This hand-forged iron bar is made of robust steel and should be regularly maintained to ensure its longevity. For cleaning, a damp cloth with mild soapy water is recommended, followed by immediate and thorough drying of the surface. To effectively prevent rust, a thin layer of protective oil, such as linseed oil or Ballistol, should be applied after cleaning. If light rust spots have already formed, these can be carefully removed with fine steel wool or a wire brush, and the area then re-oiled.