Most Ocarinas from Ecuador have a loop for inserting a string or I prefer a long strand of leather and you can hang it around your neck. It's safer than setting it down, you know, the ocasional sneeze? well, you better not be holding something fragile when that happens, that's the reason for this function. When you do store it, I prefer a sponge, and sandwich the Ocarina in the middle. Take 2 large sponges and "carve" the inside to the shape of the Ocarina, it's kind of fun giving your Ocarina a place to "nest".

Cleaning the Ocarina is fine as long as you don't use any abrasives, like Ajax. Mild soap and a little baking soda, mixed in water will work just fine. On severe cases, you can dip it in a solution of 50% bleach and 50% water, soak for 1 minute and immediately rinse with water. Never use hot water and never let it freeeze or store it in damp weather.

If you use your Ocarina regularly, in humid weather, like in Chicago in the summer, it is best to keep it dry and occasionally give it a sunbath, a little sprinkle of baking soda on the inside will also work, but remove the eccess powder. Do not leave your Ocarina in direct sunlight.

If you need to touch up your Ocarina, a dab of enamel will work just fine, even a little nail polish, but just for touch ups. If you need it painted completely, well, just buy another from me, I don't have an answer for that.