Furniture Care Guide
Welcome to our Furniture Care Guide page! We’re delighted to have you here. This is your essential resource for keeping your furniture looking its best. From expert tips on cleaning and maintenance to advice on repairs and restoration, we’ve gathered everything you need to care for your pieces. Whether you’re dealing with stains, scratches, or just everyday wear and tear, our friendly insights will help you ensure your furniture stays beautiful for years to come. Dive in and discover how to give your furnishings the love they deserve!Sofas & Upholstery
The maintenance of your fabric plays a huge part in extending the life of your
purchase. Your sofa will have a care label from the fabric supplier attached to the sofa usually found under the seat cushions. Follow these care instructions to keep your polyester upholstered furniture looking fresh and comfortable:
1. Regular Cleaning
- Vacuuming: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, crumbs, and debris from your polyester upholstery regularly. This helps prevent dirt from settling into the fibers.
- Spot Cleaning: For minor spills or stains, blot the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth—avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
2. Stain Removal
- Stain Remover: If the stain persists, you can use a fabric-specific stain remover. We like to use a bar of Sard Soap and a white Microfibre cloth. Always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the color or texture of the upholstery. If the stain is still visible then contact an upholstery cleaner as they will have professional equipment to tackle the tough stain.
3. Protect from Sunlight
- Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colors in polyester fabric to fade. Position your furniture away from direct sunlight or use curtains and blinds to protect it from UV rays.
4. Prevent Pilling
- Pilling Prevention: Polyester fabric is resistant to pilling, but if you notice any, gently remove pills using a fabric shaver or a small pair of scissors. Regular vacuuming and avoiding abrasive materials can help prevent pilling.
5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Cleaning Products: Avoid using bleach, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners on your polyester upholstery, as these can damage the fabric and cause discoloration. Stick to mild, water-based cleaners or products specifically designed for upholstery.
6. Moisture Control
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: While polyester is relatively moisture-resistant, it’s best to avoid excessive wetting of the fabric. If the upholstery becomes saturated, blot as much moisture as possible with a dry cloth and allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
7. Handling and Moving
- Lifting: When moving your upholstered furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it to prevent stress on the fabric, frame and legs.
By following these care instructions, your polyester upholstered furniture will maintain its vibrant look and comfortable feel for years to come. Proper maintenance ensures that the fabric remains clean, fresh, and free from damage, making your furniture a lasting part of your home.
Timber & Timber Veneers
Taking good care of your timber furniture with veneers will help keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Follow these simple steps to maintain its appearance and durability:
1. Regular Cleaning
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth to dust your furniture regularly. Avoid using rough or abrasive cloths that might scratch the surface.
- Wiping: For routine cleaning, lightly dampen a soft cloth with water or a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner. Wipe the surface along the grain, then immediately dry with a clean cloth to prevent moisture damage.
2. Protect from Heat and Sunlight
- Heat: Keep your furniture away from direct heat sources, like radiators or heating vents, as excessive heat can cause veneers to crack or warp.
- Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the finish and color of your veneer. Position your furniture out of direct sunlight or use curtains and blinds to protect it.
3. Prevent Scratches
- Use Coasters and Mats: Always use coasters under glasses and mugs, and place mats under hot dishes or serving trays to prevent heat damage and rings on the surface.
- Protective Pads: Consider adding felt pads or rubber protectors under decorative items and lamps to avoid scratches.
4. Avoid Excessive Moisture
- Spill Management: Immediately wipe up any spills to prevent water from seeping into the veneer and causing damage.
- Humid Conditions: In particularly humid environments, use a dehumidifier to reduce the risk of warping or peeling.
5. Polish with Care
- Polishing: If you like to polish your furniture, use a high-quality furniture polish designed for wood veneers. Apply it sparingly and buff with a soft cloth. Avoid silicone-based polishes, which can build up over time and leave a dull residue.
6. Handling and Moving
- Lifting: When moving your furniture, always lift it instead of dragging it to avoid damage to the legs and joints.
- Support: Be sure to support your furniture from underneath to prevent stress on the veneers.
7. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Cleaning Products: Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the veneer finish. Stick to products specifically designed for wood furniture care.
By following these care instructions, your timber veneer furniture will maintain its natural beauty for years to come.
Caring for Rattan and Woven seating
Rattan and woven seating offer a beautiful, natural look that brings warmth and texture to any space. To keep your rattan and woven furniture in excellent condition, follow these care instructions:
1. Regular Cleaning
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster to regularly dust your rattan and woven furniture. For more thorough cleaning, a vacuum with a brush attachment can help remove dirt from crevices.
- Wiping: Occasionally, wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any built-up grime. Avoid soaking the rattan or woven material, as excessive moisture can weaken the fibers. Dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
2. Protect from Moisture
- Avoid Excessive Humidity: Rattan and woven materials can absorb moisture, which may cause them to warp or mildew. Keep your furniture in a well-ventilated area and avoid placing it in damp environments.
- Spill Management: If liquid spills occur, blot it up immediately with a dry cloth to prevent the material from absorbing moisture. Allow the area to air dry completely.
3. Prevent Sun Damage
- Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause rattan and woven materials to fade and become brittle over time. Position your furniture away from direct sunlight or use curtains and blinds to protect it from UV rays.
4. Prevent Sagging
- Weight Distribution: Rattan and woven seating can sag if too much weight is placed on them for extended periods. Distribute weight evenly across the seat, and avoid standing or placing heavy objects on the furniture.
5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Cleaning Products: Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on rattan and woven seating, as these can damage the natural fibers. Stick to mild, gentle cleaners if needed.
6. Seasonal Maintenance
- Deep Cleaning: For a deeper clean, you can mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and use a soft brush to gently scrub the rattan or woven areas. Be sure to rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Rehydration: If the rattan starts to look dry or brittle, you can apply a light coat of boiled linseed oil or lemon oil to restore moisture. Wipe off any excess oil and allow the furniture to dry before using it again.
7. Handling and Moving
- Lifting: When moving your rattan or woven furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it to avoid stressing the material or causing damage to the weave.
By following these care instructions, your rattan and woven seating will remain beautiful and functional for years to come. Regular care will help maintain the natural beauty and strength of the fibers, ensuring that your furniture stays in great shape.
Caring for Marble
Sealed marble is a luxurious and durable material that can maintain its beauty with proper care. Follow these instructions to keep your sealed marble furniture looking pristine:
1. Regular Cleaning
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a microfiber cloth to regularly dust your marble surfaces. This helps prevent dirt and debris from scratching the finish.
- Wiping: For everyday cleaning, use a damp cloth with a mild soap solution to gently wipe the marble. Avoid excessive moisture, and always dry the surface immediately with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
2. Protect from Stains
- Spill Management: Quickly blot up any spills, especially those involving acidic substances like wine, coffee, citrus juice, or vinegar, which can damage the seal and stain the marble. Use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot the spill—avoid rubbing.
- Sealing: While the seal provides protection, it’s still essential to clean up spills promptly to maintain the integrity of the marble.
3. Prevent Scratches and Damage
- Avoid Abrasives: Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or rough sponges on marble, as these can scratch or dull the surface.
- Protective Pads: Use coasters, placemats, or felt pads under objects like vases, glasses, or decorative items to prevent scratches and protect the finish.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Cleaning Products: Do not use harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon juice), or bleach on sealed marble, as these can break down the sealant and damage the marble. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for stone surfaces.
- Polishing Products: If you choose to polish your marble, use a polish that is safe for sealed stone surfaces, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Temperature Control
- Heat Resistance: Marble is heat-resistant, but it’s still a good idea to avoid placing hot items directly on the surface. Use trivets or heat pads to protect the sealant and the marble from thermal shock or discoloration.
6. Sealing Maintenance
- Re-sealing: Over time, the seal on your marble surface may wear down. Depending on usage, you may need to reseal your marble every 6-12 months to maintain its protection. You can test if the marble needs resealing by placing a few drops of water on the surface—if the water beads up, the seal is intact; if it soaks in, it’s time to reseal.
7. Handling and Moving
- Lifting: When moving marble furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it to avoid chipping or cracking the surface.
By following these care instructions, your sealed marble furniture will continue to add elegance and sophistication to your space for many years. Regular maintenance will ensure that the marble retains its shine, durability, and timeless beauty.
Caring for Leather
Leather furniture is a luxurious and durable investment that, with proper care, can age beautifully over time. Follow these guidelines to keep your leather furniture looking its best:
1. Regular Cleaning
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a microfiber cloth to regularly dust your leather furniture, keeping it free from dust and dirt.
- Wiping: For routine cleaning, wipe the leather surface with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid using too much water, and be sure to dry the leather immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
2. Conditioning
- Leather Conditioner: To maintain the softness and luster of your leather, apply a high-quality leather conditioner every 6-12 months. Gently rub the conditioner into the leather with a soft cloth, following the grain, and then buff with a dry cloth to restore its shine. Always test the conditioner on a small, hidden area first to ensure compatibility.
3. Spills and Stains
- Immediate Action: Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth—don’t rub, as this can spread the liquid and cause stains.
- Mild Soap Solution: For tougher stains, use a mild soap solution and a damp cloth. Gently dab the affected area, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.
4. Protect from Heat and Sunlight
- Heat: Keep your leather furniture away from direct heat sources like radiators, heaters, and fireplaces, as excessive heat can cause the leather to dry out, crack, or fade.
- Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leather to fade and lose its natural oils. Position your furniture away from windows with direct sunlight, or use curtains and blinds to protect it from UV rays.
5. Prevent Scratches and Damage
- Sharp Objects: Be cautious with sharp objects like keys, pens, or pets’ claws, as these can scratch or puncture the leather.
- Furniture Placement: Avoid placing leather furniture directly against walls or other surfaces that could cause friction and wear.
6. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Cleaning Products: Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on leather, as these can damage the surface and cause discoloration. Stick to products specifically designed for leather care.
7. Moisture and Humidity Control
- Humidity: Leather is sensitive to changes in humidity. In very dry conditions, consider using a humidifier to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking. In humid environments, a dehumidifier can help prevent mold or mildew.
8. Handling and Moving
- Lifting: When moving your leather furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it to avoid stretching or damaging the leather.
By following these care instructions, your leather furniture will continue to look stunning and provide comfort for years to come. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that the leather ages gracefully, developing a rich patina over time.