Product Care

Every Abbeyhorn piece is made from natural materials, including horn, bone, antler and wood. Each piece has its own unique colour, grain and character, and with a little care it can be enjoyed for many years.

Natural materials respond to their surroundings, so heat, prolonged moisture, harsh chemicals and sudden changes in temperature can cause damage.

General Care

• Keep your Abbeyhorn product away from direct sunlight and strong sources of heat.
• Avoid sudden or extreme changes in temperature and humidity.
• Never use a dishwasher, microwave or boiling water on any products.
• Avoid prolonged soaking or immersion in water.
• Do not use bleach, strong detergents, solvents or abrasive cleaners.
• Clean gently with a soft cloth and, where appropriate, a little tepid water.
• Dry thoroughly and immediately after cleaning.
• To restore the natural lustre of horn, occasionally buff gently with a soft cloth and a small amount of vegetable oil.

 

Kitchenware & Tableware

Our horn and bone kitchenware is designed for everyday use, but natural materials need a little more care than modern plastics or ceramics.

After use:

• Remove food residue promptly, particularly acidic or strongly coloured foods.
• Hand wash using tepid water and a mild soap.
• Clean gently with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Dry immediately with a clean towel.

Please avoid:

• Dishwashers and microwaves.
• Hot or boiling water.
• Leaving items submerged or soaking.
• Strong detergents, bleach or abrasive scourers.
• Prolonged contact with acidic or salty foods such as vinegar, tomatoes and salad dressings.
• Contact with sharp knives or utensils that may scratch the surface.

Spoons, servers and other utensils should not be left sitting in food or liquid for longer than necessary. Clean them soon after use.

 

Drinking Horns, Mugs & Vessels

Horn drinking vessels require particular care because prolonged exposure to liquid can cause the natural material to swell or change.

• Wash before first use.
• Rinse with tepid water after use and use a mild soap if necessary.
• Dry thoroughly and immediately.
• Never leave the vessel filled with liquid for extended periods.
• Only for use with cold drinks (fizzy drinks are ok).
• Never place in a dishwasher or microwave.

If a drinking vessel develops an odour, rinse with tepid water and bicarbonate of soda, leave for approximately 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

 

Shoehorns

Abbeyhorn shoehorns are made to be used, but horn and antler are natural materials and should not be subjected to excessive force.

• Use the shoehorn to guide the heel gently into the shoe.
• Do not bend, twist or force the shoehorn.
• Avoid using it against very tight footwear where excessive pressure is required.
• Wipe occasionally with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Dry immediately if it becomes wet.

Long shoehorns should be stored where they cannot be knocked or bent. With regular use, the natural surface can be kept beautifully polished with a soft cloth.

 

Combs

Horn combs are naturally smooth and kind to the hair, but the teeth are finer and more delicate than those of a plastic comb.

• Use gently and avoid forcing the comb through tangled hair.
• Do not bend or twist the comb.
• Keep fine-toothed combs in their protective case or somewhere they cannot be crushed.
• If cleaning is necessary, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.
• Do not soak the comb or leave it in water.
• Keep away from direct heat, radiators and prolonged sunlight.

With care, the natural surface can be gently polished with a soft cloth to maintain its beautiful lustre.

 

Hair Brushes & Beard Brushes

Horn-backed brushes should be kept dry and away from prolonged moisture.

• Remove loose hair and debris regularly.
• Wipe the horn with a soft, slightly damp cloth when required.
• Dry immediately.
• Do not soak the brush.
• Avoid getting the wooden or horn handle excessively wet.
• Keep away from direct heat and strong sunlight.

For brushes with natural bristles, avoid aggressive washing which may damage or loosen the bristles.

 

Shoe Brushes & Shoecare

• Remove excess polish and dirt from the bristles regularly.
• Wipe the horn and handle with a soft cloth.
• Avoid soaking the brush.
• Do not use strong cleaning products.
• Allow any shoe polish to dry before storing the brush.

A soft cloth and a tiny amount of vegetable oil can occasionally be used to restore the lustre of the horn and wooden handle.

 

Jewellery & Small Accessories

Horn and antler jewellery, keyrings and accessories will naturally develop a beautiful patina over time.

• Keep away from prolonged contact with water.
• Remove jewellery before bathing, showering or swimming.
• Avoid perfumes, creams, hairspray and strong chemicals coming into contact with the horn.
• Store jewellery separately to prevent scratching.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.

To restore the shine, gently buff with a soft cloth.

 

Bone & Antler

Bone and antler require similar care to horn but should not be treated with vegetable oil unless specifically recommended for that particular product.

• Keep dry and away from prolonged moisture.
• Clean gently with a soft cloth.
• Avoid strong detergents and abrasive materials.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.

Some natural changes in colour and surface appearance are to be expected over time and form part of the character of these materials.

 

Wood & Horn Combinations

Where a product combines horn with wood, both materials should be treated gently.

• Avoid soaking the entire item.
• Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth only when necessary.
• Dry immediately.
• Keep away from excessive heat, direct sunlight and prolonged moisture.
• Do not use furniture polish, solvents or abrasive cleaners unless specifically recommended for the particular wood.

 

Looking After the Natural Beauty

Horn is a natural material and no two pieces are exactly alike. Variations in colour, grain, markings and texture are part of its character rather than imperfections.

Over time, your Abbeyhorn product may develop a deeper colour and natural patina. This is a normal part of ageing and is part of what makes a handmade piece uniquely yours.

For horn products that have lost some of their lustre, apply a very small amount of vegetable oil to a soft cloth and gently rub in the direction of the grain. Buff afterwards with a soft, clean cloth.

Most importantly, use and enjoy your Abbeyhorn piece. After all, horn products have been an integral part of daily life for centuries.