While checking out some craft blogs that I follow, I came across a post on how to care for your rubber stamps. I found it to be very informative and actually was not aware of some of the things that I read. Here is a list of dos and don'ts for caring for your stamps:

Things you SHOULD DO to look after your rubber stamps

* Always clean your rubber stamps before storing away This is something that I need to work on. Sometimes I get lazy and just put the stamps that need to be cleaned aside and start working on another card. They will sometimes sit for days before I finally clean them.

* Clean your stamps with a reputable rubber stamp cleaner. I like to use Stampin’ Up!’s Stampin’ Scrub and Mist. The Stampin’ Mist cleans and conditions your stamps, simply spray it on one side of the Stampin’ Scrub and then rub your rubber stamp over it. After cleaning, dry your stamp by rubbing it on the dry side of the Stampin’ Scrub.

* If you do not have a Stampin’ Scrub and Mist and cannot invest in one right away, then at the very least use an old washcloth. Wet the washcloth and wring it out so that it is just damp and clean your stamps with it.

* Store your rubber stamps flat or upright. Stampin’ Up! rubber stamps come in clear storage boxes that are perfect for stacking. If you do not have Stampin’ Up! stamps then I recommend that you keep them stored flat in shallow cardboard or plastic boxes, or drawers. If you like to have your stamps on display then you can have them standing up on a shelf as you would any other ornament.

* Store your stamps in room temperature.

* Store your stamps away from direct sunlight to avoid them becoming brittle and cracked.

Things you SHOULD NOT DO to your rubber stamps

* Do not use baby wipes to clean your rubber stamps. This is something that I was not aware of b/c I am guilty of having done this in the past. Using baby wipes will cause your stamps to become pale, dry and brittle. It doesn’t matter whether the baby wipes you use are non-alcohol based or non-scented they still damage your stamps over time.

* Do not wash your wood-mounted stamps under running water. Again, this is something that I have been guilty of doing. Washing your stamps under a tap will loosen the adhesive between the foam and wood and you risk your stamps falling off the wood.

* Do not store your stamps in strange ways. Storing your stamps in a colander, jar, basket or any other way in which the stamps are pressing against each other or are pressing against metal, wood, etc. This will leave dents in your rubber stamps which will then given you a gap in your stamped image.

I hope you have found these tips to be informative.