How to Care for Wooden and Bamboo Crafts at Home

Risal Andi18 Oct 2026 - 5 min read

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Handmade wood and bamboo crafts are made to last for many years, but they are natural materials. They breathe, they react to sun and humidity, and they ask for a little attention in return. The good news is that the care is simple. A few habits will keep your pieces looking good and, in the case of wind chimes, sounding clear for much longer.

These tips come from what we have learned in our family workshop in Kayubihi, Bangli, where we have made bamboo and wooden crafts since 1998.

Understand your material

Wood and bamboo both contain moisture that moves in and out with the weather. When the air is very dry, they shrink a little. When it is humid, they swell a little. Most small hairline cracks you may see on bamboo are caused by these changes. They are normal and usually do not affect strength or sound.

Check how your piece is finished, because the finish decides the care:

• Natural or oiled: needs occasional oil or wax.
• Varnished or lacquered: needs only gentle cleaning and a fresh coat now and then if used outdoors.
• Painted: needs soft cleaning only, no strong cleaners or scrubbing.

Everyday cleaning

Dusting

Dust weekly with a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush. For carved pieces, a clean paintbrush reaches into the details without scratching them.

Wiping

If a piece is dirty, wipe it with a cloth that is only slightly damp, then dry it straight away. Avoid soaking wood or bamboo in water, and avoid harsh chemicals, bleach or abrasive pads.

Control sun and humidity

• Avoid strong direct sun for long periods. It fades colours and dries the surface too fast.
• Keep away from heaters and air-conditioner vents. Sudden dry air is the main cause of cracks.
• Avoid very damp places such as bathrooms or wet basements, where mould can grow.
• Let pieces adjust slowly. When a new piece arrives from tropical Bali to a cooler or drier country, keep it indoors at room temperature for a few days before hanging it outside.

Oiling and protecting wood

Natural and oiled wooden pieces stay healthy with a light coat of wood oil or wax from time to time, for example every few months indoors or each season outdoors. Suitable products include teak oil, Danish oil or a natural furniture wax.

1. Clean and dry the piece.
2. Apply a thin layer of oil with a soft cloth, following the grain.
3. Leave it for a short time, then wipe off the excess.
4. Let it dry completely before using or hanging it again.

For outdoor pieces with a varnish finish, a thin new coat of exterior varnish once a year adds protection.

Caring for bamboo wind chimes

Bamboo wind chimes live outside, so they need a little more care than indoor décor.

Choose a good spot

Hang your chime where it can move freely, away from walls, railings and branches. A covered place such as a porch or veranda is ideal, because it protects the bamboo from heavy rain and the strongest sun while still catching the breeze.

Bring it in during storms

Strong wind and storms are the biggest risk for any chime. Bring bamboo chimes indoors during storms or extreme weather, and store them in a dry, sheltered place during long cold or wet seasons.

Clean and protect

Wipe the tubes occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust. A light coat of protective varnish once a year helps outdoor bamboo last longer. Check the strings from time to time and replace them if they look worn, because sun slowly weakens them.

Small cracks and sound

Fine cracks along the bamboo are a normal reaction to temperature and humidity. If the sound changes a lot, the tube may need to be replaced. Contact us and we can advise you.

Preventing insects and mould

Bamboo and some woods can attract wood-boring beetles, especially if the material was not properly treated or dried. Signs include tiny round holes and fine powder below the piece. Good workshops treat and dry bamboo before use. At home, the best prevention is to keep pieces clean and dry, avoid damp storage and check them now and then. If you see fresh powder, separate the piece from your other wooden items and ask a pest specialist for advice. Mould shows as white or grey spots in damp places. Clean it with a dry cloth, let the piece dry in a well-ventilated place and move it somewhere drier.

Storage and moving

• Wrap pieces in cotton cloth or paper, not airtight plastic, so they can breathe.
• Store them in a dry, shaded room.
• Lay long chimes flat so the strings do not tangle.

Quick care checklist

• Dust weekly, wipe with a slightly damp cloth when needed.
• Keep away from strong sun, heaters and damp rooms.
• Oil or wax natural wood every few months.
• Varnish outdoor bamboo once a year.
• Bring chimes inside during storms.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a bamboo wind chime last outdoors?

With a covered spot and simple care, a bamboo wind chime can give you several years of clear sound outdoors. Chimes kept under a porch roof and brought inside during storms last much longer than chimes left in full sun and rain.

Can I use furniture polish on my wooden crafts?

For natural and oiled wood, a simple wood oil or natural wax is better than spray polishes, which can leave a sticky layer. For painted or varnished pieces, a soft dry or slightly damp cloth is enough.

My bamboo has a small crack. Is it broken?

Fine hairline cracks are common in bamboo and are caused by changes in temperature and humidity. They usually do not affect the strength or the sound. If a crack becomes wide or the sound of a chime changes a lot, contact us for advice.

How should I clean a carved piece with deep details?

Use a soft, dry paintbrush or a clean make-up brush to remove dust from the carving. Avoid water inside deep details, because moisture can stay trapped there.

Handmade to last

Every piece from Baliamerta is made by hand in our family workshop in Kayubihi, Bangli, by more than 10 local craftsmen and craftswomen. We supply exporters and also sell directly. Explore our bamboo wind chimes and wooden crafts, learn more about us, or send a wholesale enquiry.