Furniture Care Guide

UpholsteryQuality upholstered furniture can last a long time but it does require some basic maintenance. Follow our quick and easy steps to keep your uphol-stered furniture looking great and lasting a long time!

LeatherIt usually takes several hides of leather to make one piece of upholstery mer-chandise. Variations in color and natural markings are normal and should be expected as leather is a natural product.

WoodWood has its own unique charac-teristics and that is what makes it so beautiful. Variations in color, grain, and knots are to be expected. Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature.

Upholstery The “Do’s” & “Don’ts” of Cleaning

Do!Reverse, rotate, and/or fluff your seat cushions, back cushions, and toss pillows to distribute the material. This will ensure the even wear of your upholstered furniture and help to retain the original softness and resiliency.

Pre-test all cleaning agents in a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding to a larger area. Always clean spots or stains from the outside to the middle to prevent rings. When cleaning a spill, always blot, never rub. Use a clean, absorbent white cloth.

Vacuum the seat cushions, backs, arms, and under the seat cushions regularly with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose particles that could cause your upholstery to wear.

Lightly brush (with a non-metallic, stiff bristle brush) velvet, chenille, and micro-fiber fabrics to restore the appearance.

Place furniture cups or non-skid disks underneath legs to help protect your floors and carpets.

Don’tPlace your upholstery

furniture in direct sunlight whenever possible.

Place your upholstery fur-niture in close proximity to heat registers or portable

heat sources.

Use strong chemicals or detergents to clean

your upholstery furniture.

Upholstery Issues and Cleaning

Fabric Cleaning CodesTo successfully clean fabric, it is important to determine the recommended cleaning code. The cleaning code

for your upholstery fabric is usually located on the seat decking of the upholstered merchandise that has removable cushions or the “law label” of most other upholstery merchandise.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions. Remember to pre-test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area and to use a soft, white cloth for application.

FadingAll fabric and leather upholstery merchandise will fade over time. How much fading occurs depends on the type of fabric (cottons and primary colors show fading the fastest). Fading is not covered by any manufacturers’ warranty.

PillingFabric pilling is normal. Pilling can be controlled through the use of a fabric shaver. Pilling will eventually cease over time and shaving does not affect the performance or longevity of the fabric.

ShadingShading is common in fabrics like velvet, chenille, and micro-fiber. It is normal and should be expected.

Spot clean using the foam from water based cleaning products such

as a mild liquid detergent or upholstery shampoo.

W Only mild, pure, water free dry

cleaning solvents may be used.

S WS Both water based and

solvent type cleaners are acceptable.

X Vacuum or brush only.

Leather

Wood furniture has its own unique characteristics and that is what makes it so beautiful. No two pieces of wood are exactly alike. Variations in color, grain, and knots are to be expected. Because it is a natural product, wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. Doors, drawers, legs, and table leaves may

need tightening or adjusting depending on these factors and it is normal for wood products.

Wood Furniture

Do!Dust with a dry, soft cloth on a regular basis. Change cloths

frequently since the dirt on the cloth could cause scratching.

Use coasters, place mats, table cloths, and table pads for protection when placing hot dishes, utensils, pots, or serving pieces on the

wood furniture.

Occasionally (2-3 times per year) use a non-silicone based furniture polish to clean.

Wipe up spills immediately and dry any excess moisture which can seep into the wood. All marble and granite top tables are porous and

spills should be wiped immediately on these surfaces as well.

Store table leaves properly- flat rather than on the side as that can cause warping.

Don’tUse wax based cleaners or interchange polish

types as this can leave residue which will cause streaking and/or cloudiness to the wood.

Use glass cleaners, harsh chemicals, or abrasives on any surface.

Place the wood furniture in direct sunlight whenever possible.

Place the wood furniture in close proximity to heat registers or portable heat sources.

Place rubber-based trivets on plates or table accessories as they may bleed into the wood.

The “Do’s” & “Don’ts” of Cleaning

Please remember...Even with careful use, furniture can often get damaged. For that reason, we highly

recommend investing in our Mealey’s 3 Year Warranty or our Guardsman 5 Year Warranty which provides comprehensive coverage against accidental damages.

Please ask your sales associate for details on these plan options.

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