Why wood needs special care
Wood is a natural material that breathes: it absorbs moisture in humid weather and releases it in dry weather. Big swings in humidity, heat or sunlight can cause cracks, warping, fading or fungus. With a few habits, carved wooden pieces stay beautiful for decades.
Weekly cleaning
- Dust with a soft, dry microfibre cloth.
- Use a soft brush (paintbrush or makeup brush) for carving.
- For fingerprints, wipe with a cloth barely dampened with water, then dry at once.
- Never soak wood or use harsh cleaners, bleach or ammonia.
Polishing and protecting
Once or twice a year, apply a small amount of furniture wax or wood polish with a soft cloth, following the grain, then buff. This feeds the finish and adds a soft sheen. Test on the base first. For idols used in worship, many families prefer a natural oil such as a few drops of coconut oil on the cloth.
Preventing cracks, fading and fungus
- Keep wood away from direct sunlight, AC vents, heaters and diya flames.
- Do not place wooden pieces on damp walls or near bathrooms.
- In the monsoon, keep silica gel sachets near closed displays.
- If white fungus appears, wipe it with a dry cloth outdoors, let the piece air in shade, then polish lightly.
See our monsoon care guide for more.
Caring for wooden clocks and desk pieces
- Wooden wall clocks: hang on an interior wall, away from kitchen steam; change the battery yearly.
- Pen and phone stands: wipe off ink and dust; keep liquids away.
- Showpieces like the wooden piano: dust gently, avoid stacking objects on them.
Which woods are common in Indian handicrafts?
| Wood | Character | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Sheesham (Indian rosewood) | Dense, rich brown grain | Carvings, furniture, boxes |
| Mango wood | Light, sustainable, visible grain | Decor, trays, bowls |
| Teak | Oily, durable | Furniture, carving |
| Rosewood | Dark, fine grain | Fine carving and inlay |
| Kadam / white wood | Light, easy to carve | Painted toys and idols |
Dense woods like sheesham and teak resist moisture better; lighter woods need more care in the monsoon.
Our wooden crafts
Explore the hand-carved wooden Ganesha, the handcrafted wooden wall clock and the full wooden collection. Handcrafted pieces carry small variations in colour, finish and size; that is the mark of handwork, not a defect.
