NATURAL ELEMENTS
High-quality furniture requires very little active care. However, it is important to understand that environmental conditions do impact its longevity and condition. Therefore, excessive or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures and high humidity should be avoided. Because wood and leather are natural, "living" materials, they breathe and move over time. For this reason, temperature and humidity directly affects furniture as these materials expand and contract in relation to changing climatic conditions. As temperature and humidity change during the year, efforts must be made to minimize large variances with effective climate controls (i.e. air conditioning, humidifiers) and ensure a stable environment. The finish used on our furniture is durable and resistant to most household spills, if wiped up promptly. However, if spills are left unattended, they may result in some discoloration and could compromise that finish in the affected area. We suggest that upholstered furniture be cleaned by professional services which can be found in most cities. Rubber or plastic can cause damage to the finish if left in contact with the wood for an extended period of time.

WOOD

DAILY CLEANING
Small airborne particles and dust may scratch or dull the surface of your furniture. We suggest using a water dampened soft cotton cloth to wipe any build up that forms. When doing so, always wipe in the direction of the grain, never across as this may mar the finish. Excess water from the surface may cause water spots and/or discoloration. Make sure the surface is totally dry after cleaning. It is not necessary to use canned polish. Polishing can affect the sheen level of the finish so it should be use sparingly. Follow the instructions provided by the polish manufacturer and always burnish in the direction of the grain (never across). Avoid using ammonia based or silicone oils as they may cause damage if used over long periods of time.

BI-ANNUAL TREATMENT
A paste wax should be applied once or twice a year to feed the wood. Apply the wax with a soft cotton cloth to an area of about three square feet. Do not leave the wax on for more than one minute. Remove all excess wax with a second clean soft cloth. Then with a third cloth burnish the surface until desired effect is achieved. A colored wax may be useful to blend away small surface scratches or nicks. There are two excellent waxes on the market that we use; Pate Dugay and Fiddes & Sons.

METAL

PATINA METAL
This is a chemical finish which changes the surface to give it a natural antique lustre. Do not use cleaning products on metal patinas. Doing so will change the appearance of the finish. To clean, gently rub surface with a very soft, dry cloth. Overtime the metal will have natural changes in color due to oxidation which will give it a more genuine aged appearance. A good quality wax polish is recommended.

POLISHED METAL
A water-dampened soft cotton cloth can be used to wipe away any dirt or dust on the surface. If the surface becomes marked with finger prints or other mars, a finish-specific cleaner can be used. Follow the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions closely. Do not use commercial or heavy duty polishes or waxes, they may scratch or damage the finish. On polished or lacquered brass a quality wax polish is recommended.
 

FABRIC & LEATHER

Proper cleaning, care, and maintenance, will lengthen the life of your upholstery.

PROTECT FABRIC
The best form of fabric protection is to promptly clean up spills or stains. Blot any spills immediately with a clean folded towel: never rub, but blot gently. Sometimes this is enough to get rid of the stain completely, especially if the fabric has been pre-treated with a fabric protector. We always recommend having a professional clean stains and often it makes their job more difficult when you spot clean with a store bought cleaner.

VACUUM
Vacuum your upholstered furniture weekly for general cleaning and to remove surface soil. This also prevents dirt from becoming embedded into the fibers. Be careful the nozzle or brush does not harm the fabric. You can also use a brush to gently whisk the dirt away. Make sure to always use a soft bristled brush so that you don't snag the fabric or scratch the leather.

AVOID SUNLIGHT & POLLUTANTS
Too much sun can damage your upholstery fabric, causing it to fade and even fray. Try to position it so that it doesn’t sit in the sun for extended periods of time. This is especially true for silks. Airborne pollutants such as fumes from cooking or smoke can also harm your fabric. It isn’t always easy to avoid that from happening, however, proper ventilation can help. It can also help with odor control, as upholstered furniture can easily absorb odors.

CALL A PROFESSIONAL

It is best to have a professional clean your upholstered furniture every couple of years or so. Experts recommend having this done on a regular basis and not wait for it to get visibly dirty. The dirtier a sofa or chair becomes; the more difficult it is to restore. For any product that is heavily damaged or excessively worn please seek professional help.