How to Clean Your Kenzan Flower Frogs

Keeping your kenzan (a.k.a. flower frog) in great shape is the secret to long-lasting, sustainable design. With just a little TLC, your frogs will stay sturdy, clean, and ready for every arrangement—from everyday kitchen-table bouquets to the special “I’m really gonna nail this one” ikebana moment.

Start by Removing Floral Putty

If you use floral putty to secure your frog, remove it before cleaning. Most of the time it peels right off, but if it’s being stubborn, try adjusting the temperature:

• To loosen: Warm the putty slightly so it becomes more pliable. (Do this safely—never put metal in your microwave!)

• To harden: Seal your frog in a zip-top bag and pop it in the freezer for a bit. Cold putty is easier to pry off cleanly.

Once the putty is gone, your frog is ready for washing.

Skip the Dishwasher (Always!)

Flower frogs may be durable and handcrafted, but they should never go in the dishwasher. High heat and harsh detergents can loosen the adhesive between the base and the pins, dull the painted finish, and shorten the life of your frog. Hand-washing is the way to go.

Gentle Cleaning is Key

Day-to-day cleaning is simple:

• Use warm water and mild dish soap.

• Scrub only with a soft-bristle brush (a humble toothbrush works perfectly!).

• Avoid steel wool, abrasive brushes, or harsh cleaners, which can scratch the paint or damage the metal.

A little patience goes a long way—your frog will thank you!

Our Expert Trick: The Denture Cleaner Soak

If your flower frog has lingering residue or stubborn debris tucked between the pins, here’s our floral-pro secret: 

Give it a soak in denture cleaner.
Yep—those fizzy tablets work magic at breaking down grime without harming the finish or the metal. Just fill a container with warm water, drop in a tablet, let the frog soak, and rinse clean.

Straighten Pins the Safe Way

Bent pins happen (especially when we’re designing fast!). Use a pin straightener to gently nudge any crooked pins back into place and to help dislodge any leftover gunk between pins. Never force them by hand—pin straighteners are designed to keep the pins strong and aligned.

What If the Paint Gets Damaged?

Life happens. If your painted base gets nicked or scratched, you can easily refresh it:

• For small areas, use a matching metal-safe touch-up paint.

• For a full refresh, high-quality spray paint for metal gives your frog a whole new life. Just make sure the frog is completely clean and dry before painting.

With these simple care steps, your flower frogs will stay beautiful, functional, and ready to anchor your creativity for years to come. Happy designing! 🌸🐸