Furniture Care Guides
Wooden Furniture Care
Solid Wood
Solid wood is a natural, living material. It will have differences in colour caused by minerals in the soil where the tree grows. Solid wood will expand & contract with climatic variations (temperature & humidity), which may cause cracks to appear and disappear with time. Gaps that occur within the first months are due to severe environmental changes. Wood knots appear when a branch is broken away from a tree and are natural in wood products such as furniture. It is recommended not to expose the furniture in such conditions as; direct sunlight, rain, near heating sources, air-conditioned places, etc.
Veneered Furniture
Veneered furniture is manufactured from a natural product and can, therefore, vary in structure, colour, and graining; this is proof of genuine wood and part of the charm of a piece of quality furniture.
Veneered furniture will also change in colour and character over time due to the influence of daylight and air.
Care
- Everyday spills, such as food and drinks, will leave marks. Immediately remove stains from the surface with a damp cloth, then wipe over with a dry cloth.
- Use coasters under hot and cold beverages; a wet glass may cause a ring.
- Use protective table mats; avoid placing hot items directly on the furniture.
- Lift and place objects; do not drag the furniture across the floor.
- Avoid abrasive objects on tabletops.
- Use natural furniture oil 1-3 times per year. (Solid oiled woods only)
DON'T
- Never use any abrasive cleanser, spray polishes or wax polishes.
Marble and Travertine Furniture Care
Marble and travertine table tops are highly durable and need minimal care to maintain their beauty. Every marble or travertine top is unique – no table will have the same shades or patterns.
We’ve applied a clear lacquer to protect the marble and travertine against wine, grease and coffee spills. However, wipe any spills immediately with a clean cloth to avoid staining.
Use table runners, placemats, and coasters to reduce the chances of marking and damaging the marble or travertine. Protect against wine, juice, vinegar, grease, and coffee.
DON’T
- Do not use acidic, lemon or vinegar-based cleaners - a mild soapy solution will do the trick, but remember to rub the marble or travertine dry.
- Do not drag your table, as it may cause stress to the frame.
- Avoid knocking your table, as this may chip or scratch the marble or travertine.
Leather Upholstery Care
Leather is a natural product. It breathes and has individual characteristics, which makes each hide unique. Leather will always display traces of its origin, such as brands, scars, creases and growth. These hallmarks add character to the furniture and do not affect the wearing qualities of the product. Leather is highly resilient; it creases, pours, and stretches during use.
Perspiration and natural oils from the skin and hair can have a damaging effect.
We recommend our customers wipe over the furniture weekly, using a soft cloth and water. Doing this will help to remove general dust and natural oils. Use leather cleaner 2-3 times a year, then apply a leather conditioner to build up protection.
Always protect your suite from direct sunlight, which will otherwise accelerate the natural discolouration process.
Please be aware that dye from none colour-fast clothing and garments can transfer onto leather upholstery and is usually more noticeable on light leather colours such as whites, creams and ivory. We also recommend constantly checking the labels on your clothing and garments for further information.
DON’T
- Do not use Baby wipes, oiled-based cleaning agents or spray polishes.
Fabric Upholstery Care
If you want something comfortable and contemporary for your home, you can't go wrong with a fabric sofa. With the right approach and level of care, fabric upholstery can be kept in tip-top condition. Follow the advice in this guide, and you will be able to maintain the new condition of your fabric sofa for many years to come.
Dye transfer from non-colour fast clothing
Please be aware that dye from non-colourfast clothing and garments can transfer onto fabric upholstery and is usually more noticeable on light fabric colours such as whites, creams and ivory. Wet clothing can also transfer dyes, especially with denim materials. We also recommend constantly checking the labels on your clothing and garments for further information.
Three easy care steps for your fabric sofa regularly
You should regularly vacuum your fabric upholstery because the fibres in your upholstery tend to collect dirt particles and keep them hidden below the surface level.
Below, we've set out three easy steps you should regularly follow to ensure your upholstery remains dust and dirt free. We advise that you do this every two to three weeks to keep it spotless:
- Vacuum your sofa's upholstery to draw out all the loose dust and dirt from under and above the surface. Use a soft brush attachment and gentle movements to avoid scratching or marking the material. Regular vacuuming is essential for delicate fabrics like velvet.
- Brush your sofa regularly with an upholstery brush to improve the pile and preserve the material's natural sheen; you can do this immediately after vacuuming.
- Regularly turn the seat and back cushions if you are able.
Alongside this regular regime, it's essential to service your sofa's cushions to keep their natural shape and provide the optimal level of comfort and support. All you need to do is plump your seat, arm, and back cushioning after each extended period of use, perhaps at the end of each day. This task is essential if your sofa is filled with feathers, fibres, or a combination of both, as they do not have the identical resilience as foam and won't return to their original form. While plumping your cushions, don't pass up the opportunity to do the same to your scatter cushions so that they maintain their shape too.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat damage
If your upholstery is in direct sunlight, it can fade, bleach, and lose its natural qualities. In addition, heat from radiators, pipes, and fireplaces can cause the material to become dried out and warped. Consider this when looking for the best sofa spot; somewhere without too much sunlight and away from heat sources will cause minor damage in the long run.
Spills and stains on your sofa
Unfortunately, even if you are the most careful person in the world, there is a good chance that your sofa will eventually fall victim to a nasty accident. When this happens, the golden rule to keep in mind is to react quickly; a fast turnaround can be the difference between a quick mop-up and a stain getting its claws into your lovely upholstery.
Your priority should be removing as much liquid as possible before it can soak into the fabric's fibres, which will minimise the chances of a stain forming. To do so, grab a kitchen roll or a dry cloth and blot up the surface liquid. Then, use a fresh cloth to dab at any marks. If you're quick, you can often avoid a stain altogether or, at the very least, reduce any surface blemishes.
If you have a Premier Care Plan, then please telephone the care plan number immediately to receive advice on the best course of action to remove the stain, otherwise, without a Premier Care Plan, you can call a specialist such as Safeclean to remove the stain in situ.
Safeclean is an independent company that provides a stain-guard protection service and an in-your-home cleaning service; they are available at 0800 387 798. Never wash your cushion covers as this would be detrimental to the fabric, and the covers may lose their fire retardancy and resilience and probably shrink. Different fibres and fabric constructions require specialist techniques; in all cases, we recommend a professional cleaning in situ, such as Safeclean would do.
Follow the advice in this guide, and you will be able to maintain the new condition of your fabric sofa for many years. If you have any questions about the upkeep of your piece, don’t hesitate to get in touch, and our team will be happy to help.
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