Care Guide
Respecting the environment is a key principle of Fair Trade. We prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly materials in our product manufacturing. We believe that reducing waste is crucial, both in the production and use of our products. To minimize our impact, we choose materials that can have a long lifespan in your homes. In line with this, we have created a helpful guide to ensure your Paper High products last.
Leather
Our products feature distinct buffalo, cow, and goat leathers that are luxurious with a unique look and feel. As recycled materials, they possess individual character and may exhibit minor blemishes.
- The leather is water-resistant and designed to resist moisture. If it gets wet or dirty, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth and let it air dry naturally. Avoid harsh cleaning agents that may damage the leather’s finish.
- To preserve leather’s colour and suppleness, apply petroleum jelly with a dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners to maintain its natural texture.
Mango Wood
Our producers use mango wood to create bowls, trays, jewellery boxes, and drawers treated with linseed oil. This treatment protects the wood and enhances its beautifully rich finish.
- You can top this protection up yourself by rubbing any food oil onto the surface of the wood with a dry cloth.
- To clean your mango wood piece, use warm soapy water and dry it promptly with a cloth. Avoid excessive moisture, as submerging in water can cause warping or cracking.
- Our mango wood kitchenware is not suitable for the dishwasher, microwave or oven, and should only be used for dry food.
Recycled Newspaper
We love the vibrant colours of our recycled newspaper range! Each piece is handmade from hand-rolled and dyed recycled newspaper, carefully glued, pressed, or woven together to create quirky designs.
- While they’re perfect for storing trinkets, we wouldn’t advise using our bowls for anything hot or wet.
- If the paper tears, a layer of clear glue will keep it from tearing any further.
- For any marks, dust, or dirt, wipe gently with a soft cloth.
- To remove tea marks from our recycled newspaper coasters, gently blot the stains with a damp cloth and let them air dry.
- To clean our recycled newspaper baskets, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Cotton
Our cotton products have been hand crafted from recycled cotton rags, salvaged from the waste of the Indian garment industry.
- Pre-wash our non-colourfast throws and rugs before use. Use an anti-slip underlay when placing the rugs on light-coloured carpets or hard floors. Professional dry cleaning is recommended, but a hand wash in cold water is also suitable.
- Our throws can be washed in the machine at 30 degrees, but make sure to only wash with similar colours. A low-heat tumble dry will keep them at their softest.
- To extend your rug’s lifespan, regularly remove embedded dirt. If colours fade, flip it over for a fresh look – the design is reversible.
- For our cotton scarves, hand washing is best, but a cool, gentle cotton cycle will do too.
Wool
Our handmade hats and socks are crafted from sustainable Australian and New Zealand wool, which is renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, and can be organically produced.
- We advise treating your woollen products like your favourite woolly jumper – with a gentle hand wash in cold water.
- Keeping them out of warm water will ensure the fibres don’t shrink and will keep you toasty from head to toe all winter long!
Metal
We offer products made from recycled metals by various producers. Each product utilizes different metals and requires minimal maintenance with occasional gentle dusting when kept indoors.
- Our powder-coated wire ducks and geese are built to last in your garden. Keep them looking their best by gently hosing them down or wiping off debris with a wet cloth.
- Apply rust remover to any rusting products to restore and protect them. For indoor products to be displayed in the garden, such as lanterns or bells, it is recommended to coat them with a rust remover before use.
Felt
Our Fair Trade felt products are handmade in Nepal using sustainable wool. Traditional techniques utilize heat, moisture, and pressure to create the soft material, while vibrant colours are achieved with natural dyes.
- Use a soft-bristled brush (e.g. a toothbrush) to gently remove dust and debris. Sticky tape can also be used to gently peel off stubborn debris.
- Your felt pieces can be handwashed but as the material is sensitive to temperature, make sure to use cold water. For stubborn stains use only a very gentle soap.
Glass
Our glass products are hand crafted from recycled glass using traditional skills handed down from one generation to the next.
- All of our frames without metal edges can have the glass replaced by a professional, but unfortunately our hanging and folding frames cannot.
- To remove dust or polish glass surfaces, use a soft or microfiber cloth for effective cleaning and shine.
Recycled Plastic
Our Recycled Plastic Range was born out of a desire to reduce India’s mountain of waste, by turning plastic bags and discarded hard plastic into beautiful products.
- To clean your recycled plastic product, use warm soapy water and dry it with a dry cloth. You can also mix equal parts white vinegar and water and rub it in using a clean cloth or sponge.
- Avoid using an abrasive cleaner that may scratch the plastic.
- Our recycled plastic goodies are water-resistant. However, avoid excessive moisture on our recycled plastic bags and accessories, as submerging or leaving them in water can cause permanent damage.
Natural Cork
Our Recycled Cork Range is a great vegan-friendly alternative to our leather products. Hand crafted from hard-wearing, waterproof natural cork, this range is lightweight and soft to the touch. Our multicoloured version features pieces of incorporated recycled rubber.
- To clean your cork product, wipe the affected area with a soft cloth or soft bristle brush using a non-abrasive cleaner or warm soapy water. Rinse with fresh water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Once you’ve pressed out as much water as you can, leave the cork to air dry completely (do not put on a radiator or leave near a heat source). Do not use the product until it is completely dry.
- Watch out for cleansers that contain bleach as these can discolour your cork. Also avoid acidic cleaners that might damage your cork goodies.
Jute
Our Jute products are hand crafted from eco-friendly jute and woven with recycled cotton rags.
- Jute is a natural fiber that is sensitive to water and can easily stain. The best way to clean spills and stains is to blot the area immediately with a dry cloth. Avoid rubbing the area as it can spread the stain.
- We would recommend using a dry powder cleaner specifically designed for jute products.
Marble
Our marble chopping boards and coasters are lovingly handmade in India by two of our talented producers.
- Marble can be cleaned with an ordinary dish soap and water. Use a soft and damp (soapy) microfiber cloth and gently wipe the surface. Repeat with only water to get rid of the soap residue.
- Do not leave your marble piece soaking for too long.
Canvas
Our Canvas (and Leather) products are ethically handcrafted by two of our Indian producers. Each accessory is made using recycled cotton and features long-lasting leather accents.
- Due to the leather components of our canvas products, we wouldn’t advice putting it in the washing machine. Instead, it should be hand cleaned.
- After emptying your item… shake it to remove any dust, dirt or crumbs. With a clean, soft bristle brush gently wipe the exterior.
- If you spot a stain, test your chosen stain removal product on a small, hidden site. Once tested, apply to the dirty spot(s). Using a damp cloth, gently remove the stain. Avoid intense scrubbing.
- Use metal polish on the hardware to make it shine again. For leather care, scroll up.
