I have molds that still look like new and they are 20 years old.

When pouring them,make sure they are banded tightly,so there is no leaking.Don't pour in the same place ,rotate your mold,to save from getting hard spots and wearing down the design in one spot.

Don't pour a mold more then twice a day.The damper it gets,the more the designs erode away.

Never let a mold sit over night with slip still in it.If you have large molds,pour them in the morning so you can take them out that evening.They absorb the moisture all night long and this also removes design.

After removing your greenware from the mold,clean the mold of all residue that is left.Not with tools,but soft brushes or small pieces of a damp sponge.

As soon as you are done with a mold,after cleaning it out,put bands around it to keep it from warping.As it drys,it will warp if not banded.This is the major cause of warpage and leaking of a mold.

If a mold cracks or has a piece break off,don't use elmers glue or milk to fix it.The milk will develop bacteria and cause not only problems with the mold,but possibly with your health.The glue will break down and by absorption into the crack,will prevent slip from adhering.

There are all kinds of mold repair glues that you can buy from your distributor,use them.

Molds also have dust not only from the air,but also slip.Use caution when handling them.Always wear a mask.If you have allergies or asthma and working with molds bother you,let someone else pour and clean the greenware.

Molds also last longer if stored on wooden shelves rather then metal.They dry quicker which keeps them from getting mold inside and outside.If you do get fuzzy white mold on your mold-do not brush it off with your hand.Take a damp sponge and wipe it off.Although this is not the same type of mold that you find health problems with in a house,there is still concern over the long term effects of it.

Don't pile them more then two high and two deep-Allow space between them.It is harder for them to dry and easier to damage them when moving around.The weight is also not good for them.

Put your pour hole down on the shelf when storing,to keep bugs,ants etc. from crawling in and damaging the detail.I cover all my pour holes with a piece of cardboard ,using a band to hold it on.

Even though you have stored your mold properly,there will be dust occasionally in a mold.Always clean it before using again.Remember the mask.

Air circulation is very important.I have two windows,a door and a fan in my mold room.The windows and door allow the air to come in and help dry the molds.It also keeps the air fresher for breathing.The fan I use by the door  to help force air around in the summer,and put in front of my heater in winter to help the molds stay dry.I never use a fan to forcibly dry a mold.This also keeps bacteria from building up on the mold and in the air.

If you have a very popular one,buy two molds or even three of it.

A mold can last for years if properly handled and stored. :-)