The short answer: dust with a soft brush or cloth, and clean sticky spots with a damp cotton swab and a drop of mild soap. Never soak the piece or put it in the dishwasher.
Bead art does not need much care. Plastic does not absorb stains the way fabric does, and the holes are small enough that dust mostly sits on top. A quick routine keeps pieces looking new for years.
The cleaning routine
- Dust: a soft paintbrush or a dry microfiber cloth lifts dust from the surface and the holes.
- Sticky spots: dip a cotton swab in lukewarm water with a drop of dish soap, squeeze it out, and wipe the spot.
- Drying: pat dry with a cloth and let it air dry flat. Moisture left in the holes takes a while to leave.
- Stubborn marks: a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol works, but test on a hidden spot first.
What to avoid
Skip soaking, dishwashers, and washing machines. Water trapped between beads has nowhere to go and can leave the plastic cloudy. Also avoid strong solvents and abrasive scrubbers, which scratch the glossy surface. For pieces that hang on the wall, a quick pass with a duster twice a month is all they need. New projects to clean and display are in our pattern library.