Natureva products are made from natural materials that work best with simple, gentle care. Whether you have a diatomite stone bath mat, dish mat, sink caddy, or bamboo cotton towels, a few easy habits will keep everything performing at its best for years. This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for diatomite stone and bamboo cotton.

All Natureva diatomite stone products — including bath mats, dish mats, sink caddies, faucet mats, drink coasters, plant saucers, and pet mats — follow the same care routine. Diatomite is a naturally porous material that absorbs and evaporates moisture through millions of microscopic pores. Keeping those pores clear is the key to long-lasting performance.

Weekly Cleaning

Wipe your product weekly with a soft cloth dampened with a 1:1 white vinegar and water mixture. This removes surface dust, soap residue, body oils, and mineral deposits without leaving anything behind. The vinegar evaporates completely clean, which is exactly what a porous material like diatomite needs.

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bowl
• Dampen a soft cloth with the solution (never pour liquid directly on the surface)
• Wipe gently in the direction of any engraved patterns
• Let it air dry flat in its usual spot

If you regularly use body oils, coloured soaps, or heavy moisturisers, consider wiping twice a week to prevent buildup.

Avoid: coloured soaps, scented cleaners, harsh chemicals, bleach, fabric softener, essential oils, and anything oil-based. These can stain the stone or permanently clog the pores. Never put diatomite products in the dishwasher or washing machine.

Diatomite is porous by nature, which allows it to absorb moisture quickly, but that also means darker liquids or grime can leave marks. Work through these steps in order, starting with the gentlest approach:

1. Scrub with dishwashing liquid: Gently scrub the area under running water using a sponge and a clear, non-coloured dishwashing liquid, then rinse thoroughly. This handles most stains.
2. Still there? Try hydrogen peroxide: Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the area and gently scrub. This can help lift tougher stains without damaging the surface.
3. Last resort — light sanding: If the stain remains and is deeply set, lightly sand the surface using the included sanding tool. Take care not to sand too strongly, as this may mark or damage the surface. Avoid sanding over the printed logo.

The dishwashing liquid must be clear and non-coloured. Coloured or dyed products can leave pigment in the pores, creating new stains while you're trying to remove old ones. Always treat stains as soon as you notice them — the sooner you act, the easier they are to remove.

While diatomite dries fast, heavy or repeated moisture exposure can saturate it over time. If your product starts to look darker or takes longer to dry:

• Lean it upright in a well-ventilated area (not in direct sunlight)
• Let it fully air dry before placing items on top again
• Once the original light colour returns, it's ready to go

Proper airflow is key. Ensure your product is slightly elevated or placed on its non-slip pad to promote ventilation underneath.

Restoring Absorption with the Sanding Tool

Over time, the top layer of your diatomite product may become less absorbent as the porous surface gets clogged with dirt, oils, or minerals from water. This is completely normal and easy to fix.

1. Place the product on a flat, stable surface
2. Use light circular motions with the included P320 grit sanding tool across the entire surface
3. Focus extra attention on high-traffic areas
4. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth
5. Splash water on the surface to test — it should disappear within seconds

Most products need sanding every 3 to 6 months depending on usage. Don't press too hard — gentle pressure works better and protects engraved patterns like Tide, Arch, Rain, and Flow.

Learn more about the science behind diatomite on our How It Works page.

Our Bamboo Cotton Towels and Bath Sheets are soft straight out of the box, but they genuinely level up after the first wash.

The First Wash

The fibres fully open up in that first wash and tumble dry. Your towels will come out noticeably plumper and fluffier — almost double the volume. Wash on a gentle cycle at 40°C with similar colours, then tumble dry on low heat.

Ongoing Care

Wash at 40°C with similar colours and tumble dry on low heat. Skip the fabric softener and dryer sheets — they coat the fibres and gradually kill absorbency over time.

No Dryer? No Problem

Give them a good shake after washing to loosen the fibres. Hang to dry fully, then shake again once dry to bring the fluffiness back.

What to Expect

You might notice a small amount of lint in the first few washes. This is completely normal with natural bamboo cotton fibres and settles down quickly. If a loose thread shows up, just trim it with scissors — don't pull it.