Wooden Furniture
Wood is a natural material that is susceptible to damage from sunlight, heat, and moisture. To extend the life of your wooden furniture, it is important to take proper care of it.
Here are some tips for caring for wooden furniture:
- Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight or near heat sources. The sun's ultraviolet rays can fade the finish and cause the wood to dry out and crack. Heat can also cause the wood to warp and expand.
- Use coasters to protect your furniture from hot dishes and drinks. The moisture and heat from these items can damage the finish and cause the wood to discolour.
- Clean your furniture regularly with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish.
- Occasionally polish your furniture with a beeswax or furniture polish to protect the finish and add shine.
- If your furniture gets wet, dry it immediately with a soft, dry cloth. Do not let moisture sit on the wood for an extended period of time, as this can cause swelling and warping.
By following these simple tips, you can help your wooden furniture last for many years to come.
Here are some additional tips that you may find helpful:
- Dust your furniture regularly with a soft, dry cloth. This will help to remove dirt and dust particles that can scratch the finish.
- If your furniture has a carved or ornate design, use a lambswool duster to reach the hard-to-reach areas.
- Keep your furniture away from sharp objects that could scratch the finish.
- If you are moving your furniture, be careful not to drag it across the floor. This can damage the finish and the wood.
By taking proper care of your wooden furniture, you can enjoy it for many years to come.
Upholstered Furniture
To keep your upholstered furniture looking its best, it is important to clean it regularly. Everyday dust and dirt can be removed by gently vacuuming the fabric with an upholstery brush. For more thorough cleaning, you may need to have the furniture professionally cleaned.
Do not rub, soak, or allow stains to dry on the fabric. This can damage the fabric and make the stain more difficult to remove. Do not use proprietary cleaners or any other household cleaners on upholstered furniture. These cleaners can damage the fabric and void the warranty.
To help keep your cushions in good shape, give them a good shake every week or so. This will help to fluff them up and prevent them from flattening. Finally, keep all upholstered furniture out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
Here are some additional tips for caring for upholstered furniture:
- Choose a furniture fabric that is appropriate for your lifestyle. If you have pets or children, you may want to choose a fabric that is stain-resistant and easy to clean.
- Protect your furniture from spills and stains by using coasters and placemats.
- Rotate the cushions on your furniture regularly to prevent them from flattening.
- Have your furniture professionally cleaned every few years to remove deep-seated dirt and grime.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your upholstered furniture looking its best for many years to come.
Laminated & Metal-Coated Furniture
Laminated and metal-coated finishes are designed to provide a sleek, durable surface, but they still require proper care to maintain their appearance and longevity. These surfaces are particularly sensitive to heat and moisture, as these can weaken adhesives or cause peeling.
Here are some tips for caring for laminated and metal-coated furniture:
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Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface. Always use coasters, placemats, or heat-resistant pads, as heat can cause the laminate or metal coating to lift.
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Keep furniture away from direct sunlight and radiators. Prolonged exposure to heat can weaken the adhesive that bonds the laminate or metal to the surface underneath.
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Wipe spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth to prevent staining or warping. Do not allow liquid to sit on the surface.
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Clean regularly with a damp, soft cloth, followed by a dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scouring pads, as these can scratch or dull the finish.
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Use felt pads under decorative items or accessories to avoid scratches on the surface.
By following these simple steps, you can help prevent lifting, peeling, or surface damage and ensure your laminated or metal-coated furniture remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Rugs
Rugs are relatively simple to keep in good condition, with regular cleaning and care routines your rugs will continue to look as new as ever.
Routine cleaning
- Vacuum regularly with a suction type vacuum cleaner.
- Spot clean any spills immediately with a damp cloth.
- Do not machine wash or dry clean your rug.
Shedding
- It is normal for wool rugs to shed some fibers. This is a natural characteristic of wool.
- Regular vacuuming will help to remove excess fluff/fibers.
Sprout or pilling
- Some rugs may develop sprout or pilling, which is where some strands/threads of the pile appear that are longer than the rest of the pile.
- To remove sprout or pilling, trim any longer strands with a pair of sharp scissors.
- Do not pull on the longer strands as this can damage the rug.
Creases
- Due to the way rugs are packaged and stored, you may notice lines or crease marks running across the width of the rug.
- These lines/creases are not permanent and will gradually fade with normal use and regular vacuuming.
Here are some additional tips for caring for wool rugs:
- Avoid placing heavy furniture or objects on the rug, as this can cause the rug to flatten or warp.
- Use a rug pad under the rug to protect it from slipping and to help prevent it from flattening.
- Rotate the rug every few months to help prevent uneven wear.
- Have the rug professionally cleaned every few years to remove deep-seated dirt and grime.
By following these simple care instructions, you can help your wool rug last for many years to come.