How to Care for Ivory

Don't expose it to direct sunlight. Ivory, like most substances, will fade when exposed to excessive direct sunlight. However, in order for it to retain the warm, white color, it must be exposed to some indirect sunlight. Keeping the ivory in a dark place will cause it to darken and yellow. Some slight darkening over time is to be expected, but keeping the ivory in a dark room, away from sunlight, will quicken the process and darken it further. However, be mindful not to leave it exposed to too much light. Excessive light will raise the temperature and lower the humidity, ruining its natural coloring and contributing to cracks.

Keep it clean. Dust ivory often with a soft clean cloth. Sometimes a soft paintbrush is recommended to get to the hard to reach cracks and crevices. Avoid cleaning the ivory with any liquid, including water or any special cleaning solution. Exposure to such liquids may cause the piece to swell and crack.

Monitor the temperature and humidity it is exposed to, especially antique ivory. Ivory is one substance that is highly sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. In order to prevent the ivory from shrinking and swelling, it must be kept in an environment where the temperature and humidity are consistent. Low humidity will cause the ivory to dry out, shrink and crack. High humidity will cause it to warp and expand. High heat will result in a color change. Conditions between 45 and 55 percent humidity and temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended.

Keep it oiled. Ivory will dry out with age, especially antique ivory. The older the piece, the more brittle it will be. Use a light vegetable oil on a regular basis to keep it hydrated. Leaving it covered with vegetable oil and a cloth overnight is a common practice used to boost the hydration of the piece.

Wear gloves. When handling ivory, it is recommended that you wear gloves, especially if handling antique pieces. Ivory is a naturally porous material and it can easily soak up the natural oils from your hands. To avoid staining the ivory, it's best to use gloves whenever handling.