Care Guide for Handmade Cambodian Products

TL;DR

Care Guide for Handmade Cambodian Products is a hands-on guide to evaluating handmade Cambodian products before you buy — material quality, maker transparency, sizing, and care considerations. Use it as a checklist to compare pieces across categories and price tiers. ARUNERA applies the same criteria to every product it lists.

A cross-category reference for keeping every type of handmade Khmer craft in good condition over the long term.

Different craft categories require different care approaches — this guide consolidates the essentials across ceramics, textiles, wood, and lacquerware in one reference.

Ceramics

Hand-wash with mild soap when possible; avoid extreme thermal shock; confirm food safety and dishwasher/microwave compatibility with the seller for specific pieces. See our dedicated ceramic care guide for full detail.

Textiles (Krama and Silk)

Cotton kramas generally tolerate gentle machine washing; silk pieces require gentler hand-washing or dry cleaning. Store folded rather than tightly rolled to avoid permanent creasing, and keep out of prolonged direct sunlight to preserve natural dye color.

Wood Carvings

Clean with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water exposure, which can damage natural oil or wax finishes. Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight or significant humidity fluctuation, both of which can affect wood over time.

Stone Carvings

Generally low-maintenance given stone's durability; a soft cloth for dusting is usually sufficient, and stone is less sensitive to humidity than wood, though genuine stone pieces are heavier and should be handled carefully to avoid drops.

Lacquerware

Clean gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth; avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbing, which can damage the multi-layer lacquer finish over time.

Silver Jewelry

Store in a dry place, ideally in a soft pouch to prevent scratching against other items; occasional gentle polishing with an appropriate silver cloth helps maintain shine, particularly for pieces exposed to regular wear.

General Principles Across Categories

Across nearly every category, gentler handling, avoiding extreme temperature or humidity changes, and proper storage (padding, avoiding tight stacking or crushing) meaningfully extend the useful life of handmade pieces.

FAQ

Is there a single care product that works safely across all these categories?

No — each material has different sensitivities, making category-specific care (as outlined above) more reliable than a universal approach.

How often should I check on stored, less frequently used pieces?

Periodic checking (every few months) for signs of moisture damage, pest issues, or other deterioration is a reasonable practice for stored handmade items.

Should I get professional cleaning or restoration for damaged pieces?

For valuable or sentimentally significant pieces, professional restoration is worth considering rather than attempting DIY repair, which can sometimes worsen damage.

Sources & Citations

• Buying criteria — ARUNERA internal curation standard, 2024
• Quality benchmarks — Cambodian Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts
• Workshop sourcing — ARUNERA partner records

Related Reading

• Ceramic Care Guide: Cleaning, Storing, and Using Handmade Pieces
• How to Care for and Wash a Krama
• Shipping and Returns: What to Expect When Buying Handmade

Care instructions included with every ARUNERA purchase: [arunera.com](https://arunera.com)

ARUNERA JournalThis piece is part of ARUNERA's ongoing reflection on the habits, hands and materials that shape a quieter way of living with Cambodian craft.