CARING FOR HANDWOVEN LIGHTING

Handwoven lighting requires care different from glass or metal. Elephant grass from Ghana and palm leaves & reed from Oaxaca are porous, living materials. They absorb and release moisture. They collect dust. They age and change over time. Caring for them well preserves the craft and the material's beauty over time.

Why Woven Materials Require Gentle Care

Natural fibers are porous. They absorb moisture from the air and release it again as humidity shifts. They are susceptible to dust because the texture that makes them beautiful creates small chambers where dust settles. The open weave and visible variation are qualities that create beautiful lighting, and are also places where dust accumulates. And natural fibers change over time. A woven pendant hanging for five years in a dining room will develop a patina, a deepening of tone from light and time and use. This is aging as intended.

How to Clean Handwoven Lighting

Routine Cleaning

Turn off the light and let it cool completely. Dust the fixture gently using a soft-bristled brush. Move slowly from top to bottom so dust falls downward and you avoid re-dusting areas you have already cleaned.

For pendant lights with deep weave, a soft vacuum brush attachment works well for dust trapped inside the weave. Keep the suction gentle. The goal is to pull dust out without stressing the fibers.

For Marks and Stains

Use a cloth barely dampened with plain water. Wring it out thoroughly until it is nearly dry. Wipe the affected area gently. If plain water does not work, mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a small bowl of water. Test this solution on a less visible part of the weave first. Use the same barely-damp cloth to wipe gently. Then use a cloth dampened with plain water to rinse away any soap residue. Dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth.

Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, and abrasive scrubbing pads. These can strip the natural finish and weaken the fibers.

After Cleaning

Allow the fixture to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before turning the light back on. Do not use direct heat like a hair dryer. If the fixture was damp, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour, longer in humid conditions.

How Often Should You Clean Handwoven Lighting?

As a general rule, clean every one to two weeks for routine maintenance. Frequency depends on location. In a kitchen where cooking residue accumulates, watch for grease buildup and clean weekly. In a living room or bedroom, less frequently.

How Natural Fibers Age Over Time

A natural fiber light will age differently than glass or metal.

The color may deepen slightly over time from light exposure. This is aging, and it is normal. You can clean it, but some deepening is inevitable as the material lives in your space.

The weave may loosen or contract very slightly as the fibers shift and settle. This is the material adapting to its environment.

Why This Matters

Elephant grass in northern Ghana is harvested, dried, processed, and woven by the women of SWOPA with care. Belén Perez Garcia gathers, dries, and strips palm leaves by hand near her home in Oaxaca, and spends hours if not days weaving each of her pieces. The work that goes into your light is visible in the material itself. Caring for it well is worth your time and attention. Your light will age more gracefully if you do.

Questions About Your Light

If you have specific questions about cleaning your piece or concerns about its care, reach out to the studio. We can schedule a virtual appointment to show you the right approach for your particular fixture, or send guidance specific to your material.

Book a studio visit or email us.