Natural Material Care Guide | Leather, Raffia, Palm Leaf, Jute & More – Baghpat House

Every Baghpat House piece is shaped by hand from materials that carry their own history — the grain of the leather, the rhythm of the weave, the warmth of the fibre. These are not manufactured uniformities. They are the signatures of nature and the maker’s hand.

Proper care allows leather and natural fibre products to age with character, developing the patina and depth that distinguish them from synthetic alternatives.

 The guidance below is specific to each material used across our bags, rugs, baskets, lighting, and objects.

Natural materials evolve. Subtle shifts in colour, texture, and suppleness over time are not signs of deterioration — they are evidence that your piece is alive and responding to its environment.

Raffia

Bags, rugs, baskets, and accessories woven from natural raffia palm fibre.

Daily Care
Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove surface dust.
Reshape while the material is still supple. If the form shifts during use, press it back gently before storing.

Avoid overloading. Raffia stretches under sustained weight and does not fully return to its original structure.

Cleaning
For light marks, use a barely damp cloth with no soap or detergent. Blot — do not rub.

Never submerge in water. Raffia absorbs moisture rapidly and may warp, discolour, or develop mildew.

Allow to air-dry completely in a well-ventilated space, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Storage
Store with support to maintain form, using acid-free tissue where required.

Keep in a breathable cotton cover or dust bag. Never seal in plastic — trapped moisture promotes mould.

Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.

What to Expect
Raffia is a palm-derived fibre valued for its natural lustre and lightness. With use, fibres soften and develop a subtle sheen. Colour may lighten in areas of frequent contact.

 These shifts are inherent to the material and contribute to the individuality of each piece.

Do not use chemical cleaners, solvents, bleach, or fabric sprays. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or iron.

Rattan Cane

Bags, baskets, storage, and furniture crafted from hand-woven rattan cane.

Daily Care
Dust regularly with a soft brush or dry microfibre cloth.

For crevices and woven joints, use a soft-bristled brush or compressed air to remove trapped dust.

Cleaning
Wipe with a cloth lightly dampened with plain water. Dry immediately with a separate cloth.

For persistent marks, use a drop of mild, pH-neutral soap on the cloth, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.

Never saturate. Standing water weakens the cane fibres and may cause warping or splitting.

Dry thoroughly in open air, away from direct heat.

Storage
Avoid placing weight on top. Sustained pressure deforms the weave.

Store in a stable environment with moderate humidity (40–60%). Extreme dryness causes cracking; excess moisture promotes mould.

Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

What to Expect
Rattan is a climbing palm vine with high tensile strength. Over time, its natural amber tone deepens and the surface develops a warm, burnished patina. Variations in colour between strands are inherent to natural cane and define the character of each piece.

Do not use furniture polish, varnish, or spray coatings unless specifically recommended by Baghpat House. Do not expose to prolonged outdoor conditions.

Palm Leaf

Baskets, trays, fans, and woven storage crafted from dried palm leaves.

Daily Care
Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or brush.

Handle with care. Palm leaf is lighter and more delicate than heavier fibres.

Cleaning

Spot-clean with a barely damp cloth. Pat dry immediately.

Do not use liquid cleaners, sprays, or detergents.

Avoid contact with oils or coloured liquids, which may stain.

Storage
Store flat or supported in its natural form.

Avoid stacking underweight.

Keep away from humidity and direct sunlight.

What to Expect
Palm leaf has a fine, paper-like texture and a pale, luminous tone. With time, it develops a warm ivory patina and becomes slightly more supple with handling. These changes reflect the natural lifecycle of the material.

Bamboo

Lamps, lanterns, and structured home accessories crafted from sustainably harvested bamboo.

Daily Care
Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or feather duster.

Clean carefully around electrical fittings. Disconnect from power before handling lamps and lanterns.

Cleaning
Wipe with a lightly damp cloth and dry immediately.

For marks, use a mild soap solution applied to the cloth, then wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove residue. Dry thoroughly.

Never saturate. Excess moisture causes swelling, warping, and can weaken structural joints.

Storage
Store in a dry, stable environment. Bamboo is sensitive to humidity fluctuations.

For lighting pieces, remove bulbs before storing. Wrap loosely in soft cloth or tissue.

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which may cause uneven fading.

What to Expect
Bamboo develops a deeper, honeyed tone over time. The surface may take on a subtle sheen from natural oils within the grain. Variations in colour and node spacing are inherent and reflect the material’s natural origin.

Bamboo lighting is intended for indoor use only. Do not expose to rain, high outdoor humidity, or temperatures below 5°C.

Jute

Rugs, runners, baskets, bags, and woven accessories crafted from natural jute fibre.

Daily Care
Vacuum regularly on a low-suction setting without a beater bar to reduce shedding and dust build-up.

Rotate rugs and runners every two to three months to distribute wear evenly, especially in high-traffic areas.

Shake smaller pieces outdoors periodically to release trapped dust.

Cleaning
Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Press firmly — do not rub.
For dried marks, use a soft brush to loosen residue before blotting with a barely damp cloth.

Avoid excess water. Jute is highly absorbent and slow to dry; moisture can cause browning, stiffness, and mildew.

For deep or persistent stains, use a professional cleaner experienced with natural plant fibres.

Storage
Roll — do not fold. Folding creates permanent creases.

Store rolled in breathable cotton or muslin. Avoid plastic wrapping.

Keep in a dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid basements or damp storage areas.

What to Expect
New jute may shed loose fibres initially; this is normal and reduces with regular care. The natural golden-brown tone softens over time. Exposure to sunlight may lighten colour, while low-light conditions retain depth. Both outcomes reflect the natural ageing of the fibre.

Jute is not suitable for wet environments. Avoid bathrooms, outdoor use, or prolonged moisture exposure. Use a rug pad on hard floors to reduce wear and improve stability.

Leather

Bags, accessories, and small goods crafted from full-grain and vegetable-tanned leather.

Daily Care
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after use to remove dust and moisture.

If exposed to rain, blot immediately and allow to dry naturally at room temperature. Do not apply heat.

Avoid prolonged contact with dark-dyed fabrics, which may transfer colour to lighter leathers.

Conditioning
Apply a high-quality, pH-neutral leather conditioner every three to six months, or when the surface feels dry.

Use a small amount on a soft cloth, applying in gentle circular motions. Allow to absorb, then buff lightly.

Test any product on a concealed area before full application.

Avoid silicone-based products, petroleum conditioners, or household oils, which can damage the leather over time.

Cleaning
Light marks: wipe with a cloth lightly dampened with plain water.

Persistent marks: use a specialist cleaner suitable for full-grain or vegetable-tanned leather.

Ink or dye stains: seek professional restoration. Do not attempt removal with household solutions.

Storage
Store in a breathable dust bag or cotton cover.

Maintain shape using acid-free tissue. Avoid newspaper.

Store upright where possible, without compression.

Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Allow air circulation. Do not store in plastic or airtight containers.

What to Expect
Full-grain leather retains the natural surface of the hide, preserving its strength and character. Vegetable tanning produces a firmer leather that softens and deepens with use.

Over time, the surface develops a patina — a rich, evolving finish shaped by light, handling, and natural oils. Minor marks, grain variation, and tonal shifts are inherent and confirm authenticity.

Never machine wash, tumble dry, or dry clean. Do not apply direct heat or use household cleaners, polishes, or abrasive materials.

General Guidance — All Materials

Environmental Conditions
Maintain a stable environment of 18–24°C with 40–60% relative humidity.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts, which cause natural materials to expand and contract, weakening structure over time.

Limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Use filtered light where possible to reduce fading.

Prohibited Across All Materials

Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or iron.

Avoid bleach, chlorine, ammonia, acetone, or solvent-based cleaners.

Do not apply aerosol sprays, fabric fresheners, or air fresheners directly to the product.

Avoid pressure washing or steam cleaning.

Do not store in sealed plastic, cling film, or airtight containers.

International Care Symbols

Where applicable, Baghpat House products include care labels aligned with ISO 3758:2023 (Textiles — Care Labelling Code Using Symbols) and Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 on textile fibre names and labelling. For non-textile materials such as rattan, bamboo, and palm leaf, care guidance is provided separately with the product, as these materials fall outside the scope of ISO 3758.

REACH Compliance Note

All materials used in Baghpat House products are selected in accordance with the European Chemicals Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). We do not use substances restricted under REACH Annex XVII. Leather is vegetable-tanned without the use of chromium VI compounds. REACH declarations are available on request for wholesale partners requiring supply-chain documentation.

Quick Reference by Material

These instructions are provided with every Baghpat House product and are available on our website.

For material-specific queries, contact info@baghpathouse.com.

Document Reference: BH/REF/MCI/2026/01
Version: 1.0
Date: April 2026
Approved by: Reena Nain