By Daniel Velasco Rallo – How to take care of Mexican handcrafted pieces, they last a lifetime.
Each handcrafted piece is more than an object: it is a story, an ancestral technique and a connection to the soul of Mexico. But like any valuable work, it requires specific care to preserve its beauty, texture and meaning over time.
In this article we share simple but effective tips to preserve your clay pieces, textiles and alebrijes as the first day.
Table of Contents
How to care for Mexican handcrafted pieces, they last a lifetime.
1. Black clay: avoids humidity and unnecessary friction.
The black clay of San Bartolo Coyotepec has a polished surface that can lose luster over time if not properly cared for.
Recommendations:
- Clean it with a dry and soft cloth, without chemical products.
- Avoid placing it in damp or very cold spaces, such as bathrooms or exposed exteriors.
- Do not use it to place water or liquids if it is not enameled on the inside.
HeartWarming Tip: If you want to maintain its shine, rub gently with a dry cotton cloth once a month.
Natural red or green clay: clean it with respect to its porosity.
These types of clay, especially if they are not glazed, are highly porous.
Recommendations:
- Avoid washing them directly with water. Use a slightly damp brush or cloth.
- Do not place lighted candles directly on the piece (unless designed to do so).
- Keep them away from sudden temperature changes.
3. Wooden Alebrijes: protect them from direct sun and dust.
The alebrijes, especially those of San Martin Tilcajete, are carved and hand painted with very delicate layers.
Recommendations:
- Do not expose them to direct sunlight for long periods: the colors may fade.
- Clean them with a clean makeup brush or compressed air to remove dust without damaging the paint.
- If you notice extreme dryness, you can wipe with a cloth with a little unscented mineral oil (very gently, and only if the craftsman recommends it).
4. Textiles and rugs: fold with care, avoid sun and plastics.
Textiles from Teotitlán del Valle or central Mexico are made with wool, cotton and natural dyes.
How to care for Mexican handcrafted pieces, they last a lifetime.
Recommendations:
- If you are not going to use them, store them in cotton cloth, never in plastic (to avoid humidity).
- Avoid hanging them near windows without UV protection.
- If stained, consult with experts in cleaning delicate textiles. Do not use commercial stain removers.
5. Filigree, palm and pastillage: details that need visual protection.
- Filigree: do not clean with alcohol or soap. Just a soft cloth.
- Woven palm: keep it away from humidity and store it in cloth bags.
- Clay pastillage: extremely delicate. Do not clean it, just protect it from dust and avoid moving it constantly.
A well-cared-for piece is a story that is preserved
At DeCorazón México we believe that every handcrafted work deserves a space where it can continue to tell its story. Preserving them is not complicated: it is simply an act of love and respect for those who create them.
Do you have doubts about the care of a part?
Write us on Instagram or visit us in our gallery. We are here to help you preserve what is most valuable: the soul of each creation. How to take care of Mexican handcrafted pieces, they last a lifetime.
