Furniture will eventually wear and tear over time. However, you can slow down the process by taking the extra precaution in treating your furniture the right way. Here are some tips on the do’s and don’t’s in furniture care. In general, clean all food or liquid spillage as they occur. The longer they remain on the surface the more damage it could cause. Coasters are friendly household items that help prevent scratches, heat transfer and watermarks when used correctly. Always lift furniture because dragging weakens the joints. Always remember to use the right cleaner for the right material. Placing products near windows or areas with direct sunlight would also result in a faster wear & tear rate as prolonged exposure to extreme temperature will result in faster degeneration, like wood or upholstery loosing its color, wood drying out, and materials in general becoming more brittle and weak. Heavier usage will contribute to a heavier wear & tear rate. The glossiness of a product will be reduced with time and/or use.
Metal surfaces have good resistance to dirt and liquids, but prolonged exposure to water can stain metal and even stainless steel, so it is important to keep metal surfaces dry. Dusting should be done with a soft, cotton cloth or towel. You may use mild detergent and
water to clean once in a while but make sure to dry it completely afterwards. Smudges and smears can be removed using a window cleaning liquid and a paper towel. Regular waxing prevents tarnishing of metals and maintains a bright finish. Waxing also boost the cleaning power of metal products.
Chrome plated items are for interior use only. Use Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol or Baby Oil, on a clean soft cloth to remove general grime. Products that contain an oil substance like baby oil will protect the surface and help keep it clean. Rust will usually appear on chromed items where the surface has been deeply scratched to expose the mild steel beneath, leaving the mild steel open to the elements. Remove any rust by balling up some aluminium foil and rubbing it gently on the rusty areas to smooth and shine them up. Alternatively, use a clean soft cloth with some Easy Off BAM Power Grime Lime Soap, Scum cleaner, or similar, for the really dirty parts of the legs.
Frequent cleaning using warm water, with or without a gentle detergent, is sufficient to keep Stainless Steel looking good. For more stubborn dirt, mild non-scratching abrasive powders, such as typical household cleaners, can be used with warm water and a clean
cloth. Many cleaners contain corrosive ingredients, which require thorough post-cleaning with clean water. For more aggressive cleaning, a small amount of vinegar can be added to the powder. When abrasives are needed on the stainless steel frame, first experiment on an inconspicuous area. Cleaning should always be followed by rinsing in clean hot water and wiped completely dry to avoid water stains. Ordinary carbon steel brushes or steel wool must be avoided as they may leave iron particles embedded on the surface, which will rust the furniture. Fingerprints and mild stains are easy to remove with a variety of stainless steel cleaning products available from supermarkets and hardware stores. Fine scratches in the stainless steel frame can be buffed out with a Scotch Brite pad. It is recommended that you follow the grain direction of the surface when buffing out scratches.
Frequent cleaning using warm water and a soft cloth, with or without a gentle detergent, is sufficient to keep Epoxy Coated steel looking good. This is the only method we recommend to clean these products. Harsh chemicals can erode the surface, which ultimately exposes the steel underneath and rusting can then start. A deep scratch on powder-coated surfaces will penetrate the coating and expose the steel underneath, which will react with oxygen to form iron oxide, which is rust.
Clean with non-abrasive, solvent-free cleaners and a soft cloth. For scratches, buff with ‘Autosol’ metal polish.
Chemical cleaners should not be used. Use only warm soapy water and remove any excess water immediately.
For Laminate tops, follow the same guideline as above. For more stubborn stains, a mild detergent may be used.
Glass is one of the easiest surfaces to clean. Glass can be cleaned using a soft cloth damped with vinegar. Remember to clean dry the surface afterwards as water gathered on the glass may damage it. Periodically polish the glass with crushed newspaper for the added shine. But as there are a combination of wood and tempered glass tops, extra care is to be taken when cleaning. Ammonia, vinegar and other common glass-cleaner ingredients, may damage wood. So, it’s important to use different cleaners for glass and wood, and to keep the glass cleaner from coming into contact with the wood and vice versa.
Please see section 5 for details.
Always refer to the fabric manufacturers’ instructions for specific information.
Prompt cleaning is always recommended. Upholstered cushions should be regularly brushed or vacuumed, but never use a stiff brush as this could damage the fibers. Such care can prevent heavy soiling of fabric and prevent the accumulation of dust and grit, which reduces the life and dulls the colours of fabrics. Flip your seats and back cushions periodically to extend the life of your cushions so that both sides wear evenly through the years. As most of our upholstery are made of foam, it is also advisable to shake them regularly to ensure foam stability. Change the cushions around as some seats tend to get more usage than others.