Building a collection is the easy part. Keeping it looking brand new is the real challenge. You don’t need a huge budget to protect your favorites. All you need is a little TLC or “Tender Loving Care” to save you from expensive replacements later. Whether you’re a bookworm, a stationery addict, or a plushie collector, these simple habits will keep your treasures in "just-bought" condition for years.
If you have no idea where to start, here is the ultimate guide to keeping your collection fresh and pristine!
Books
Ever wonder how to make that "new book smell" and crisp bookstore feel last for a lifetime? A better reading experience truly starts with a book in peak condition, so to keep yours fresh, store them in a cool, steady spot away from harsh sunlight or outside walls where they might fade or warp.
You should always stand your books upright with sturdy bookends — or lay the extra-large ones flat — and be careful not to tug on the top of the spine when you’re pulling one off the shelf to avoid tearing the binding. It’s also a good idea to dust them regularly with a soft cloth or a vacuum brush, but definitely skip the leather oils and dressings since those can actually cause more harm than good over time. To keep your pages pristine, swap out those sticky notes and paper clips for acid-free bookmarks, and always leave major repairs to a professional conservator.
To keep your books organized, fresh, and looking brand new, get these book stands on Dotcom, Shopee, and Lazada.
Journals and Notebooks
For journals and notebooks, "breaking in" the spine first is the best way to maintain them in good condition. First, lay them flat and gently press down small sections of pages from both sides so the binding doesn't crack on you. A cute notebook sleeve or a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is a total move for protecting the covers, especially if you store them upright in a chill, dry spot to avoid any weird warping or mold. It’s also a major life hack to use acid-free bookmarks instead of folding down corners like a monster, and keeping your hands clean helps you avoid leaving oily fingerprints all over your aesthetic entries.
For notebooks and journals, find them here in our official stores: Dotcom, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Fountain Pens
That smooth, bold glide of fresh ink is what makes every handwritten note feel special. To keep that "ink-spiration" going, make sure to give your pen a good rinse every few weeks or whenever you swap colors by flushing the nib with cool water until it’s crystal clear.
While it’s tempting to pour leftover ink back into the bottle to save every drop, it's actually safer to use a separate "waste jar" for dip pens to avoid accidentally growing mold in your fresh stash. If you do find a funky bottle of old ink, don't pour it down the sink—since those chemicals aren't great for our water—and instead seal it tight before tossing it in your outside bin.
For a final eco-friendly touch, try upcycling those gorgeous empty glass bottles into desk decor, and look for "PE" recycling symbols on your plastic cartridges so you can dispose of them responsibly.
For high-quality, sulit fountain pens, get these from Writech on Dotcom, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Paints and Paintbrushes
Capturing the perfect landscape or portrait requires clean supplies to ensure your pigments stay true and vibrant on the canvas. Proper maintenance keeps your tools ready for action so your artistic vision never gets muddied by old residue or damaged bristles.
Each type of paint requires a specific cleaning routine to keep colors true and prevent issues like molding, which is especially common with gouache. To keep your tools in top shape, always wash acrylic and gouache brushes immediately after use with mild soap and lukewarm water to prevent acrylics from hardening like plastic or gouache from harboring bacteria.
For gouache specifically, avoid leaving brushes submerged in water cups to protect the handles and bristles, and for all types, always reshape the damp brush heads to their original point before letting them dry. If you are dealing with stubborn acrylic residue, a dedicated brush cleaner or Murphy Oil Soap can strip away old pigment while keeping the fibers conditioned for your next masterpiece.
Proper paintbrush care begins by never leaving brushes submerged in water, as this can permanently warp the bristles, damage the wooden handles, and loosen the metal ferrule. When cleaning, use a mild soap to wash off the pigment until the water runs clear, then reshape the wet bristles into their original form and store them flat or hanging head-down to prevent water from rotting the handle. To extend their life, avoid "swirling" motions that fan out bristles, and use dedicated tools like a "Scrubber" brush for tough tasks to avoid ruining your fine-pointed tips.
Choose from a selection of paints on Dotcom, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Explore a wide range of paint brushes in every size you need on Dotcom, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Plushies and Collectibles
Want to keep your favorite cuddle buddies cozy and your desk looking like the ultimate eye-candy? To keep your plushies in top shape, it's best to store them in airtight acrylic cases or glass cabinets to block out dust and those pesky household allergens. To keep their colors from fading, try to display your collection away from direct sunlight, and if you have vinyl figures, just a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth or some mild soapy water will handle any stubborn marks. Use hanging organizers to keep your collectibles organized and fresh. To save space, try rotating which toys are on display so they don’t get dusty or squished over time.
Ready to give your collection some TLC? Head over to National Book Store or check out our online shops to start your collection makeover today!
For more updates, follow National Book Store’s official social media accounts — @nationalbookstore on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok, and @nbsalert on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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