Caring for Your Personalized Gifts: Simple Do’s and Don’ts

Personalized products are made to last, but a little care goes a long way in keeping prints vivid and engravings sharp for years. Here is how to look after the most popular product types.

Printed Mugs

Hand-wash with a soft sponge and mild detergent. Avoid scouring pads on the printed area, and skip the dishwasher and microwave for magic mugs—the heat-sensitive coating works best with gentle handling.

Tip: Let magic mugs cool naturally after use; sudden temperature shocks shorten the life of the color-change coating.

Photo Frames and Wall Art

Dust with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth. Keep frames out of prolonged direct sunlight to prevent fading, and avoid hanging them in damp areas like bathrooms.

Steel Bottles and Tumblers

Hand-wash the printed exterior; the inside can take a bottle brush and warm soapy water. Do not soak printed bottles for long periods, and avoid abrasive cleaners on the design.

Cushions

Remove the cover if possible, turn it inside out, and machine-wash gently in cold water. Iron on the reverse side only—never directly on the print.

Engraved Wood and Metal

Engraved items are the easiest of all: just keep them dry and dust them occasionally. Wooden keepsakes appreciate an occasional wipe with a barely damp cloth followed by immediate drying.

The Golden Rules

1. Hand-wash printed items; machines are the enemy of prints.
2. Keep everything out of harsh direct sunlight.
3. Avoid abrasive pads and strong chemicals on any printed surface.

Follow these simple habits and your personalized gifts will look as good on their fifth anniversary as they did on day one.