Product Care Guide
Indochina's pendant lights are crafted from a range of natural materials, including rattan, bamboo, silk, rice paper, jute, and hemp rope, as well as sustainably made polyethylene (PE) used in select pieces from our Wabi-Sabi collection. Because most of these are living, breathing materials rather than glass or metal, they respond differently to light, moisture, and touch. That's part of what gives them their organic character.
To maintain their allure and extend their lifespan, proper care is essential. This comprehensive guide will help you preserve the beauty of your Indochina pendant lights, whether they're installed indoors or in a covered outdoor space.
A quick safety note before you begin: Always turn off the light switch and allow the bulb to cool completely before cleaning any fixture. Never spray or apply liquid directly to a pendant light while it is still connected to power. For fixtures used daily, an LED bulb runs far cooler than halogen and helps the natural fibers around it stay drier and more supple between cleanings.
Indoor Use
For optimal longevity and appearance, handcrafted pendant lights are best used indoors. Explore care and cleaning methods for the different materials used in our pendant lights.
Rattan Pendant Lights
Care Guides:
- Trim protruding fibers carefully with scissors; never pull them, as pulling can loosen the weave and damage the rattan peel.
- To prevent cracking in dry environments, lightly moisten the rattan monthly using a damp white cotton cloth.
- Protect the natural aging process by minimizing direct sunlight exposure. In true Wabi-Sabi spirit, rattan is meant to mellow into a warmer, more muted tone over time. Keeping it out of direct sun simply lets that patina develop evenly, rather than fading unevenly on one side.
- Avoid putting undue stress on the weave to maintain its integrity.
Cleaning Guides:
- Blot spills immediately with a damp cloth; avoid rubbing, which can cause abrasions and permanently damage the rattan.
- For stubborn stains, use a soft brush with mild soapy water, rinse well, and air dry. Avoid soaking, since rattan begins absorbing water within seconds. A barely damp cloth, wrung out firmly, is safer than a wet one.
- Dust regularly using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a soft-bristled brush, moving with the grain of the weave rather than against it.
Read more: How to Clean & Care for Your Rattan Light Fixture Like New?
Bamboo Pendant Lights
Care Guides:
- Avoid excessive moisture to prevent warping. Bamboo's porous fibers absorb moisture more readily than hardwood, so consistent dryness is what keeps it stable.
- Keep away from direct heat sources to maintain the bamboo's natural properties.
- Dust regularly to prevent dirt buildup and reduce the need for deep cleaning.
- Inspect periodically for signs of wear or damage.
Cleaning Guides:
- Dust with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment, following the grain.
- For spot cleaning, use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water; keep the cloth barely damp, not wet.
- For deep cleaning, use a solution of warm water, mild dish soap, and vinegar with a soft-bristled brush, then dry the surface immediately. Leaving bamboo damp tends to lead to mold or dark spotting.
Read more: How To Clean Bamboo?
Silk Fabric Pendant Lights
Care Guides:
- Never use chlorine bleach or chlorine-based products, as chlorine breaks down silk's natural fibers and can leave permanent light patches.
- Choose mild detergents suitable for delicate fabrics when hand washing.
- Avoid hot water on stains, as heat can set stains permanently or weaken the fibers.
- Don't rub wet silk to prevent chafing or light areas.
- Store in a dry place to prevent fading.
Cleaning Guides:
- Remove dust thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush.
- Clean the inner side of the lamp, avoiding the decorated surface.
- Use a sprayer to lightly dampen small sections, then brush with a silk cloth.
- Dry quickly with a hairdryer held 10-15 cm away from the fabric. Quick, gentle drying helps the silk keep its natural sheen instead of drying stiff.
Rice Paper Pendant Lights
Care Guides:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure to prevent discoloration.
- When not in use, store in a dry, ventilated area.
- Handle with care to avoid folding or wrinkling. Once creased, rice paper doesn't return to its original smooth shape.
Cleaning Guides:
- Use a microfiber cloth or a dry paintbrush to dust.
- For stain removal, use lightly adhesive cleaning tape, white Play-Doh, art-gum eraser, or cornstarch for oils.
- Avoid liquid cleaners to maintain the paper's integrity. Rice paper has no protective coating like rattan or bamboo, so moisture is its biggest risk.
Jute Pendant Lights
Care Guides:
- Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight. Jute's natural fiber composition makes it sensitive to UV light, which can cause it to yellow and gradually lose strength over time.
- Avoid damp or humid spots. Jute fiber is highly absorbent by nature, which gives it a soft, cloth-like texture, but it also means excess moisture can lead to mildew if it isn't allowed to dry out.
- Handle gently, as jute stretches less than materials like rattan, so sharp folds or repeated bending in the same spot can cause it to snap rather than flex.
Cleaning Guides:
- Jute is naturally low-maintenance: occasional vacuuming with a soft brush attachment or dusting is usually enough to keep it looking fresh, since its natural static resistance helps repel loose dirt.
- Blot spills immediately with a dry or barely damp cloth to prevent staining, as jute holds onto moisture rather than shedding it.
- For deep cleaning or stubborn stains, we recommend a professional textile cleaning service using chemical-free methods rather than home remedies, since harsh cleaners can weaken the fiber.
Hemp Rope Pendant Lights
Care Guides:
- As a general precaution, keep hemp rope pendants a comfortable distance from very hot bulbs. Natural fiber materials are more heat-sensitive than glass or metal, so an LED bulb is the safer choice.
- Hemp is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and UV fading, so it holds up well to normal indoor light and humidity without special treatment.
- Its main vulnerability is prolonged wetness. If the rope is soaked or left damp for an extended period, it can weaken, shrink, or develop mold, so keep it away from steam and direct moisture.
Cleaning Guides:
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to prevent buildup in the twisted fibers.
- For light dirt, wipe gently with a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately. Never soak or submerge hemp rope.
- Avoid harsh detergents; a mild soap solution is sufficient for occasional spot cleaning.
Read more: Learn how hemp rope is made and cared for
Polyethylene (PE) Pendant Lights
Our Wabi-Sabi cylinder and asymmetrical dome-shaped pendants are crafted from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and molded to capture the raw, textured, plaster-like finish that defines the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic. Unlike our woven natural-fiber lights, PE is synthetic, making it the lowest-maintenance option in our collection.
Care Guides:
- PE is naturally waterproof and resistant to warping, so it doesn't require the same moisture precautions as rattan, bamboo, or the natural fibers above.
- While the material itself tolerates humidity well, we still recommend indoor use to protect the fixture's wiring and finish.
Cleaning Guides:
- Wipe down with a damp cloth as needed. No special conditioning or drying routine is required.
- For stubborn marks, use a soft cloth with mild soapy water.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or stiff brushes, which can dull or scratch the textured surface.
Care by Room
Where a pendant light hangs affects how often it needs attention. Kitchens and dining areas collect airborne grease and dust faster than bedrooms or living rooms, so adjust your routine to the space. This applies across our materials, including rattan, bamboo, jute, hemp rope, and PE pendants, which all see the same room-by-room wear patterns:
- Kitchen Island & Dining Room: These fixtures face cooking oils and steam, which settle into the weave faster than plain dust. Dust weekly, and wipe down every few weeks with a barely damp cloth to keep grease from building up.
- Living Room: Usually the lowest-maintenance spot, but watch for seasonal dryness. If your living room runs dry in winter, an occasional light misting (rattan only) helps prevent brittleness.
- Bedroom: Low grease and low humidity swings mean a simple weekly dusting is usually enough.
- Entryway or Hallway: Dust accumulates here too, just more slowly. A weekly wipe-down keeps it looking fresh without extra effort.
Cover Ratio and Outdoor Use
Indochina rattan, bamboo, jute, hemp rope, and polyethylene (PE) pendant lights are suitable for indoor use and covered outdoor spaces only, such as a covered patio, porch, or gazebo that shields the fixture from direct rain and sun. They are not designed for fully exposed outdoor settings.
For natural fiber materials, apply a protective coating before using them in covered outdoor spaces. This process, known as weatherproofing, can significantly extend your pendant light's life.
Silk and rice paper pendant lights are indoor-only and not recommended for outdoor or covered-patio use, as these materials cannot be weatherproofed the way the others can.
- Surface Preparation: Before applying any protective coating, thoroughly clean your pendant light's surface. This ensures proper adhesion and maximum protection.
- Choosing a Protective Coating: Select either polyacrylic or polyurethane, both of which offer excellent protection against moisture and environmental factors. Choose a high-quality product designed for outdoor use.
- Application Process: Apply at least 4 thin, even coats of the chosen protective coating. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Drying times may vary, so consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance.
- Focus on Vulnerable Areas: Pay special attention to corners, joints, and intricate details, as these areas are more susceptible to moisture penetration.
- Maintenance: To maintain the protective barrier, reapply a fresh coat every three months.
What to Avoid
A quick reference for the mistakes that cause the most damage across all materials:
- Never soak rattan, bamboo, silk, rice paper, jute, or hemp rope. A barely damp cloth is always safer than a wet one.
- Never use bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, or harsh multi-surface sprays on any natural material.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers, stiff brushes, or scouring pads, since they scratch fibers and break down the weave (and can dull the textured surface on PE pieces too).
- Don't clean or dry any fixture near direct heat or in direct sunlight. Uneven drying causes warping and cracking, and prolonged sun exposure yellows jute.
- Never leave a fixture damp before switching the power back on.
- As a general precaution, keep hemp rope fixtures a comfortable distance from high-heat bulbs.
Conclusion
Proper care and maintenance of your Indochina pendant lights not only preserves their beauty but also ensures their longevity. By following these guidelines, you'll enjoy the luxurious ambiance these artisanal pieces create for years to come. All Indochina pendant lights also come with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
See our FAQs for details. Let the warm glow of your well-maintained pendant lights remind you of the positive impact your choices can make.
IndochinaLight - IndochinaHomeDecor LLC
- Address: 30 N Gould St Ste. N, Sheridan, WY 82801
- Phone: (+)1 307 249 0594
- Email: service@indochinalight.com
- Website: https://indochinalight.com/
