How to Care for and Store a Ceramic Urn
A handmade ceramic urn is no ordinary object. It holds something precious. It deserves gentle, thoughtful care. With the right care, it will remain beautiful for generations. However, most urns require little to no maintenance. If you do want to clean the urn, be sure to do so properly.
Why ceramics deserve special care
Every Artemis urn Artemis hand-formed from high-quality clay and fired at temperatures that make the material durable and strong. However, like anything made with care, ceramic is not indestructible. Sharp objects, chemical cleaners, or damp storage conditions can damage the surface and finish. So handle it with care. Fortunately, a ceramic urn requires little maintenance. What you do does make a difference.
Cleaning: calm and simple
Dust always accumulates—even on urns. Dusting regularly is the easiest way to keep your urn looking neat and attractive.
Dusting daily or weekly
Use a soft, dry cloth or a clean small brush to gently clean the surface. Use gentle strokes that follow the contours of the urn.
More thorough cleaning
- Use a slightly damp cloth with just lukewarm water.
- Wring the cloth out thoroughly before use.
- Gently wipe the surface. Avoid scrubbing or applying pressure to the surface or the lid.
- Then pat it dry with a clean, soft cloth or let the urn air dry before putting it back.
Please note
Does the urn have a matte or unglazed finish? If so, be extra careful with moisture. Engobe urns are porous and may develop water stains if they remain wet for too long.
What should and shouldn't you use?
Please use
- Soft, dry cloth
- Damp (not wet) cloth
- Soft brush for details
- Lukewarm, clean water
Never use
- Scouring pad or scouring agents
- Household cleaning sprays
- Alcohol, bleach, ammonia, or acetone
- Submerging in water
Storage: the right environment
Choose a stable, dry spot
Avoid places where the urn is exposed to significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity. A closed cabinet, shelf, or display case at room temperature is ideal.
Prevent falls
Ceramic is strong, but it can break if dropped. Make sure the urn is placed on a stable surface, preferably not on the edge of a shelf or cabinet. That’s why we always include non-slip felt pads with every urn purchase, which you can attach to the bottom of the urn.
Preserving the glaze and shine
Glazed urns are easy to maintain. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the color to fade, especially in the case of deeper or richer shades. Placing the urn out of direct sunlight will help preserve the color for a long time.
Questions? Contact us!
If you have any questions about the care of your urn, please feel free to call us at +32 476 31 75 60 or send us an email. We’re happy to help.