Thank you for shopping with Permanent Collection!
We know that selecting sustainably-produced, handmade artisanal pieces for your home can be an investment. We believe it’s our responsibility to be here for all of your questions and concerns and to give you the support and guidance you need to ensure the longevity of your purchases.
Because we work across a variety of natural materials, there’s not a single approach to care that applies to our full range of products. We created the below guides for best care practices for the various materials in our collection.
If you have a specific question regarding one of your pieces, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at contact@permanentcollection.com
Wood Care
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Salad Bowl ~ Each bowl's grain is unique. A freshly-milled light redwood at first will darken over time, and patina with use, turning a lovely rich, warm color. This is normal. Avoid using harsh detergents to clean the bowl as it will dehydrate the wood, but a little mild soap is fine. Alternatively, simply rinse with warm warm and and wipe out. We strongly urge you to regularly condition the bowl with a food-safe wood conditioner at least twice a year. This will help the bowl to achieve its natural patina and will make it harder-wearing and longer-lasting. Only apply wood conditioner when the wood is completely dry—apply it generously to the entire surface and allow it to sit for 8 hours, or overnight. In the morning, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe away the excess and lightly buff it.
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Utensils ~ We suggest you condition utensils with a food-safe wood conditioner at least twice a year. Because utensils get a lot of use, they can dry out and start to appear dehydrated, or worse yet, fray or chip. Conditioning them regularly will help to prevent this. Use the overnight method mentioned above for best results.
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Cutting Boards ~ Because cutting boards are used in food prep, we don't hold back when we clean them: detergents and steel wood are fine but we strongly suggest using unscented, biodegradable and eco products when cleaning porous, natural materials that will interact with food. Cutting boards will natural show signs of wear with frequent use but can be kept looking and performing optimally if regularly conditioned. We suggest you condition boards with a food-safe wood conditioner quarterly. If the edges should fray or splinter, use a medium grit sandpaper (such as this sanding sponge) to smooth them out, then wipe clean and condition. Whenever conditioning, use the overnight method mentioned above for best results.
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Utensil Holder ~ Wipe clean with a damp cloth, whenever necessary, but never soak or saturate with water as this can warp the wood or damage the joints. Condition the wood annually using the above method. If using as a vase, always line with a watertight vessel or vase that fits inside.
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Dish Rack ~ Because the Dish Rack is a product that will (hopefully!) be a functional centerpiece of your kitchen—and therefore in regular contact with water—you will likely encounter evidence of use. We suggest conditioning the wood monthly using a food-safe wood conditioner. This will greatly increase its lifespan and help it to form a naturally water-repellent patina. To do so, cover the entire surface and allow it to sit overnight before buffing with a clean, dry cloth. Dark spots or stains are caused by natural tannins in the wood being released and are harmless—over time, they will meld into the wood's organic patina. Should you wish to minimize their appearance, you may spot treat them with with oxalic acid wood bleach (do NOT use harsh detergents or traditional chlorine bleach on the wood). We suggest you apply self-adhesive silicone or rubber “bumpers” to the bottom of the rack to elevate the base above any potential sitting water. Never soak the dish rack in water or place water-saturated items directly on it.
- Mills ~ Wipe clean with a damp cloth whenever necessary. Condition annually as above.
Ceramic Care
- Candleholders ~ Made of a sturdy stoneware, these candleholders are dishwasher safe if they are wax-free. To remove wax, pour boiling water over them to melt the wax and then buff with a towel. Alternatively, boil a large pot of water, gently place the candleholders in the pot, turn off the heat, and allow the pot to cool fully—the wax will harden at the surface and can easily be discarded and then the candleholders removed.
- Dishes ~ All of our dishes are dishwasher safe. We intentionally created standardware that could be used everyday without compromising on beauty. That said, to keep ceramics truly pristine, handwashing with mild detergent is recommended, and storing upright or with felt plate dividers (such as these) between dishes will prevent them from getting scratched or marked-up. To remove any markings on the surface of the plates: Make a paste by combining baking soda and water. Wet the plate with warm water and spread a generous layer of the baking soda paste directly over the dark utensil streaks or gray marks and allow the paste sit for 2 minutes to help loosen any metal/magterial transfer. Finish by rubbing the marks gently using a soft cloth or sponge in circular motions and rinse completely.
- Fruit & Berry Bowls ~ While these pieces are dishwasher safe, handwashing will preserve their lifespan as the high temperatures and temperature fluctuations of a dishwasher can structurally weaken ceramics. Because of the cut-outs in their design, these bowls are more vulnerable than solid plates.
- Stoneware Trio ~ Hand wash and air dry only.
- Platters ~ Hand wash only with mild detergent and allow to dry completely before storing.
Glass Care
- Aqua e Vino ~ While our glassware is dishwasher safe, we do have guidelines for how to safely clean them. Always place glasses securely on the top rack away from heavy pots or the bottom spray arm with plenty of space between to prevent chipping or scratching from vibrations. Choose a normal or gentle cycle and do not run them on the "sanitize" setting. Always use rinse aid to prevent water spots and mineral scaling. We encourage powder detergents over gels or gel packs as the latter can cause cloudiness of a build-up of film. If glasses turn cloudy from hard water, make a diluted white vinegar solution and soak glasses for a few minutes, then rub them with a cloth and rinse. Buff out dried water spots or fingerprints with a soft, dry rag.
- Platters ~ Hand wash only with mild detergent and allow to dry completely before storing.
Metal Care
- Iron Egg Spoon ~ Take care of an iron egg spoon just like a miniature cast iron skillet, focusing on gentle cleaning and routine oiling to prevent rust and maintain its natural nonstick seasoning. Clean your Iron Egg Spoon while warm, shortly after use, which helps loosen food residue easily. Avoid thermal shock: never plunge a hot iron spoon into cold water, as the extreme temperature change can warp or crack the metal. Wash with hot water and a stiff brush or sponge, avoiding heavy or harsh dish detergents. Never put the spoon in the dishwasher. If egg sticks to the bowl, use coarse kosher salt as a natural abrasive scrub with a damp paper towel or brush. Towel dry the spoon immediately after washing and/or place the iron spoon on a burner over low heat for a minute or two to evaporate any remaining microscopic moisture. While the spoon is still warm, rub a tiny drop of high-smoke-point neutral oil (such as canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil) over the entire surface using a paper towel and buff off any excess to remove any pooled oil so the spoon does not become sticky as it cools.
- Copper Egg Spoon ~ Never put the Copper Egg Spoon in the dishwasher, as harsh detergents and high heat can pit and discolor the metal. As copper conducts heat extremely fast, stick to a medium heat setting when cooking. Choose wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the copper (as copper is a much softer metal than iron). Never cook acidic foods in copper as they will react with the metal. After cooking, dry completely: Never air-dry copper, as remaining droplets cause water spots and develop a verdigris patina. To remove tarnish and stains, use a mix of salt and vinegar (make a simple paste using equal parts salt and white vinegar or lemon juice). Rub it gently onto the copper exterior with a soft sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly. If you prefer a rustic look, embrace patina! You can let the exterior (bottom) develop a natural darker brown patina, provided you clean the food-contact surface regularly.
Textile Care
- Kitchen Rug ~ This will rug has a sturdy linen warp and responds well to spot cleaning. To clean spills or stains, saturate wool with cool water using a wet cloth and a gentle soap. Air dry. Shake out to clean dust, dirt, etc. Occasional low-suction vacuuming for a deeper clean will not harm the rug. Iron on low heat if creased.