How to Care for Your Wenwan Walnuts

Wenwan walnuts require very little maintenance — but the right habits make an enormous difference in how quickly and beautifully your patina develops. Follow this guide and your walnuts will reward you for years.

Daily Handling

This is the most important thing you can do. Hold your walnuts for 10–30 minutes each day. Turn them in your palm, roll them between your fingers, and let the natural oils from your skin work into the surface.

There is no wrong technique. The goal is consistent contact. Morning coffee, evening wind-down, watching TV — find your moment and make it a ritual.

Daily Brushing

Use the natural bristle brush included with your order (or any soft natural-bristle brush) to brush your walnuts after each handling session.

• Brush in the direction of the ridges
• Work the bristles into the grooves to remove dust and distribute oils evenly
• 30–60 seconds per walnut is sufficient
• This step accelerates patina development significantly

Cleaning

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the grooves. To clean:

• Use a soft toothbrush or your included brush with slightly warm water
• Gently scrub the grooves, then wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth
• Allow to air dry completely before handling again
• Never soak your walnuts in water
• Never use soap, chemical cleaners, or oils

Storage

When not in use, store your walnuts in the included silk pouch or a wooden display box.

• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Avoid extreme temperature changes (don’t leave in a hot car)
• Do not store in airtight plastic bags — walnuts need to breathe
• If storing long-term, brush them occasionally even when not handling

What to Avoid

• ❌ Water immersion or prolonged moisture
• ❌ Chemical cleaners, oils, or polishes
• ❌ Dropping on hard surfaces (can cause cracks)
• ❌ Direct sunlight for extended periods (fades patina)
• ❌ Handling with dirty or oily hands (use the cotton glove for even results)

Using the Cotton Glove

The cotton glove included with your order helps distribute pressure and oils evenly across the walnut surface. This is especially useful in the early stages of patina development when you want consistent color across the whole walnut.

As your patina matures, you can handle bare-handed for a more personal, natural result.

Frequently Asked Questions

My walnuts are turning darker in some spots. Is that normal?
Yes — this is your patina developing. Areas you handle most will darken first. Continue brushing to even out the color over time.

My walnuts cracked slightly. What happened?
Cracking usually occurs from sudden temperature or humidity changes, or from being dropped. Minor surface cracks do not affect the wenwan experience. Avoid extreme environments going forward.

Can I speed up the patina?
More handling and consistent brushing are the only reliable methods. There are no shortcuts — and that is part of what makes wenwan meaningful.

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact us at hello@crazywalnuts.shop