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How to make the best of your Georg Jensen designs

Product care guide | Georg Jensen

Georg Jensen products are designed and crafted to last a lifetime and be passed down generations. However, taking good care of a product ensures its longevity.  

Here’s a guide on materials used across Georg Jensen’s Home collection, how to clean them and what to avoid.  

 

Stainless Steel  

About the material 

Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion. The use of the word ‘stainless’ in fact does not refer to the material’s ability to withstand stains.  An oxide film on the surface prevents rusting, while built-in “passive resistance” means that even if the protective film is damaged, a new film will form by itself, as long as there is oxygen in the surroundings.  

Cleaning  

TABLEWARE AND DECOR   
 We recommend that the stainless steel tableware and décor are cleaned immediately after use, using mild soapy water and a brush with soft bristles or a sponge. Especially food with a high acid content (e.g. citrus fruits, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, oil and vinegar dressings, spinach, and rhubarb) should be removed as it may damage and stain the surface. The best way to remove candle wax from candleholders is by rinsing in very hot water and wiping dry, using a soft dry cloth. Stubborn stains may be removed carefully using steel polish. Please note that steel polish may have an abrasive effect, especially on surfaces with a mirror finish. When polishing steel with a hairline finish, please remember to follow the polishing lines, to maintain the finish.   

CUTLERY   
We recommend that the stainless steel cutlery is cleaned immediately after use, using mild soapy water and a brush with soft bristles or a sponge. Especially food with a high acid content (e.g. citrus fruits, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, oil and vinegar dressings, spinach, and rhubarb) should be removed as it may damage and stain the surface  

What to avoid

TABLEWARE AND DECOR  
 We do not recommend washing the stainless steel tableware and décor in the dishwasher as this will scratch the pieces, while the salt and detergent may leave black marks and spots on the surface.   

CUTLERY   
Do not leave the cutlery dirty or soak overnight, as this can cause discolouration. Also, avoid leaving the cutlery wet after washing.    


Aluminium   

About the material 

Aluminium is corrosion resistant, ensuring that it keeps its beautiful light surface.

Cleaning

For daily cleaning and maintenance, we recommend using warm water and mild liquid soap. Use only brushes with soft bristles or a soft sponge. The best way to remove candle wax from candleholders is by rinsing in very hot water and wiping dry, using a soft dry cloth. Please note that due to aluminium’s conductive qualities, the candleholder may become very hot when cleaned with hot/boiling water.     

What to avoid

Georg Jensen’s aluminium products are not dishwasher safe.  


Brass  

About the material

Brass is a metallic alloy that is made of copper and zinc. The alloy has a high malleability, and its flow characteristics make it a relatively easy material to cast and form into beautiful forms and shapes  

Cleaning

For daily cleaning and maintenance, we recommend using mild soapy water and a soft brush or sponge and wiping dry with a soft cloth. The best way to remove candle wax from candleholders is by rinsing in very hot water and wiping dry, using a soft dry cloth. Stubborn stains may be removed carefully using a polish without abrasive effects, suitable for silver and other precious metals.  

What to avoid 

Georg Jensen’s brass products are not food-approved and therefore only suitable for decorative use. The products are not dishwasher safe  

  

Wood  

About the material

OAK 

Oak wood is chosen due to its beauty and warm colour. The wood is a natural material and has been treated with oil to protect and prevent it from drying out and cracking.   

ASH

Ash is a strong, durable, light and limber wood which can be easily bent and shaped in different ways.     

Washing 

OAK 

We recommend that oak wood is washed by hand in mild soapy water, using a brush or sponge, and rinsed off in hot water. Washing on both sides will prevent the product from warping and twisting. After washing the product, please wipe dry immediately with a clean dry towel and store it in an upright position. We recommend using a scrub sponge the first time as this will help secure that the surface stays smooth.     

What to avoid

OAK

To ensure that the wood retains the surface treatment originally given, and does not become dry and fractured, we recommend that the product is treated with oil before it is used the first time, and refreshed regularly depending on how often the product is used. Apply a thin layer of oil and let it dry for 20 minutes. If needed, wipe off any residue oil. Please use ordinary odour-free household oil like grape seed oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil or salad oil. Do not use olive oil, as this becomes rancid and may damage the wood.   

To avoid potential damage to the wood, do not soak the product in water. Do also avoid excessive impact against hard surfaces and extreme temperature changes. Never brush the product with steel wool, as this will leave small splinters of steel wool on the surface of the wood, which when affected by the tannin and moist will colour the wood blue   

ASH

Ash products are not dishwasher safe. Avoid using it to hold food that can stain or damage the surface. The bowls can be used for dry and non-greasy food like hard-rind fruit. We recommend cleaning with a soft sponge or a damp cloth. The products should not be soaked in water. Do not use abrasive materials, as this will damage the surface.  


Glass 

About the material  

Skilled craftsmen are behind Georg Jensen’s range of mouth-blown glass designs. At first glance, the pieces may seem identical to each other, but upon closer examination each item is unique. Coloured glass items vary in colour saturation because the colour is added while the clear glass is still red-hot, making it impossible to compare the colours at that time.   

A selection of our water and wine glasses are machine-made, allowing for far higher precision during production compared to mouthblown glass. The glasses become more uniform in shape and therefore look neat when displayed together.  

Cleaning

All drinking glasses are dishwasher safe, however, handwashing using mild liquid soap is recommended. If a dishwasher is used, make sure this is clean and not overfilled. Balance rinse aid and salt depending on water in your local area and ideally wash glasses on a different, low-temperature cycle to pots.    

What to avoid

Please note that the glasses cannot withstand boiling water as they may crack. Limescale deposits and corrosion may appear on glasses if the dishwasher is not used correctly    


Porcelain

About the material 

Georg Jensen's porcelain products are glazed with a clear shiny glaze, which gives depth to the surface.

It is normal for marks to occur on the porcelain when using cutlery. Cutlery marks can occur even after the first time a plate has been used. The marks can usually be removed with Vienna chalk. Some type of cutlery marks the porcelain more than others. It is important to follow the instructions for use. Cutlery marks are considered normal wear and tear and cannot be removed. 

Cleaning

Georg Jensen’s porcelain products are dishwasher safe, however, we recommend handwashing in mild soapy water and drying immediately with a clean dry towel. Please note that the products are also microwave, freezer and oven safe.    

What to avoid

Do not place normal porcelain in a preheated oven or take it out and place it on a cold countertop. If the porcelain is used in a freezer, be careful not to heat it too quickly and be wary of fan ovens as these can have large, local temperature differences which may also cause the porcelain to crack or break. It is not the temperature itself that is critical, but rather the differences in temperatures and the tension this can cause during heating and cooling. 

Kitchen appliances

Taking good care of your kettle and toaster prolongs its life.

Kettle

Cleaning
Always unplug the kettle from the outlet and let the kettle cool down before cleaning. 
Cleaning the surfaces:
To keep the surfaces in good condition, they should be cleaned regularly after use. Disconnect the kettle from the socket and let it cool first.
Daily cleaning:
Always use products that do not contain abrasives or chlorine-based acids as they risk damaging the surfaces. Apply the product onto a damp cloth and wipe the surface. Wipe over thoroughly to remove dirt and dry with a soft cloth. Never immerse the kettle or cord in water. 
Cleaning the filter: 
Wait for the spout and filter to cool down before cleaning to prevent burns. Remove the filter from the spout and clean it under running water. Wipe it with a damp cloth and place it back into the spout.
Descaling:
To prolong the functionality and longevity of your Georg Jensen kettle it is important to descale your kettle every 2-3 month:
1. Add 1.5 liters of water and 2 to 3 tablespoons of household vinegar or citric acid in the kettle and close the lid. 
2. Place the kettle on the base and turn on the power. 
3. When the water has boiled, and the kettle is switched off let it stand for at least an hour and preferably overnight. Then pour out the water and empty the kettle. 
4. Add 1.5 liters of water in the kettle and it boil. If you have used vinegar repeat the process until the smell of vinegar has disappeared.
Build-up of limescale can cause the kettle to switch off during use before the water has boiled. Boiling times could also be increased. Descale the kettle and clean the filter more often if the kettle is used daily, or if it becomes more difficult to pour out the water. In some regions the water is harder and contains higher amounts of minerals. In these regions limescale can appear more often on the walls of the kettle. In this case, clean the inside of the kettle more frequently or use purified/softened water.

What to avoid

Do not use steam jets for cleaning the kettle. Do not use cleaning products containing chlorine, ammonia or bleach on any parts of the kettle. Do not use abrasive or corrosive detergents (specifically; powder products, stain removers and metallic scourers). Do not use abrasive or rough materials or sharp metal scrapers.

Toaster

Cleaning
Always unplug the toaster from the outlet before cleaning any parts of the toaster and always let the toaster cool down before cleaning.
Cleaning the surfaces:
To keep the surfaces in good condition, they should be cleaned regularly after use. Disconnect the toaster from the socket and let it cool first.
If there is any grease or oil splatters on the toaster wipe it off immediately using a clean, damp cloth.
Daily cleaning:
Always use products that do not contain abrasives or chlorine-based acids as they risk damaging the surfaces. Apply the product onto a damp cloth and wipe the surface. Wipe over thoroughly to remove dirt and dry with a soft cloth.
Removing food stains or residues:
Do not use metallic sponges or sharp scrapers as they will damage the surfaces. Use ordinary non-abrasive products. If necessary, use wooden or plastic utensils. Use a damp cloth with cleaning product, wipe over thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Cleaning the crumb tray:
Press the crumb tray to unlock it. Pull it gently to let it slide out and empty breadcrumbs into a waste bin. The crumb tray should be emptied after each use.
To return the crumb tray into place, press it in firmly until it clicks. Do not use the toaster without the crumb tray in the proper position.

What to avoid
Do not use steam jets for cleaning the toaster. Do not use cleaning products containing chlorine, ammonia or bleach on steel parts or parts with metallic finishes (specifically; anodizing, nickel- or chromium-plating). Do not use abrasive or corrosive detergents (specifically; powder products, stain removers and metallic sponges). Do not use abrasive or rough materials or sharp metal scrapers.