Care & Maintenance Guide

At Ciela Studios, our solid brass handles are crafted for lasting beauty and exceptional functionality. With proper care, they will maintain their elegant appearance and continue to perform flawlessly for years to come. This guide provides essential recommendations to help you preserve the quality and finish of your Ciela Studios hardware.

General Care & Cleaning Recommendations:

  • Regular Cleaning is Key: For general cleaning, simply use a soft, clean, damp cloth (moistened with plain water) to wipe down your handles regularly. This helps remove dust, fingerprints, and light surface grime before it can build up.
  • Gentle Drying: After cleaning with a damp cloth, immediately dry the handles thoroughly with a separate, soft, clean, dry cloth. This prevents water spots and protects the finish.
  • Contact Awareness: Excessive handling of the decorative surfaces, especially with dirty or greasy hands, can transfer oils and residues that may affect the finish over time. 
  • Natural Material: Please be aware that our handles are crafted from natural materials. While they are finished with protective coatings to enhance durability, some wear and aging over time is to be expected. This is a natural part of the material’s character and contributes to its unique beauty.

What to AVOID to Protect Your Handles' Finish:

The protective coatings and finishes on our solid brass handles can be sensitive to certain substances. Strictly avoid using any of the following on your Ciela Studios handles, doing so could jeopardize any warranty claim:

  • Abrasive Cleaners: Do NOT use scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive sponges, or any cleaning products containing abrasive powders. These will scratch and damage the finish.
  • Harsh Chemical Cleaners: This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Ammonia-based cleaners (e.g., window cleaners)
    • Bleach or chlorine-based products
    • Acidic cleaners (e.g., toilet bowl cleaners, limescale removers, vinegar-based cleaners)
    • Alkaline cleaners (e.g., oven cleaners, strong degreasers)
    • Solvents (e.g., paint thinners, nail polish remover, methylated spirits)
    • Dishwashing liquid (unless specifically advised as pH neutral for brass).
  • Polishes (Unless Specified): Do NOT use metal polishes, brass cleaners, or waxes unless your specific handle finish is designed for it and you have received explicit instructions from Ciela Studios. Many of our finishes are protected by a clear coating that can be damaged by polishes.
  • Alcohol-Based Wipes/Sanitizers: While useful for other surfaces, many alcohol-based wipes and hand sanitizers can strip or dull protective coatings on handle finishes.
  • Extreme Temperatures & Humidity: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat, cold, or high humidity can impact the finish over time. Ensure handles are installed in appropriate indoor environments.

Important Considerations for Installation:

  • Protect During Installation: Take care to protect the handle finishes during installation. Use a soft cloth or gloves to prevent scratches or fingerprints from tools.
  • Proper Fit: Ensure handles are installed correctly and are not overtightened, which can stress the material or finish.

Understanding Natural Patina (for Unlacquered Brass finishes):

  • Some solid brass handles (particularly unlacquered or living finishes) are designed to naturally age and develop a unique "patina" over time. This is a characteristic feature of the material and not a defect. If your handle has such a finish, embrace its evolving character. Consult your product description for details on your specific handle's finish.

By following these simple care instructions, your Ciela Studios handles will continue to be a statement of quality and design in your space for many years. If you have any specific questions about caring for your Ciela Studios hardware, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support team.