Care Instructions

Your plaque is made from layered acrylic and, on some designs, real wood. Treated properly it will look new for years. Here is everything you need to know.

About the Scroll
Our mezuzah cases are sold as cases only. They do not include a klaf — the handwritten parchment scroll that makes a mezuzah a mezuzah. A kosher klaf must be hand-written by a trained sofer on genuine parchment. Printed or photocopied scrolls, however authentic they look, are not valid. If you do not already have one, purchase from a sofer or an established Judaica dealer who can vouch for it.

Inserting the Scroll
Handle the klaf by its edges. Skin oils and moisture from your fingers can damage the ink over time, so avoid touching the writing itself.

The klaf is rolled from the end of the text toward the beginning, so that when someone unrolls it they start reading at Shema. Most scrolls arrive already rolled correctly — if yours does, leave it alone. Slide it into the case so the ש on the case aligns with the front, and never force it. If the scroll doesn't slide in easily, do not press or bend it. Contact us and we'll help.

Protecting the Scroll
Moisture is what ruins a klaf. Ink fades, parchment warps, and letters crack — and a mezuzah with damaged letters is no longer kosher, often without anyone noticing.

For any mezuzah on an exterior doorframe, or anywhere that gets steam or humidity — a bathroom, a kitchen doorway — wrap the klaf in the thin plastic sleeve it came with, or in a small piece of plastic wrap, before inserting it. Practice varies here and some prefer to leave the parchment uncovered so it can breathe; if you are unsure, ask your rav. Our cases are waterproof, but the case protects against splashing, not against ambient humidity over years.

Having the Scroll Checked
A klaf should be checked by a qualified sofer periodically — the widespread practice is twice in seven years. Have it checked sooner if the mezuzah has been exposed to water, if the case was dropped or cracked, or if you notice any discoloration or warping through the opening. Letters degrade invisibly, so the interval matters more than how the scroll looks from outside.

Cleaning the Case
Wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For fingerprints or smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with water, wipe gently, then dry with a second clean cloth. Remove the scroll before doing any wet cleaning.

Never use: Windex, ammonia-based cleaners, alcohol, acetone, bleach, or any abrasive cleaner. These will cloud, craze, or permanently haze acrylic. Skip paper towels, scouring pads, and anything textured — they leave fine scratches that build up over time.

Handling
Acrylic is durable but not indestructible. Hold your plaque by the edges rather than pressing on the raised lettering or thin cutout sections. When mounting or removing it, support the whole piece rather than pulling from one corner.

Mounting
Clean and fully dry the door or doorframe before mounting. Press firmly across the entire back of the piece for 30 seconds, not just the center. Let it set for 24 hours before touching or adjusting.

Outdoor and Doorframe Use
Our mezuzah cases are fully waterproof and rated for outdoor doorframes. Plaques hold up to normal weather exposure, but direct, sustained sunlight over years may gradually affect certain colors. If you have an unusually exposed entryway, a covered or shaded spot will extend the life of the piece.

Temperature
Keep away from direct heat sources — radiators, heating vents, ovens. Acrylic softens at high temperatures and can warp, and heat is hard on parchment as well.

Wood Layers
On designs with wood inserts, keep the wood dry. Wipe spills promptly. Do not soak, and do not use furniture polish or oil.

If Something Goes Wrong
Every plaque carries our 2-Year Replacement Guarantee. See our Refund Policy for details, or email us at customdoorplaques@gmail.com