Customer & Product Care
Based on inquiries to the company, the two most prevalent questions concerning care regard firstly, natural chamois leather and secondly, sponges. (The care of a sponge can apply generically to all types of sponges).
Natural Chamois Care
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Never dry the chamois in direct sunlight.
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Never dry a chamois in or on direct heat.
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Never ‘wring’ out a chamois; a chamois should be ‘balled-up’ and gently squeezed, then air-dried.
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As the chamois is oil tanned, once the oil has been squeezed out, then it will dry ‘hard’ and the hardness is not going to go away. If the ‘hardness’ is a problem, that is; you need to use the chamois dry; then it should not be wet in the first place.
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If the chamois is wet, it is only meant to be wet in water (with the potential of the above effect) and it ought never to be used or wet in a solution with cleaning chemicals. Why? Firstly, these chemicals can have the effect of expelling the oil (which was integrated into the chamois to keep the chamois soft) and thus turning the chamois ‘hard’ prematurely. Secondly, depending on the nature of the chemicals, these chemicals can attack the chamois and breakdown of the fiber of the chamois itself.
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Never leave a wet chamois ‘balled-up’ and ‘thrown-in-a-corner’. Like any wet clothe so discarded, it can thereafter develop mold or bacteria from having been left in such circumstances.
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In the event that the chamois has dried ‘hard’ or has become ‘slimy’ to touch, then you have done something very wrong in the care of the chamois. In such circumstances, certain sources have recommended, which we do not endorse, the use of a ‘mild’ soap to have ‘restorative’ effects on the chamois. However, the definition of what is a ‘mild-soap’ has never been defined or warranted by any of these sources. Thus, that recommendation does not have our endorsement as it depends on the actual ‘mild-soap’ used – its actual chemical composition – and the preceding individual's use of the chamois (and the consequential accumulated effects of each individual's use of the chamois).
Sponge Care
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These instructions apply to natural and synthetic sponges of the Company.
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Rinse sponge thoroughly before use.
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Rise sponge thoroughly after use.
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Do not leave any residue of soap, cleansers, or debris from cleaning, in the sponge; rinse thoroughly.
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For cellulose sponges, do not use bleach or cleansers containing bleach.
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For cellulous sponges, do not use for aquarium use.
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Do not microwave.
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Do not use on stainless steel surfaces or appliances.
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Before use, test in a small, inconspicuous area and allow to dry to determine if the sponge will scratch, mar or damage the surface.
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Research indicates that consumers use between 9 to 10 sponges per year. In the kitchen the sponges once in use should always be allowed to air dry having been rinsed thoroughly. If for any reason the sponge appears to be ‘slimy’ or ‘smelly’, immediately dispose of as these factors may indicate the growth of mold or fungi from coming in contact with germs.
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To maintain a healthy environment, the sponge should be changed frequently. That is, at least every second week. If certain meat products (i.e. ground beef, chicken, pork) have been washed or cleaned or the cookware or utensils for same have been washed or cleaned in the sink, then the sponge ought to be disposed of.
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To maintain a healthier environment, use sponges “on a task oriented basis”. That is, use certain sponges for kitchen, other sponges for bathroom and other sponges for general purpose; do not intermix.
