We've assembled a guide for how to make the most of your purchases. If you have any further questions please call us on 00 44 (0)1843 297 122 or send an email to  hello@aarven.com where our knowledgeable team will be able to assist.
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Kenyan Baskets

  

Your basket may arrive folded or slightly out of shape. When this occurs, Kenyan baskets can be easily brought back to life with a quick steam using a steamer or steam setting on your iron. Steam the basket and manually shape. Please be careful as the basket may be hot. 

We recommend placing a small dish or saucer in the base of your Kenyan basket when using them as plant pots, this prevents the base from becoming damp and rotten when watering. Ideally we suggest you remove your plants and place in the sink or bath tub when soaking. 

To clean your Kenyan basket, simply wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge, remove most of the moisture with a dry towel and leave to air dry naturally.

Avoid placing your Kenyan basket in direct sunlight as this may cause some of the colours to fade. 

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Rwandan Baskets, Coasters & Pots

 
 

 

Rwandan baskets are famously robust and versatile. They make beautiful fruit bowls however we recommend storing soft fruits such as berries in the fridge and regularly inspecting harder fruits to make sure they have not become too soft to avoid fruit juice staining your basket. 

To clean your Rwandan basket, simply wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge, remove most of the moisture with a dry towel and leave to air dry naturally.

Avoid placing your Rwandan basket in direct sunlight as this may cause some of the colours to fade. 

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Ghanaian Baskets

 
 

Your basket may arrive folded or slightly out of shape. When this occurs, Ghanaian baskets can be easily brought back to life with a quick steam using a steamer or steam setting on your iron. Steam the basket and manually shape. Please be careful as the basket may be hot. 

We recommend placing a small dish or saucer in the base of your Ghanaian basket when using them as plant pots, this prevents the base from becoming damp and rotten when watering. Ideally we suggest you remove your plants and place in the sink or bath tub when soaking. 

To clean your Ghanaian basket, simply wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge, remove most of the moisture with a dry towel and leave to air dry naturally.

Avoid placing your Ghanaian basket in direct sunlight as this may cause some of the colours to fade. 

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Wooden Utensils

 
 

Olive wood has an excellent reputation for being harder and less porous than other woods. We recommend hand washing your wooden utensils with a mild detergent and warm water. Avoid boiling water and dishwashers as high temperatures may cause the wood to expand and split. Always towel dry after washing to prevent moisture cracks.

The same measures apply to wooden utensils with horn or bone accents.

Treat them once a month with a food safe mineral oil (we like to use olive oil). Simply rub in a small amount with a soft cloth to condition the wood and restore its warm, polished look. 

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Kenyan Soapstone

 Soapstone is a soft, metamorphic rock that is easy to carve. It is non-porous and heat-resistant, making it a great material for a wide range of uses.

Our soapstone products are polished and treated with natural beeswax. 

Our soapstone items are not suitable for dishwashers. Gently hand wash when needed. 

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Indigo Cushions & Rugs

 
 

 

Our Indigo textiles are made using 100% cotton and natural Indigo dye, they can be machine washed on your coolest cycle (30 degrees and below).

We recommend washing them separately the first few washes to avoid the indigo transferring onto other laundry.

They are not suitable for tumble drying, please leave your Indigo textiles to dry naturally.   

Avoid placing your Indigo in direct sunlight as this may cause the natural dye to fade slightly. 

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Recycled Brass Jewellery

 
 

 

After several uses our recycled brass jewellery will start to tarnish slightly. Some prefer the brass when it becomes darker and more earthy. However you may prefer to restore your jewellery to its original polished gold tone. 

The best way to polish your jewellery is to use a brass polish, we suggest Brasso (Always follow the instructions on the bottle). If you don't have any brass polish to hand, or prefer a more natural alternative, cover half a lemon in salt and rub over your jewellery until you see the tarnish start to lift, rinse well and polish dry with a soft cloth. 

Avoid prolonged contact with liquids and never spray with perfumes as this will cause the brass to tarnish quicker. 

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Recycled Aluminium Jewellery

 
 

 

After several uses our recycled aluminium jewellery will start to tarnish and become more matte. Some will prefer this softer, almost frosted look. 

To polish your aluminium jewellery we suggest using an aluminium polish (always follow the instructions on the bottle). If you are looking for a more natural way to clean the aluminium, mix equal parts of warm water and cream of tarter to form a paste and brush on gently with a soft toothbrush. Clean with dish soap and rinse with warm water, polishing dry with a soft cloth.

Do not use scouring sponges, hard brushes or abrasive cloths on aluminium, the metal is softer and prone to surface scratches and dents. 

Avoid prolonged contact with liquids and never spray with perfumes as this will cause discolouration of the Aluminium. 

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Block Printed Textiles

 
 

 

 

Our Indian block printed textiles are made using 100% Indian cotton and chemical free dyes. They can be machine washed on your coolest cycle (30 degrees and below). The cotton will become softer with every wash.

Take extra care with the mother of pearl buttons on cushion covers, we recommend washing anything with these buttons inside a delicates bag or standard pillowcase.

Always wash with similar colours and iron on a medium heat. 

They are not suitable for tumble drying or dry cleaning, please leave your textiles to dry naturally.   

Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as this may cause the dye to fade slightly.

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 Tanzanian Throws & Table Cloths 


 

 

 

Our Tanzanian throws and table cloths are made using 100% Tanzanian cotton. They can be machine washed on your coolest cycle (30 degrees and below). The cotton will become softer with every wash. Due to the nature of the weave you'll need to be careful when machine washing them. Always place them inside a delicates bag or pillowcase to avoid any snagging. 

Always wash with similar colours and iron on a medium heat. 

They are not suitable for tumble drying or dry cleaning, please leave your textiles to dry naturally.   

Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as this may cause the dye to fade slightly.

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 Wool Wall Hangings/Rugs


 

 

 

Our Kenyan wall hangings / rugs are made using 100% wool. Use a rug beater to shake the dust out or vacuum on a low setting.

These rugs are not suitable for washing. You can spot clean small spillages with a diluted detergent and a wet cloth, always test a small area first and remember to rinse any detergent well. 

Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as this may cause the dye to fade slightly.

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Recycled Paper Light Shades


 

 

 

Our paper light shades are made using FSC certified paper. They are not suitable for bathrooms or any room with high moisture levels.

Avoid contact with water as this will cause damage to the paper and may cause the ink to run.

Always use LED, low temperature, energy saving bulbs in paper shades. Follow the instructions provided for safe installation.

You may need to dust them off once in a while, we recommend using a feather or synthetic fluffy duster rather than a cloth so the folds remain undisturbed.

Avoid placing your light shade in direct sunlight as this may cause the colours to fade.  

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 Jaipur Soap Dishes


      

 

 

Our Indian Jaipur soap dishes are made using Indian Frit, composed of quartz stone powder, powdered glass, Multani Mitti, borax, gum and water rather than clay, the dishes are then low fired to bind the ingredients. This means they are more delicate than traditional stoneware dishes.

Please take care when handling, although the delicate nature of these dishes is also their most beautiful quality, dropping them may cause breakages. 

Gently hand wash with warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. 

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