Care guide
At House Barn we take pride in offering a curated collection of products that are made to be enjoyed but also last. With a little extra love and care means you can increase the longevity while preserving the quality of your favourite items. Below you can read about some of our different materials and how best to take care of them.
Upon browsing each product you will also find a brief description on how to care for the specific product.
Wood Care
Each handcrafted wood piece is unique due to the nature of reclaimed wood. Expect variations in patina, age, and colour, as no two wood planks are the same. Natural variations in the finish are normal and add to the charm of our handmade furniture.
Wood is a living material and will react to changes of humidity and temperature in your home. While our materials are kiln-dried, thick-cut wood may continue to dry over time. In certain climates with significant fluctuations in temperature and moisture, you may observe slight cracking in the wood as the seasons change. Subtle expansion, warping or hairline cracks are a natural reaction and are considered part of its charming character. To minimise the changes to the timber, take care to not place it close to sources of intense heat, such as radiators.
After use, wipe down with a lightly damp non-abrasive cloth following the wood grain then using a dry cloth immediately remove any residual moisture. Avoid the use of chemical cleaners and polish containing silicone as these may alter the finish over time.
To protect the finish from scratches, staining and marking we recommend cleaning spillages as quickly as possible and using coasters, trivets and placemats.
With certain wood products so that the finish remains conditioned and as resilient as possible to staining, it may require periodic re-oiling every 6 to 12 months. We recommend Natural Clear Oil. Please note, this may darken the tone of the wood slightly. Please note not all wood products require oil please check the care guide on your product description for clarity.
Our wooden cutting boards are naturally subject to wear and need to be taken care of to keep its appearance and last for a long time. Wash primarily in only water, if needed detergent suffices with a small amount, and never wash it in the dishwasher. After cleaning, wipe the cutting board and do not leave it wet.
If the wood starts to feel dry, it can be oiled in with vegetable oil. Take a small amount of oil on a cloth and lubricate the board. Be sure to use an edible oil because the cutting board is for use in cooking and serving food.
Upholstery Care
Increase the longevity of your upholstery with regular care that keeps the fabric looking as beautiful as the day it arrived.
Most of our textiles are made from natural, sustainable fibers. Handwoven and dyed with non-toxic materials, our high-quality fabrics may have slight colour variations from sample swatches to finished products. These variations add character and enhance the uniqueness of each made-to-order piece.
To preserve the longevity of your made-to-order pieces we recommend professional dry cleaning or spot treatment only. Machine washing is not recommended and may compromise the look and feel of upholstery over time.
For added protection, you may consider applying Scotch Guard to your upholstery. While we do not treat our fabrics in house, this can be done at home or through a third party professional. We advise testing the protectant on a fabric swatch beforehand to ensure satisfaction, as the treatment may alter the look and feel of the fabric.
Avoid placing your upholstery in direct sunlight or areas with excessive heat, as this may cause fading and damage to the fabric over time. Be mindful of liquids and sharp objects to prevent any accidental spills or tears.
Cushion Care
Occasionally fluff cushions to restore their shape and natural loft. Fluff and smooth the inserts, periodically flipping and rotating the cushions to promote even wear and increase longevity. Avoid removing cushion casings for laundering as this may impact its overall fit and appearance once reinserted.
Linen Care
Our 100% pure linen items for bed are made with flax fibers, where the climate conditions are perfect for growing the plant. Each item is stonewashed which gives them their slightly worn look and soft touch. The properties of the fiber make linen the perfect temperature-regulator, as the fiber is a natural insulator. It will have the cooling effect during summer nights as well as give you warm comfort during the colder months. This makes it the perfect bedding all through the seasons.
Linen can be washed in high as well as low temperature, air dry or tumble dry. To save energy and water and to allow the textiles to last longer we recommend you to wash your linen at a lower temperature, and air them outside in between washes. To keep the soft feeling in your bed linen we recommend you to hang it and let it air dry, when it is almost dry you can tumble dry it for a few minutes.
You will find that the more you use your linen bedding, the softer and better it will become.
Cotton Care
Our series of cotton bedding is produced in Portugal and consists of duvet covers, pillowcases, and bed sheets in 100% organic cotton.
All parts are stonewashed and have a thread density of 200 percale, which gives a quality that is soft yet crispy. The pillowcases and duvet covers come packaged in bags in the same lovely cotton quality. All parts of the collection with cotton bedding can be washed at 60° and can be tumble dried.
To be concerned about both the textiles and the environment, we recommend sometimes wind air instead of washing. We also recommend washing at a lower temperature and hanging to dry instead of tumble drying.
Stoneware Care
We have many products made of the material stoneware, including cups, plates, bowls, and serving dishes, all of which can withstand both dishwasher and microwave. Washing, cooking and care instructions for our stoneware collections are all listed on each invidally product showcased. Stoneware is burned at a high temperature, which gives hard and durable products. We work with different glazes to give the different products unique looks. We strive to work as sustainably as possible and some of the cups in our collection are made according to international Fairtrade guidelines.
Rug Care
Unpack the rug soon after it’s delivered to minimize any creases or pressure marks from being folded or rolled up. Vacuum regularly but don’t overdo it. Too much vacuuming can wear down the fibers more quickly. With a new rug it's normal with some shedding. This should subside after a few weeks. If sprouting occurs and a single tuft extends beyond the rug’s surface, simply cut it off. Do not pull it. To increase the longevity of your rug from sun exposure, we recommend that you rotate your rug once in a while to get sunlight and wear on the rug more evenly over time. Please be aware placing heavy furniture on your rug can leave permanent pressure marks.
Wool and Wool Blends
Vacuum regularly, turning off any beater bar setting on the vacuum, and rotate the rug every so often to slow fading caused by exposure to direct sunlight. Clip loose ends with scissors to remove. If spills occur, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth and use a common wool cleaning detergent to remove any stains. If the spill or stain is substantial, we recommend professional cleaning.
Jute & Sisal
Keep jute and sisal away from high-moisture spaces and keep coir away from heavy moisture areas to prevent transfer or bleeding. If spills occur on jute or sisal, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth. If the spill or stain is substantial, we suggest professional cleaning.
Polyester and Synthetic Blends
Vacuum regularly, turning off any beater bar setting on the vacuum, and rotate the rug every so often to slow fading caused by exposure to direct sunlight. If spills occur, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth and only use cleaning agents that are safe for synthetic fibers to remove stains. If the spill or stain is substantial, we recommend professional cleaning.
Hemp
Our hemp rugs are made by hand by talented craftsmen. Handwoven hemp rugs are craftmanship with a long tradition. The hemp thread comes from the bark of the fast-growing plant hemp. It is a material that is known to be dirt repellent and durable. When the rug is woven and the thread ends, a new thread is tied to the first one, which means that loose thread ends can protrude from the rug. If a loose thread end becomes visible, try to put it down through the carpet or gently cut it with scissors. Hemp thread can shred fibers in the beginning, it does not affect the quality or appearance of the carpet, but it can be perceived as dirty. To get rid of the excess fibers, vacuum regularly on both sides. Clean the carpet by vacuum it and remove any stains with a clean dish brush or a damp cloth. To wash the whole carpet, we recommend leaving it to a professional carpet cleaner.
Vintage and Reclaimed Furniture Care
Incorporating Vintage pieces into your interior helps build a characterful home. Vintage or reclaimed furniture adds warmth and charm through its weathered appearance. In order to ensure longevity of your vintage furniture it is important to take the necessary steps to keep it looking its best for many years to come.
For daily maintenance, simply dust over your vintage furniture with a dry cloth. In the unfortunate event of a spillage, try to clean it up quickly with a damp cloth, this will help prevent staining. Wood Wax: The best tip for looking after your reclaimed wooden furniture is applying wood wax. This is because wax nourishes the wood and prevents water from getting into the surface, a coat every other month will keep your wooden furniture looking healthy all year round. All you need is a dry clean cloth, rub the wax gently along the grain of the wood, leave for 30 minutes and then lightly buff away any excess.
Vintage Decor Care
Charm and character embody our collections and in order to preserve the beauty of our Vintage Decor pieces it is important to be mindful of the care needed. Vintage decor naturally aged over time which gives each piece its unique story. When displaying decorative antiques in your home try to keep them out of direct sunlight as exposure to light fades most materials. Water can damage antiques, so do try to keep them in a dry, ventilated place to avoid them getting damp. When it comes to sprucing them up, dusting off with a dry cloth is the perfect pick-me-up. For build-ups of dust or grime, try gently cleaning with warm water and a damp cloth. If a serious clean is needed, use a natural cleaning solution and a light hand. We always recommend doing a little test first as it would be a shame to lose any of the beautiful aged details.
Faux Floral Care
When it comes to our artificial florals and foliage the most amazing benefit is they are everlasting but also extremely low maintenance. We recommend keeping your stems out of direct sunlight and away from moisture to keep them looking their very best.
Now that your arrangement is complete, I recommend keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture to keep the flowers looking their very best.
While a ray of light can make your blooms look even brighter, it can take its toll over time as UV causes discolouration and fading. If you can’t keep your flowers out of the sun completely, try to rotate them regularly to avoid one side becoming more faded than the other.
Dusting is the best way to keep your florals looking fresh. Use a standard cloth or a dry microfibre cloth to carefully dust the petals. An even quicker method of cleaning your faux flowers is to take them outside and gently shake them to free any dust.
When storing faux flowers, I recommend keeping the box that your faux flowers arrived in or if that is not feasible choose a container that is durable and airtight but also provides enough space between each bloom to avoid them bending out of shape.