How to handle products / cautions for handling
All products
・Due to the use of natural materials and the crafting process by hand, texture and sizes vary for each item.
・Avoid use in microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, fridges, and freezers.
・Using chipped and cracked items may result in injury. Do not hesitate to contact us as some products may be repaired depending on the material and technique.
・Please read the instructions for each material together.
・Take care when using products to be put over the fire as the metal parts will become very hot.
Metal products
〈Instructions for each type of finishing: copper & brass>
・For products with tin plating inside, avoid using metal scrubbers and cleansers for the inside.
・After use, do not keep food in them and wipe dry with a dry cloth after washing.
Keeping food inside for a long period of time may cause patination.
Looking after the products
・Before the first use of copper products, boil with water after washing with a neutral detergent to remove odour and oil from processing. Boiling with scraps of vegetables or water in which rice has been washed can prevent darkening of the inside.
・Darkening and patination are harmless and can be enjoyed as a secular change of texture but it can be treated with specialised cleaners or acid liquid such as lemon juice or half a glass of vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of salt on a piece of cloth and wiped off. Otherwise, rinse well after soaking in diluted acid washing-up liquid for a few hours.
・After use, wipe dry with a dry cloth after washing and do not keep food in them for a long period of time as it may cause corrosion. Do not use metal scrubbers when washing as it will damage the pots.
〈Instructions for each type of finishing: aluminium〉
Looking after the products
・Boil with water with sake soap or lemon if darkening becomes noticeable.
・Before the first use of pots, boil with water with scraps of vegetables or water in which rice has been washed for over 10 minutes, rinse with a soft sponge, and wipe dry with a dry cloth. Using without this procedure may cause darkening. Darkening is due to a natural film formed by aluminium’s characteristic of corrosion prevention and therefore harmless in terms of food hygiene.
Glass products
・Hand wash with a soft sponge using washing-up liquid. Do not use cleansers and metal scrubbers as they will damage the surface.
・A rapid change of temperature may break the products. Be careful especially with rapid cooling. Do not put cold things inside or put it on a wet surface when the glass is hot.
Ceramic products
・Hand wash with a soft sponge using washing-up liquid. Do not use cleansers and metal scrubbers as they will damage the surface. To prevent mould from growing, wipe thoroughly after wetting with water and dry well before storing.
・Keeping food inside for a long period of time and soak washing will let dirt and detergent get absorbed resulting in odour and mould.
Looking after the products
・The foot may feel rough as it does not have glazing. Sand with sanding paper or a whetstone if needed.
・Ceramics are highly absorbent and easily absorb water and oil. Sterilising by boiling with water in which rice has been washed before the first use will help prevent dirt from being absorbed. Take care not to boil with heat so high that the ceramic moves around in the pot. Only soaking in water until it is wholly absorbed will also have effectiveness. For daily use, soaking the ceramics in water before dishing up with food will give them a graceful brilliance and also prevent absorption of water and oil from food.
・Avoid soak washing and keeping them wet with water for a long period of time. Avoid storing in an extremely dry condition either.
Wooden products
〈Instructions for each type of finishing: lacquer ware〉
・After use, hand wash using a neutral washing-up liquid and a soft sponge and rinse immediately with water or lukewarm water. Wipe dry with a soft dry cloth and dry well before storing.
・Avoid rapid changes of temperature and extreme humidity and dryness. Dishing up with extremely hot food such as those just been boiled may cause the coating to turn white and may not go back. There will be no problem if the food is in a temperature that can be eaten straight away but it could be warmed up with lukewarm water to avoid a rapid change of temperature to be careful. They can be used in low temperature but avoid use in fridges and freezers.
〈Instructions for each type of finishing: oil finish〉
・After use, hand wash using a neutral washing-up liquid and a soft sponge and rinse immediately with water or lukewarm water. Wipe dry with a soft dry cloth and dry well before storing to prevent mould.
・If the surface feels dry, rub specialised oil for wooden tableware or walnut oil into it and wipe off lightly with a piece of cloth. Regular maintenance will deepen their gloss.
Bamboo products, Wisteria vine products, and Rattan products
・Take care as they may have prickles and splits.
・Avoid use in microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, fridges, and freezers.
・Avoid soak washing and keeping them wet with water for a long period of time.
・Quickly rinse with water to clean. Wipe dry with a soft dry cloth and dry well before storing to prevent mould.
・For storing, avoid direct sunlight and keep in a well ventilated place.
