquid detergent over the stained area.
- Gently massage the area with a cloth or sponge to begin breaking up the stain.
- If necessary, add two teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda along with the detergent.
- Leave the area covered for 15 minutes to soak.
- Rinse the product in cold water.
- Wash as normal.
Storage: Before storing your linen product, ensure it is completely dry to prevent mildew. To allow natural fibres like linen to breathe, store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Caring for your Olive Wood
Cleaning: After each use, clean your olive wood product with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild cleaner. This will help remove any residue and keep the wood looking its best.
Sunflower Oil Treatment: Our products are treated with food-safe sunflower oil to enhance the unique honeyed tones of the wood. This treatment not only adds to the beauty of the wood but also ensures its longevity.
- Why sunflower oil and not olive oil? Sunflower oil contains a higher percentage of vitamin E[2], making it better for nourishing and maintaining the wood's appearance.
Avoid Immersion: Do not leave your olive wood product immersed in water, as this can lead to warping or damage. After cleaning, ensure excess water is dried off, and allow the wood to air dry naturally.
Dishwashers: Avoid using a dishwasher to clean your olive wood products. The harsh detergents and high temperatures can cause irreparable damage.
Storage: Store olive wood boards, especially larger ones, on a flat surface on a flat surface instead of on edge. This will help prevent warping and maintain the shape of the board over time.
Restoring Natural Beauty: If your olive wood shows signs of wear, restore its natural beauty by recoating it with a food-safe oil – we recommend sunflower oil. it's recommended to apply it sparingly and periodically, allowing the oil to soak into the wood before wiping off any excess. This will help maintain the beauty and integrity of the wood over time.
Stain Prevention and Removal: To prevent stains, avoid leaving items like cheese on the board for extended periods. If stains do develop, use sandpaper or an abrasive scourer to gently lift them. After cleaning and drying the board, reapply oil to protect the wood.
Caring for your (Engraved or Printed) Glassware
To ensure the longevity and preserve the beauty of your glasses please follow the below instructions:
Handwashing: We recommend hand washing your glass in warm, soapy water using a gentle detergent. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh detergents, as they can scratch or damage the decoration. Gently rinse the glass and dry it with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: our glass is not heatproof, so it is important to avoid subjecting it to extreme temperatures. Do not place your glassware in the microwave or expose it to direct heat sources such as stovetops or ovens. Rapid changes in temperature can cause the glass to crack or damage.
Not Microwave Safe: Our glass products are not suitable for use in the microwave. Microwaving can cause the glass to heat unevenly and may damage the decoration. To safely warm beverages, transfer them to a microwave-safe container before heating.
Dishwashers: While our glass is dishwasher safe, we recommend hand washing for optimal care. Dishwashers use varying cycle lengths, temperatures, and detergents, which can affect the longevity of the decoration. To maintain the beauty of your glassware, it is best to hand wash them with mild dish soap as mentioned earlier.
Handling and Storage: When handling your decorated glass, it is important to hold it by the base or stem to avoid putting excessive pressure on the design. Avoid stacking glasses, as this can lead to scratches or chipping. Instead, store them upright or use protective dividers to keep them separate. Or place them back into their beautiful gift box for storage.
Gentle Drying: After washing, use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry your glassware. Avoid air-drying as it can leave water spots or streaks. Gently polish the glass with the cloth to restore its shine and clarity.
Hard Water Deposits: If you live in an area with hard water, you may notice mineral deposits on your glassware over time. To remove these deposits, soak the glass in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub the deposits with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry as usual.
Caring for your Stainless Steel Accessories
Handwashing: We recommend hand washing your stainless steel accessories in warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh cleaners, as they can scratch or damage the stainless steel surface. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots or staining.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach or chlorine-based cleaners on stainless steel, as they can cause discoloration. Instead, use mild detergent or stainless steel cleaner specifically designed for cleaning stainless steel surfaces.
Polishing: To maintain the shine of your stainless steel accessories, periodically polish them using a stainless steel polish or a simple homemade solution. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, apply to the surface with a soft cloth, and buff gently in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
Avoid Abrasive Materials: When cleaning or drying, avoid using abrasive sponges, brushes, or steel wool, as they can scratch the stainless steel surface. Use soft cloths or non-abrasive brushes for gentle cleaning.
Storing and Handling: When not in use, store your stainless steel accessories in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in humid or damp environments, as this can promote the growth of bacteria or cause tarnishing.
Removing Stubborn Stains: For stubborn stains or residue, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently scrub the stain with a soft cloth or sponge, rinse thoroughly, and dry as usual.
By following these care instructions, you can keep your Selbrae House products in excellent condition for years of enjoyment. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our customer support team.
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