Craft guides · 6 min read · Updated Jun 20, 2026
Caring for handmade Indian products: textiles, brass, pottery and more
Handmade pieces reward a little care. Natural materials and traditional finishes behave differently from factory goods — treat them right and they age beautifully instead of wearing out.
Handloom and silk textiles
- Dry-clean fine silk (Banarasi, Kanjivaram) or hand-wash gently in cold water where the maker allows.
- Store folded in cotton or muslin, away from direct sunlight; refold along different lines occasionally to avoid permanent creases.
- Keep zari (metallic thread) dry; moisture tarnishes it.
Brass and copper
Both develop a natural patina. To brighten, use a paste of lemon and salt (or tamarind), rinse, and dry fully. Leave the patina if you prefer the aged look — many do.
Terracotta and pottery
Unglazed terracotta is porous — season it and avoid sudden temperature changes. Hand-wash glazed pottery; treat decorative pieces as decorative unless the maker says they're food-safe.
Wood and leather
Keep wood out of direct heat and sun; an occasional wipe of natural oil revives it. Condition leather and keep it dry. Both are natural and will shift slightly with their environment — that's the material living, not a fault.
Frequently asked
- Can I machine-wash handloom cotton?
- Often a gentle cold cycle is fine, but always follow the maker's care note — natural dyes can bleed on the first wash.
- Is patina on brass a problem?
- No. Patina is natural ageing and many people prize it. Polish only if you prefer the bright look.
Keep reading
- A guide to Indian handwoven textiles · Craft guides
- How to identify authentic Indian handicrafts · Buying
- A gifting guide to Indian handicrafts · Craft guides