Categories of Fine Materials
Natural Stone
Marble, granite, travertine, limestone, and slate are porous and highly sensitive to acidic cleaners — they etch and stain permanently if treated incorrectly. Always use pH-neutral cleaning solutions. Clean spills immediately. Re-seal stone surfaces annually.
Fine Woods
Mahogany, teak, walnut, oak, rosewood, and ebony react strongly to humidity and can warp or crack. Use wood-specific polish only. Always wipe with the grain using microfiber cloths. Never expose wood to excess moisture.
Precious Metals
Silver, gold-leaf, brass, bronze, and copper tarnish over time and scratch easily. Use designated metal polish with soft lint-free cloths. Always wear cotton gloves when handling silver to prevent skin-oil tarnishing.
Luxury Fabrics
Silk, velvet, cashmere, fine linen, brocade, and damask require delicate handling. For silk and velvet — professional dry cleaning only. No exceptions.
Art and Antiques
Dust with ultra-soft cloths only. Never spray any liquid directly onto artwork or antiques. These items are often irreplaceable.
Cleaning Chemistry
pH Scale: Neutral = 7. Acidic cleaners (below pH 7) permanently damage marble and limestone. Alkaline cleaners (above pH 7) strip wood finishes and damage natural fibres. Always match your cleaning product to the specific material.
Microfiber Technology: Microfiber cloths trap particles at a microscopic level without scratching delicate surfaces. Essential for all luxury surface care.
⚠️ Critical Safety Rule: Never mix cleaning chemicals. Certain combinations create toxic fumes or cause irreversible surface damage.
Zambia Climate Control
- Ideal Relative Humidity: 45–55%
- Maximum daily RH fluctuation: No more than 3%
- Use dehumidifiers during rainy season
- Place silica gel packets in wardrobes and display cases
Cleaning Protocols
Natural Stone:
- Sweep or vacuum loose debris with a soft brush
- Prepare a pH-neutral solution in clean water
- Apply with soft microfiber cloth in gentle circular motions
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth
- Dry immediately — never let water sit on stone
Fine Wood:
- Dust with dry microfiber cloth following the wood grain
- Apply wood-specific polish sparingly
- Buff gently in direction of grain
- Never wet-mop hardwood floors — ever
Silver:
- Put on clean cotton gloves first
- Apply silver-specific polish with a soft cloth
- Rub gently in straight lines — not circular
- Rinse with warm water, dry immediately
- Store in anti-tarnish flannel bags
Key Rule: Always identify the exact material BEFORE selecting any cleaning product. The wrong product causes permanent, irreversible damage.
