Lava beads, formed from volcanic eruptions, are porous and known for their grounding and protective properties. They are often used in aromatherapy as natural diffusers, absorbing and retaining essential oils. To ensure your lava bead jewelry lasts and maintains its beauty, proper care is essential.

Handling and wearing
Be gentle:
• Lava beads can be fragile and prone to chipping or breaking, so handle them with care.
Remove before activities: Avoid wearing lava bead jewelry during showering, bathing, swimming, or while applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray. Chlorine and other chemicals can damage the beads and cords.
Put it on last:
• Apply cosmetics and hair products before wearing your lava bead jewelry to minimize exposure to potentially damaging substances.
Avoid prolonged soaking:
• While lava beads can get wet, avoid prolonged soaking, especially in very hot water, says Santa Muerte Paris. This can weaken the stringing material and potentially cause the beads to break or lose their effectiveness.

Cleaning
Gentle cleaning:
• Wipe the beads regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt, sweat, and oil buildup.
Mild soap and water:
• For a deeper clean, wash the beads with a few drops of mild soap in lukewarm water, avoiding harsh detergents or cleaners.
Thorough drying:
• Rinse the beads completely and dry them with a soft, clean cloth. Lay the jewelry flat to air dry completely to prevent moisture buildup and potential damage.
Optional – Removing Wax Coating (if present):
• If your lava beads are not absorbing essential oils well, they may have a wax coating. You can remove it by soaking the beads in warm water, according to a Quora user.

Storage
Cool and dry location:
• Store your lava bead jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, says American Bead Corp. Sunlight can fade the colors of some beads.
Protect from scratches:
• Store each piece individually in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent tangling and scratches. Consider using anti-tarnish strips for pieces with metal components, suggests J. Landa.

Maintenance
Regular inspection:
• Regularly check your jewelry for loose beads, fraying cords, or weak clasps.
Prompt repairs:
• Address any damage immediately by a professional jeweler to prevent further deterioration.

Essential oils (if applicable)
Applying essential oils:
• To use your lava beads for diffusing essential oils, apply a drop or two directly onto the beads, allowing the porous surface to absorb the oil.
Cleaning before switching scents:
• It is recommended to clean your lava beads before applying new essential oils to prevent mixing of scents, says http://www.canarylava.com. You can also use a mixture of warm water and a drop of dish soap to cleanse the beads, followed by thorough drying before applying new oils. House of Misfits recommends soaking them for 15 minutes, rinsing, and drying completely before adding new oil.

By following these tips, you can extend the life and beauty of your lava bead jewelry, ensuring it continues to bring you joy and benefit from its unique properties.