The Art of Keeping
A concise guide to living with handcrafted objects. How to care for Murano glass, porcelain, galvanised metals, stainless steel and aluminium — written with our master artisans in Campania and Murano.
Listen, and a handcrafted object will outlive you.
Our pieces are forged in Italy. None of them are fragile. All of them are specific. The rituals below take under a minute and add decades of life.
Select your piece.
Murano Glass
Light, warmth, breath.
The One-Minute Ritual
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01
Prepare lukewarm water
Between 20 °C and 30 °C. Never hot — temperature differences greater than 20 °C cause internal stress fractures.
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02
Add one drop of neutral pH soap
No ammonia, no alcohol, no window cleaner. These strip the polished surface and cloud the crystal.
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03
Wash one piece at a time
Never immerse multiple objects together — they will scratch each other. Handle each piece individually.
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04
Dry immediately with a soft cloth
Do not let air-dry. A microfibre or linen cloth prevents streaks and water marks on the surface.
What ruins it
- Dishwasher— etches the surface permanently.
- Thermal shock— cracks weeks later.
- Boiling water or freezer— causes internal stress fractures.
- Abrasive sponges— dulls the surface permanently.
- Multiple pieces in same sink— pieces scratch each other.
- Direct sunlight > 8h daily— fades pigments over time.
What preserves it
- Wash by hand, one piece at a time, in lukewarm water.
- Use only neutral pH soap — a few drops are enough.
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth after each wash.
- Handle with both hands, from the central body — never by thin or protruding elements.
Something went wrong with your piece?
Contact UsCutlery
Brilliance preserved, everyday use.
The Daily Ritual
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01
Rinse immediately after use
Remove food residues promptly. The longer residues sit, the more they work against the electroplated finish.
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02
Hand-wash with neutral detergent
A few drops of mild, neutral soap in warm water (max 40 °C). No dishwasher tabs, no aggressive detergents.
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03
Rinse thoroughly
Remove all soap traces before drying — residue left on the finish causes dullness over time.
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04
Dry immediately with a soft cloth
Do not leave to air-dry. Water deposits on electroplated surfaces accelerate oxidation of the finish.
What ruins it
- Dishwasher— irreversibly strips the electroplated finish.
- Harsh or abrasive detergents— corrode and dull the plating layer.
- Prolonged soaking— weakens adhesion of the electroplated coat.
- Abrasive sponges or scourers— scratch and permanently dull the surface.
- High-temperature wash cycles— cause irreversible damage to the finish.
What preserves it
- Hand-wash only, after every use.
- Use warm water (max 40 °C) with a mild, neutral detergent.
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth — never air-dry.
- Store in a dry place; keep pieces separated to prevent contact scratches.
Need advice on a specific piece?
Contact UsCups
Warmth, contact, presence.
The Cup Ritual
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01
Check liquid temperature
Never exceed 70 °C (158 °F). Higher temperatures compromise the glass integrity, alter the finish, and reduce durability over time.
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02
Hand-wash with lukewarm water
A few drops of neutral soap in lukewarm water. No dishwasher, no water above 70 °C, no direct heat sources.
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03
Wash one piece at a time
Avoid contact between pieces in the sink — Murano glass chips easily when pieces knock together.
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04
Dry and store carefully
Dry immediately with a soft cloth. Store upright and never stack without protective padding between cups.
What ruins it
- Liquids above 70 °C (158 °F)— compromises glass integrity and finish.
- Dishwasher— high temperatures and chemicals damage the glass permanently.
- Abrasive sponges— scratch the surface irreversibly.
- Stacking without padding— causes chips and micro-cracks at the rim.
- Thermal shock— cracks the glass internally.
What preserves it
- Keep liquid temperature below 70 °C at all times.
- Hand-wash only, one piece at a time, in lukewarm water.
- Dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Store separately or with padding — never stacked bare.
Have a damaged cup?
Contact UsGalvanised Metal
Brilliance held by an invisible film.
The Galvanised Ritual
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01
Dust with a dry microfibre cloth
Do this regularly. The lacquer layer is delicate — dry dusting is the safest routine and avoids the need for wet cleaning.
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02
Spot-clean when needed
Lukewarm water and neutral soap only. Apply with a damp cloth; never soak or submerge the piece.
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03
Dry thoroughly and immediately
Moisture trapped under the lacquer causes it to lift and expose the metal beneath. Dry completely after any contact with water.
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04
Touch up scratches promptly
If scratches appear, seal the exposed metal with a thin coat of clear lacquer before oxidation can set in.
What ruins it
- Solvents or alcohol— dissolve the lacquer layer entirely.
- Abrasive sponges or cloths— scratch through to bare metal beneath the lacquer.
- Prolonged water exposure or soaking— causes lacquer to lift and metal to oxidise.
- Dishwasher— destroys both the lacquer and the electroplated finish.
What preserves it
- Dust first with a dry microfibre cloth; wet-clean only when necessary.
- Use only lukewarm water + neutral soap for wet cleaning.
- Dry completely after any water contact.
- Inspect periodically for scratches; apply clear lacquer touch-up coat early.
Restoration needed?
Contact UsAluminium
Protected by the air it breathes.
The Aluminium Ritual
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01
Respect the oxide layer
Untreated aluminium naturally forms a thin oxide layer that protects the metal. Do not strip it with harsh products.
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02
Wash with lukewarm water and neutral soap
No aggressive cleaners needed. Gentle soap and a soft cloth are sufficient for routine cleaning.
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03
Dry promptly
Minimises water marks on the matte surface. Untreated aluminium is prone to mineral deposits if left wet.
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04
Polish optionally with neutral wax
For extra shine and an added layer of protection, apply a light coat of neutral protective wax and buff gently.
What ruins it
- Harsh or acidic cleaners— strip the protective oxide layer permanently.
- Abrasive sponges— scratch permanently — oxide won't fully restore on deep cuts.
- Bleach or chlorine-based products— cause pitting and permanent discolouration.
- Prolonged water pooling— leaves mineral deposits on the untreated surface.
What preserves it
- Use only lukewarm water and neutral soap for cleaning.
- Dry thoroughly after washing — no air-drying.
- Allow minor scratches to self-heal; the oxide layer regenerates naturally.
- Apply neutral protective wax occasionally for extra shine and protection.
Wax recommendation?
Contact UsPorcelain
Dense, resilient, quietly demanding.
The Porcelain Ritual
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01
Wash with warm water and mild detergent
Use a soft cloth or sponge. Warm water is sufficient — no need for aggressive products on a glazed surface.
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02
Rinse thoroughly
Remove all detergent residue. Soap left on the glaze dries into a dull film over repeated washes.
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03
Dry or wipe down immediately
Standing water causes limescale deposits on the glaze and grout lines. A dry cloth after each use prevents build-up.
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04
Keep away from high heat
Do not expose to temperatures above 100 °C. Extreme heat causes the glaze to craze or crack internally.
What ruins it
- Acid-based cleaners— etch and permanently dull the glaze.
- Bleach or ammonia-based products— discolour grout lines and degrade the glaze.
- Temperatures above 100 °C— cause the glaze to craze or crack.
- Abrasive sponges or scourers— scratch the glaze surface irreversibly.
What preserves it
- Use warm water and a mild, neutral detergent for routine cleaning.
- Rinse thoroughly after every wash to remove all soap residue.
- Dry or wipe down immediately to prevent limescale spots.
- Inspect grout lines periodically; clean gently with a soft brush if needed.
Not sure about your piece?
Contact UsStainless Steel
Raw metal, rewarded by care.
The Steel Ritual
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01
Wipe with a microfibre cloth
For daily maintenance, a dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth is enough. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
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02
Apply chloride-free stainless-steel cleaner
When a deeper clean is needed, use a product specifically formulated for stainless steel — no bleach, no salt-based cleaners.
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03
Rinse and dry thoroughly
Remove all cleaner residue. Dry immediately — standing water is the primary cause of surface staining and dullness.
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04
Deep clean monthly with baking soda paste
If rainbow stains or dullness appear, apply a paste of baking soda and water, rub gently along the grain, then rinse well and dry.
What ruins it
- Metal scouring pads— scratch and deposit iron particles that trigger rust.
- Chloride-based cleaners or bleach— cause pitting and permanent corrosion.
- Wiping against the grain— creates visible scratches that accumulate over time.
- Leaving water or residue to air-dry— causes water marks, rainbow staining, and dullness.
What preserves it
- Wipe in the direction of the grain — always.
- Use only chloride-free, stainless-steel-specific cleaners.
- Dry immediately after every clean; never air-dry.
- Deep clean monthly with baking soda paste if staining or dullness appears.
Need a specific product recommendation?
Contact UsHow to recognise genuine Murano glass.
Four markers, read together. No single one is proof — but if all four align, you are holding the real thing. If any is missing or vague, ask for clarification. Transparency is the first sign of craftsmanship.
The Signature
An engraved or acid-etched logo on the base. Clean, legible, consistent with the maestro or company name.
The Label
A brand mark pointing to a real business — contact, address, website — not a generic "Made in Murano" sticker.
The Certificate
States who made the piece and where, with verifiable contacts: URL, QR code or serial number.
The Invoice
Everything matches. Signature, label, certificate and invoice tell the same story without contradiction.
FAQ
Short, honest answers from the atelier.
We receive these questions every week. If yours is not here, write to us — replies within 24 hours.
01 How often should I clean a Murano glass chandelier?
02 Can I use commercial glass cleaners on Murano glass?
03 What should I do if a glass element chips or breaks?
04 Is it safe to leave the chandelier on for extended periods?
05 How should I clean porcelain pieces?
