Caring for your wind chimes
With a little care, your wind chime will bring joyful music to your life for years to come. Here’s how to hang, clean and care for your wind chimes.
General tips for your wind chimes or bells
Here, we share our basic care instructions for looking after your wind chimes or wind bell. Below, you’ll find more detailed instructions based on the brand or type of chime you have.Hanging your wind chime
While all our chimes are made for the outdoors, we suggest hanging them in a semi-protected area like under a verandah or pergola to protect against the harsher elements. Ensure they are well secured with quality hooks.Some wind chimes are more water resistant than others, but we do recommend bringing them inside during extreme weather.
You also might consider purchasing a wind chime stand, like this Koshi Wind Chime Stand.
Cleaning your wind chimes
Most chimes can be cleaned with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust. Opt for a damp cloth if build-up is significant.Wooden and bamboo chimes should be occasionally treated with a protective oil or varnish. This will help protect them from exposure to the elements. Opt for a natural oil and be sure to check the individual care instructions for your type of chime.
If your chime gets mouldy due to humidity, clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Wipe down with a dry cloth and allow it to fully dry. For wooden and bamboo parts, if necessary, apply a new layer of protective oil or varnish and add in a few drops of clove oil to help protect from mould.
Tuning your wind chimes
Most wind chimes will never require re-tuning. This is because the tuning is set by the length the tubes are cut to, which does not change over time. At the time of production, each chime is meticulously tuned and crafted to ensure optimal performance.Caring for your chimes using the information on this page will ensure you can enjoy the sound of your chime for years to come.
Special care instruction by brand
Looking for more tailored advice? Here, you’ll find tips and instructions based on the brand or type of chime you have.Koshi Wind Chimes
Koshi wind chimes can be used outdoors or indoors. You might hang them near a window, on your balcony or in your garden. However, we recommend you place them in an area protected from the harsher elements (strong wind and rain).Like all wooden objects, they must be regularly treated with a protective oil. You can use either clear teak oil (recommended) or clear ‘tung oil’.
View this PDF for detailed Koshi care instructions.
Zaphir Wind Chimes
Zaphir chimes can be used outdoors or indoors. You can hang them near a window, on your balcony or in your garden. However, we recommend you place them in an area protected from the harsher elements (strong wind and rain).Zaphir chimes come with a protective layer of ecologic varnish. However, regular maintenance with a natural varnish or oil will help maintain the integrity of your Zaphir chime. To remove dust, gently wipe your chime down with a soft cloth. Avoid any harsh chemicals or sprays.
Woodstock Wind Chimes
Most Woodstock wind chimes are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Bring them inside during extreme weather or harsh winters.To maintain your chime, we recommend the following:
Aluminium tubes, plastic, stone and glass parts
Woodstock chime tubes are made of aluminium that will not rust when exposed to the elements. However, over time, the aluminium may naturally pit or oxidise when placed outdoors, but the sound will not be affected. The tubes and other noted parts may be cleaned with a damp cloth, mild soap and water.
Wood parts
Woodstock chimes are created with an eco-friendly water-based wood finish, which requires care from time to time. Use a clean cloth or brush to periodically apply a thin coat of wood wax or exterior varnish, teak or lemon oil to the wood parts. Regular oiling will help protect the wood from drying and slow the natural aging process. We also suggest applying a thin coat of exterior varnish to the chime wood parts each spring.
Copper and brass parts
Copper and brass parts can be cleaned with a formula designed for copper and/or brass. Alternatively, it can be left to naturally age and patina. Emperor Gongs and plated elements can be wiped with a duster or dry cloth.
Crystal accent parts
Dip crystals in a cup of water and allow them to air dry.
Bamboo Wind Chimes
Bamboo wind chimes are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. However, there are ways to extend the life of your chime. We recommend hanging it in a protected area away from direct sunlight or heavy winds, such as under a porch or in a shady tree. You should bring your bamboo chimes inside during severe weather.You can clean your bamboo wind chime by wiping it with a damp cloth. Once a year, or as necessary, you can apply a thin layer of varnish for added protection.
It’s important to know that bamboo is sensitive to humidity and sudden temperature changes. While unlikely, over time some hairline cracks in the bamboo may appear. This is normal and will not affect the sound of your chimes.
Cast iron wind bells
Cast iron wind bells are naturally rust resistant, thanks to their special production practice. You can use a soft cloth to remove dust when needed.The paper wind catcher can only handle very light rain, so we recommend hanging your wind bell somewhere protected from the elements and bringing it inside during heavy rain or extreme weather.
Glass wind bells
Hang your glass wind bell in a protected area, under a pergola or on your balcony, for example. Bring it inside during harsh weather. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt or dust.These are fragile so handle them with care. Please do not touch the open edge or mouth of the Edo Furin as they are intentionally left with a jagged edge for a better ringing sound.
Ceramic wind bells
You can protect your ceramic wind chime from the elements by hanging it outside in a spot that’s protected by tree coverage or on a balcony, patio or pergola with a roof. Ensure your bell is securely attached to its hanging place and remember to bring it inside during severe weather. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth will be enough to remove any dirt that might build up on the exterior. These are fragile, so handle them with care.Brass wind bells
Hang securely under a verandah or pergola with a reliable hook. The wind catcher is made of waterproof Japanese ‘Washi’ paper, however, it is not perfectly waterproof.Bring your brass wind bell inside during extreme weather.
Use a damp, non-abrasive cloth or soft sponge to gently wipe away dirt or dust. Then, wipe with a dry cloth. Do not rub strongly with metal polishers or hard brushes. Although they are finished with a clear coat, the colour of the metal may slightly change.