PRODUCT CARE GUIDE

Thank you for shopping with The Lohasmith. We love our customers, and want you to get the best out of the latest addition to your home. We have put together the following guide to help you to maintain your décor pieces so they may share your address for years to come.

The Lohasmith’s metal décor items may be crafted out of any of the following:

• Aluminum
• Mild Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Brass
• Copper

CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR MILD STEEL/POWDER COATED STEEL

If maintained properly, metal decor pieces can retain their lustre and condition for years. The following steps, if adhered to will help you add life to and get the best out of your Lohasmith product:

• Clean often to avoid scratches: Dusting and cleaning your metal decor is very important. Allowing dust and grime to build up on the surface of the metal can cause scratching as well as unsightly blemishes. Dust using a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid scratches.
• Clean carefully: In case of stubborn smudges or stains, remember that you must not scratch or abrade the surface in an attempt to remove it. Simply wipe down the dirty portion using a mild solution of detergent and water to remove the blemish, following which dry immediately using a soft, lint-free cloth. Never use a sharp object to scrape away grime, as this will damage the surface coating on the metal.
• Keep free of rust and moisture: Metal decor is often damaged due to rust, which can develop naturally over time or through repeated exposure to moisture. While all The Lohasmith’s products are treated to resist rusting unless specifically mentioned; but rust may yet develop in spite of these safeguards. It is important to arrest rusting as early as possible and you can treat it with rust remover. Remember to apply rust remover locally to the affected area only, and follow manufacturers instructions wherever applicable.
• Protect from bad weather: If using outdoors, it is advisable to pull the pieces indoors in winter and during the rains as metal finishes may corrode in these conditions.
• Waxing and polishing: All The Lohasmith's steel and mild steel items are powder coated using epoxy coatings. This means that they will maintain their finish as long as they are kept clean and relatively dry; and do not need to be polished or waxed. For all plated finishes on steel/stainless steel, it is advisable to wax them periodically to maintain luster, avoid finger marks and other blemishes and prevent scratching of the surface.

CARE INSTRUCTION FOR BRASS

Brass is composed of zinc, copper and other metals, and therefore tends to oxidize or tarnish quite easily. Regularly polishing and cleaning brass items not only helps them retain their luster, but also provides a layer of protection, which prevents oxidation and long-term damage to the metal. Here's what you can do to keep brass items clean and well preserved:

• Clean regularly:If the brass is dirty or seems greasy, mix some mild detergent with warm water. Wipe surface clean with a soft cloth soaked in the detergent solution. Wipe clean and allow to dry, following which wipe down surface using a soft, lint-free cloth. It is also recommended to use brass polish on a regular basis to bring shine and luster to your brass objects. Note that brass polish is reactive, and cannot be used on brass-plated items or delicately engraved surfaces.
• For tough, greasy stains:Apply a bit of toothpaste on the material and rub it in light circular motions. Now wipe this off with a soft cotton cloth. This step should be followed by polishing with brass polish, to ensure the surface is evenly clean and shiny.

TIP:Wear cloth gloves when cleaning, so that you do mark the surface with your fingerprints.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALUMINIUM& STAINLESS STEEL

When cleaning metal objects, it is always advisable to use the simplest, safest and most cost effective method available. Aluminium and stainless steel should be cleaned regularly to ensure a lustrous finish is maintained at all times.

• Clean and wipe: Since neither aluminium nor stainless steel are prone to rusting, the simplest way to keep these materials clean is to clean them regularly using a damp rag, followed by wiping dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Stainless surfaces thrive with frequent cleaning because there is no surface coating to wear off stainless steels. A soft cloth and clean warm water should always be the first choice for mild stains and loose dirt and soils. A final rinse with clean water and a dry wipe will complete the process and eliminate the possibility of water stains.
• Solvent Cleaning: Organic solvents can be used to remove fresh fingerprints and oils and greases that have not had time to oxidize or decompose. The preferred solvent is one that does not contain chlorine, such as acetone, methyl alcohol, and mineral spirits.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR GLASS AND MIRRORS

Glass is a delicate material which scratches easily and shows even the minutest stains immediately. Therefore, proper care must be taken to keep glass and mirror surfaces clean and blemish free.

• Regular cleaning:Glass and mirror surfaces should be wiped down daily using a clean, lint-free cloth. Allowing dust to accumulate on the surface of the glass can cause scratching.
• Stubborn spots: Greasy stains, fingerprints and spots can be cleaned using glass cleaner. Avoid spraying the glass/mirror surface directly; instead spray the cleaner onto the cloth and then use the damp cloth to clean surface stains.
• Handle glass items carefully: Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaners, sharp scrapers or razor blades to clean glass or mirror surfaces. Always ensure that décor items made of glass or containing glass are kept well out of the reach of children to avoid breaking or cracking, which can cause bodily harm as well as damage the item.