Caring for Your Murano Glass

Handling Your Piece

Murano glass rewards careful handling. The weight and balance of each piece varies significantly by technique and form — a large vase behaves very differently to a fine figurine.

• Always use both hands when lifting — support the base or widest point of the body
• Never grip by a neck, stem, handle or applied decorative element
• Remove rings, bracelets and sharp jewellery before handling
• Place the piece down slowly and deliberately on a stable, flat surface
• Use a soft felt pad or cloth beneath the base to prevent scratching
• Never carry multiple pieces at once, however small

Applied decorative elements — flowers, figures, trailing stems, handles — are the most vulnerable parts of any piece. Never use them as grip points.

Cleaning Your Piece

The aim is to remove dust and fingerprints without disturbing the glass surface or any applied decoration.

Routine Dusting

• Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth — work gently in circular motions
• Support the piece with one hand while dusting with the other
• Avoid feather dusters, which can catch on delicate elements
• For recessed areas, use a clean, dry soft-bristled brush (never stiff)

Deeper Cleaning

• Use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild dish soap
• Wipe gently — never scrub, rub hard, or use circular pressure on gilded areas
• Rinse with a clean damp cloth, then dry immediately with a lint-free cloth
• Never allow the piece to air dry — water marks may form and are very difficult to remove
• Never submerge the piece or place it under running water — moisture can enter at joins and cause damage

Display & Environment

Where and how you display your piece matters. Choose a position that combines stability, appropriate light, and safety from daily activity.

• Away from direct sunlight — prolonged UV exposure can affect pigments and surface treatments
• Away from heat sources — radiators, fireplaces, underfloor heating vents
• Away from air conditioning — rapid temperature cycling causes stress fractures over time
• On a stable surface — avoid surfaces near frequently opened doors or in high-vibration areas
• Away from edges — never display on the edge of a shelf or table
• Out of high foot-traffic areas — corridors, doorways, areas used by children or pets
• Consider museum-quality display wax for particularly fine or tall pieces

Storage

When storing a piece for any length of time, take the same care you would when packing it for shipping.

• Wrap individually in acid-free tissue paper
• Place in the original packaging if available — it was designed for the piece
• Ensure sufficient padding on all sides — no part of the glass should contact another hard surface
• Never stack pieces directly on top of each other, even when wrapped
• Store in a cool, dry, stable environment — avoid attics, garages, and damp spaces
• Maintain consistent temperature — avoid areas subject to seasonal extremes
• Do not store heavy objects above or alongside glass pieces
• Label storage boxes clearly to prevent accidental opening or compression

Temperature & Humidity

Murano glass is sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly to rapid changes in temperature and to sustained humidity.

• Avoid thermal shock — never move a cold piece near a heat source without allowing gradual acclimatisation
• Ideal temperature range: 15–25°C (59–77°F) — consistent is better than perfect
• Avoid high humidity — can affect gilding and enamel work over time
• Avoid direct air conditioning — the rapid cycling of cool and warm air causes stress
• Do not refrigerate — cold storage is unsuitable for glass and associated materials

Care by Glass Type

Different Murano glass techniques have distinct care requirements.

Blown Glass (Soffiato)

• Standard handling and cleaning guidelines apply
• Take particular care with thin-walled pieces and delicate rims
• Check the base for any manufacturing pontil marks — these are normal and do not affect value

Gold Leaf & Gilded Glass

• Clean with a dry cloth only — no water, no soap
• Gold leaf is extremely delicate and cannot be restored once damaged

Millefiori & Murrine

• Standard cleaning applies; take care around exposed cane edges
• Avoid abrasive cloths which can scratch the surface between canes

Chandeliers & Multi-Element Pieces

• Dust individual elements with a soft dry cloth — do not remove hanging elements unless necessary
• Check and tighten any wire or chain connections annually
• Do not use water on hanging elements
• Consult us before any deep cleaning or maintenance of large chandelier pieces