How to Care for Ceramic Charms, Trays, and Shrines
By Paper Parasol Press | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your ceramic charms, trays, and shrines looking their best with this simple care routine. Learn how to clean glazed ceramic safely and avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Dust ceramic charms, trays, and shrines regularly with a soft cloth, and wash glazed surfaces only when needed using mild soap and lukewarm water. Always dry immediately and avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives, or soaking unglazed areas. Handle with clean hands and store pieces so they don't knock against each other.
Why ceramic decor needs a gentle routine
Ceramic charms, trays, and shrines are often glazed, which makes them water-resistant and easy to wipe clean. But glaze can still scratch, chip, or dull over time if you use the wrong tools or cleaners. Unglazed clay, painted details, and metallic accents are even more fragile. A consistent, gentle routine prevents most damage and keeps colors bright. It also protects any attached hardware, like the pin backs on a lapel pin or the chain on a keychain, from rust or bending.
Daily dusting and spot cleaning
Most ceramic decor only needs dusting. Use a dry, soft microfiber cloth or a clean makeup brush to lift dust from crevices. For sticky spots, dampen a cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap, then wipe gently. Never spray cleaner directly onto the ceramic; apply it to the cloth first. If your piece has a pin back, like the California Poppy Sun Pin, remove it from fabric before cleaning and avoid getting the metal backing wet.
When and how to wash glazed ceramics
Glazed trays and charms that are used with food or handled often can be washed by hand. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap. Submerge the glazed piece briefly, then wipe with a soft sponge. Do not use a dishwasher, as heat and harsh detergents can damage glaze and metal parts. Rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a soft towel. Never soak unglazed bottoms or areas with adhesive, like sticker backs, because moisture can weaken them.
Storing and displaying to prevent damage
Store ceramic pieces separately or with felt pads between them to avoid scratches and chips. If you display a shrine outdoors, bring it inside during freezing temperatures or heavy rain. For charms attached to keys or bags, like the We're Going Thrifting Keychain, check the metal ring and enamel for wear. Keep them away from abrasive surfaces. When not in use, hang or box them so they don't tangle with other items.
Step-by-step ceramic care
- Dust first: Use a dry soft cloth or brush to remove loose dust from the entire piece, including crevices. Checkpoint: If dust is sticky, move to spot cleaning instead of scrubbing.
- Spot clean with mild soap: Dampen a cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Wipe gently, then dry immediately. Mistake to avoid: Never use abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
- Hand wash glazed items only: For glazed trays or charms, briefly submerge in lukewarm soapy water, wipe with a soft sponge, rinse, and dry. Checkpoint: Do not soak unglazed areas, metal parts, or adhesive-backed items.
- Dry thoroughly: Use a soft towel to dry all surfaces, especially metal hardware and crevices. Mistake to avoid: Letting water sit can cause mineral spots or rust on pin backs.
- Store with care: Keep pieces separate using felt pads or soft pouches to prevent scratches and chips. Checkpoint: For outdoor shrines, bring inside during freezing temperatures.
Product facts
- We're Going Thrifting Keychain: We're Going Thrifting Keychain is a 2" x 2" gold finish soft enamel keychain made in China. The enamel surface can be wiped clean with a soft cloth, but avoid soaking the metal ring to prevent rust.
- Fugu Fish Stardust Vinyl Sticker: Fugu Fish Stardust Vinyl Sticker is a 2.5 x 2.00 scratch and weatherproof stardust vinyl sticker made in the... The stardust glitter overlay is decorative; clean gently with a damp cloth without scrubbing to preserve the sparkle.
- California Poppy Sun Pin: California Poppy Sun Pin is an approx 1" wide gold finish soft enamel pin with deluxe tie-tack backing made in China. The brass tie-tack backing is secure but should be kept dry; remove the pin from clothing before cleaning the ceramic portion.
