What lac is, and how we check the colours on our toys
Where lac comes from, how it becomes colour on a spinning toy and the questions we ask every workshop before we stock a batch.
Caring for wooden toys
A damp cloth, a little oil and no long soaks: how to keep wooden toys good for the next child.
Wooden toys last for years if they are kept dry. The main enemy is water: a toy left in the bath or soaked to clean it can swell, crack or lose its colour.
To clean, wipe with a cloth wrung out in warm water and a drop of mild soap. Dry immediately with a towel and leave the toy to air for an hour. For a deeper clean, a cloth with a little diluted white vinegar works well on unpainted wood.
Every six months or so, rub unpainted toys with a little coconut oil or beeswax and leave them overnight. This keeps the wood from drying out, especially in the Mysuru summer. Lac-coloured toys only need a dry polish with a soft cloth.
If a toy chips or a wheel comes loose, bring it in. We repair any toy bought from us free of charge, and we can usually replace a missing peg or wheel from the workshop within a week.
