Care Instructions

Our hand-crafted products are made for everyday use, provided they are given proper care. The information below will help you to properly care for your MacKenzie-Childs product.

Ceramics

Ceramics care and use instructions will vary with the type of clay used in their creation and the surface decoration applied. Products made now are made with clay which is microwave and dishwasher safe, and are labeled as such, with the exception of products decorated with lustre, gold paint, or decals. If decorated with lustre, gold paint, or decals, the piece should be hand washed with care, with a sponge or soft cloth, mild soap and water, and no abrasives. Products may also be labeled Hand-wash with Care if they are made from a specific type of clay, referred to as old clay body. Old clay body is also not intended for dishwasher or microwave use. Many older pieces of MacKenzie-Childs ceramics are made with old clay body.

Knife marks left on majolica or enamel plates may be gently removed with Soft Scrub, Bon Amie or other non-abrasive cleaners.

Bisque (unglazed) ceramic, when scuffed or soiled, may be gently sanded with fine sandpaper and smoothed over with a damp, soft cloth.

Glazed ceramic may be cleaned with soap and water.

Garden Ceramics

Please note: All MacKenzie-Childs ceramics meet all FDA and California Article 65 standards and requirements for lead and cadmium release.

Enamelware

MacKenzie-Childs enamelware is dishwasher safe, although to preserve the finish we recommend washing by hand. Do not use harsh abrasives when cleaning enamelware and if washing in the dishwasher, use mild soap. Enamel cookware is intended for stovetop and oven use. Never put any enamelware in the microwave oven.

Please note: All MacKenzie-Childs enamelware meets all FDA and California Article 65 standards requirements for lead and cadmium release.

Glassware

Glassware from MacKenzie-Childs is hand-blown, hand-painted, and kiln-fired for durability. Each piece is unique and you may see small amounts of seeding (bubbles) in the glass as well as a slight, playful variation in each shape.

Glassware should be hand-washed using a soft cloth or sponge, mild soap and water. Hard abrasives should be avoided. For lasting beauty, the painted exterior should not come into contact with acidic materials such as lemon juice.

Furniture and Accessories

MacKenzie-Childs furniture may be made from a wide variety of materials. Here are care instructions for some of the materials that may be used.

Furniture should be cleaned carefully to protect the life of the finish.

Beaded fringe may be gently cleaned with a cloth dampened with glass cleaner.

Brass feet, finials, buttons, and banding may be polished with metal polish and a soft cloth or left to naturally patina with age.

Cloth fringe may be gently vacuumed and steamed.

Gold paint may be dusted with a feather duster, or gently washed with a soft cloth and mild soap.

Knobs naturally loosen over time. Make them snug again with a screwdriver. Inserts (brass grommets) may be re-applied with a two-part epoxy if necessary.

Linoleum Tile Table Tops will shine when waxed with paste wax and buffed with a soft cloth.

Painted wood has several layers of varnish and may be cleaned with a soft cloth, dampened with water and mild soap.

Pillows may be unzipped or unbuttoned to remove the cushion inserts. Dry clean the covers and let the pillow/mat freshen in the outside air.

Ribbon may be vacuumed in place and steamed or removed and washed in mild soapy water. Any ribbons used on Mackenzie-Childs products may be ironed.

Tassels may be gently vacuumed and steamed.

Umbrellas can be cleaned with mild soap and water, using a soft sponge or cloth. Dry the canvas thoroughly, close the umbrella loosely and store indoors in a dry environment during the winter months. The umbrella pole is teak and will weather naturally to a Cape Cod gray color. If you wish to retain the look of the original finish, treat the pole with teak oil periodically.

Upholstered fabrics and rugs may be gently vacuumed and should be professionally cleaned periodically.

Wallpaper has many layers of varnish and may be cleaned with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water. Dry thoroughly.

Woven Rattan may be vacuumed and cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and Murphy’s Oil Soap.

Lighting

MacKenzie-Childs lamps and lighting are made with a variety of materials including ceramic, wood, and fabric. Products with decals, lustre paint, and gold trim should be gently hand-washed. Clean ceramic areas gently with mild soap and water using a soft cloth or sponge and no harsh abrasives. Wood surfaces that have lacquer or varnish coatings may be hand cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Fabric and paper shades may be gently cleaned with a soft, dry cloth.