How to clean and store your Nativity Scene set
Properly cleaning and storing your Nativity scene set is important to ensure it will last you for years of use and enjoyment, and so it will look fantastic with your Christmas decorations. Many Nativity scenes, such as the ones on our online store French Knot, are made from hand-painted resin, and so extra care must be taken when cleaning and caring for them so as not to break them or ruin the beautiful painted finish. We have compiled our top tips and tricks for storing and cleaning a Nativity set, so that you can keep your beloved Nativity scene set looking as gorgeous and radiant as the day you bought it.
How to Clean Nativity Figures
Always clean your Nativity figures gently with a dry cloth or brush. At French Knot, all of our Nativity figurines are expertly crafted from hand-painted resin, and cleaning them with water or any sort of wet cleaner or commercial cleaner may damage the finish. When cleaning your Nativity scene or a Nativity figure, always start dusting at the top and work your way to the bottom, to prevent dust behind swept into cracks and crevices you have already cleaned. Use a small, soft, dry paintbrush or makeup brush to gently brush the figures, making sure to gently remove dust from all the cracks and crevices. Avoid abrasive brushes and cloths that may scratch or damage the surface of the Nativity figurines. Be gentle when handling the figures, to prevent snapping or breaking any pieces off. Make sure that your hands are clean when handling the Nativity figures to prevent build-up of grease and grime, and because repeated exposure to oils from the skin may degrade the finish over time.
How to Clean a Nativity Stable
Clean flat surfaces in the Nativity stable with a soft, dry cloth, such as a microfibre cloth. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom, gently wiping away dust, and be sure that you clean both the inside and outside of the nativity stable. Use a small, soft, dry makeup brush or paintbrush to get into corners and molded or carved details. Make sure not to use water or any chemical cleaners or commercial cleaners, as these may degrade the finish or stain the wood. To clean textured surfaces such as faux moss and faux hay, gently dust with a feather duster (also called a static duster). This uses static to attract dust particles, without also sweeping up bits of artificial moss or artificial hay. Using a feather duster is a good choice for Nativity sets that have a roof textured to look like straw thatching.
How to Pack Away a Nativity Scene
Pack away your Nativity scene in protective wrapping, that will provide cushioning to reduce the chance of breakage. Before wrapping your Nativity figurines, repair any breakages that may have accidentally occurred. Apply a thin layer of a two-part epoxy glue to the broken edges, and then stick the pieces together. Refrain from handling the Nativity figures for ten minutes after gluing them, so the epoxy can set up, preventing any more damage from occurring during transportation or storage until the epoxy has cured fully after 24 hours. Resin is a bit brittle so it needs to be protected from bumps and being dropped.
After Christmas, pack the figures and stable away in the polystyrene they came in, or wrap them in a protective material such as bubble wrap. Wrap the figurines and stable so the "bubble" side of the bubble wrap is facing away from the figurine or stable, so that it protects them from being broken while making sure the finish isn't rubbed off or marked by the bubbles. Alternatively, wrap in layers of non-acidic tissue paper or packing paper. Do not use newspaper, as the acid and inks from the paper may damage or stain your Nativity figurines or Nativity scene creche. Use a sturdy acid-free box that is opaque (not transparent) for packing the figures and Nativity scene stable in. Put a layer of scrunched-up acid-free tissue paper in the bottom of the box. Place the Nativity stable and figurines on top, making sure to place them in a single layer, as stacking them may cause the ones on the bottom to be crushed. Boxes with inner partitions or compartments are great for separating the figurines and preventing them from jostling against each other. Gently put another layer of scrunched-up tissue paper on top of the Nativity creche and figures before closing the box.
How to Properly Store a Nativity Set
Your Nativity set should be stored in a place that will not expose it to the environment, and that protects it from being crushed. It is important to store your Nativity scene set properly to prevent build-up of dirt or grime, and to stop any damage from water or sunlight. Storing Nativity scene sets in a place that exposes them to sunlight will cause the resin Nativity figurines to degrade over time due to the heat and UV light from the sun. Instead, store the box in a cool, dry place that is not exposed to sunlight, such as inside a cupboard. Do not place other boxes on top of the box you store your Nativity scene inside, as the weight of the box may crush the resin Nativity figures and stable. Do not store the box on a high shelf, as the box may fall when attempting to retrieve it or surrounding items, causing it to fall and the contents of the box to break.
With these tips, you are sure to keep your beautiful Nativity set and figures in pristine condition, ensuring it can continue to bring you joy at Christmas time for many years to come. At French Knot, our range of expertly crafted Nativity Scenes are just the perfect thing to brighten up your home and Christmas decor, and will infuse your home with the delight and joy of Christmas traditions.
