At Upholstery Design we work very hard to give our customers the best advice we can. We know that if you follow our care instructions your beautiful furniture will last longer and perform better during it's life span. Please scroll down to the appropriate how to care for your furniture instructions:
Pilling/bobbling may occur on certain fabrics, this is a natural characteristic and will not affect the durability of the fabric. This is removable with a de-fuzzer which is the most effective method and returns fabric to its original appearance.
Pile fabrics, by their nature do have a tendency to pressure mark (shading). This is a characteristic of this time of fine fabric.
Daily care
- Vacuuming on a weekly basis helps to eliminate dirt before it becomes embedded in the fibres. A light brushing is also helpful to remove dirt, but always use a soft bristled brush to avoid snagging the fabric.
- Always ensure spots & stains are cleaned as quickly as possible with a clean folded towel; never rub, but blot gently. Try and clean all upholstery at the same time to prevent irregular fading.
- It is recommended that your upholstered furniture is cleaned professionally every few years to keep the upholstery looking fresh and new.
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It is recommended you turn cushions on a daily or weekly basis (when possible) to allow even distribution of wear and tear and avoid developing indentations straight away. The firmness of a standard foam cushion will dissipate by up to 30% within 5 years of use. At least 15% hardness loss can be expected within 2-6 months. If cushions are not rotated regularly the process could be accelerated further.
- It is advisable to change the cushions around where possible, as some seats get more usage than others and this will ensure a more even usage.
- All furniture should be lifted and moved rather than dragged to prevent any damage to the product or the area in which you are using them.
- Avoid sitting on the edge of seat cushions as this could distort their shape or damage them.
Standing or jumping on upholstered furniture can cause damage to the frame work and fabric/fillings. This will shorten the life span of your furniture.
- Avoid positioning your upholstered furniture too close to direct heat or conditioning as this can cause damage to the fabric and the framework.
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage your upholstery and cause the fabrics to fade and potentially fray. Try to position your upholstered furniture away from direct sun light.
Make it last
- Never place furniture in front of direct heat or near air conditioning.
- Light affects the colour of most products, to avoid furniture fading place away from direct sunlight.
- Open and close any recliner mechanisms slowly and with care, never force them as this could damage the mechanism
- Do not leave newspapers lying on the suite as the ink may transfer
- Be careful when wearing dark coloured denim jeans or non-colourfast fabrics as the colour can easily transfer to lighter coloured upholstery
If you have chosen genuine leather furniture it is essential to realise that the natural characteristics of leather mean that no two hides are alike. Although great care is taken to select the hides it would be impossible and undesirable to obscure all the natural marking, remember these are the living proof of genuine leather.
The arms in particular come in for a great deal of wear over the years, try not to rub your hands over them continually. Head pillows can als also suffer from soiling from hair oil and grease. Please use a headset cover if necessary.
Leather is inclined to stretch and will show as creasing to cushion tops. This is not a fault but is normal for this type of upholstery.
DO NOT use spray polish or other chemical based products including saddle soap and abrasive cleaners of any description.
Grain leathers
Grain leathers may be finished or unfinished leathers.
Is my grain leather unfinished?
If you put a drop of water on a hidden area and the water is absorbed rapidly, with a darkening of the leather, then it is unfinished.
Is my grain leather finished?
If you put a drop of water on a hidden area and the water remains on the surface it is a finished leather or water-repellent treated.
How do I care for my finished grain leather?
If you have finished grain leather lightly wipe the surface with a damp cloth and then gently wipe with a dry cloth. If the soiling is stubborn, a dilute solution of alkaline soap (i.e. Lux Flakes or Dove soap) can be used. Simply add about 1% soap solution. After wiping with a damp cloth, polish with a soft dry cloth. This is applicable to all finished leathers where the finish is being cleaned and not the substrate (actual leather surface).
We recommend conditioning the leather 4/6 times a year, giving two coats to high wear areas such as the arms and head rest area.
ALWAYS ensure you keep 2 NEW clothes separate in a plastic bag (free from contamination with bleach & other household cleaners).
How do I clean bonded-leather & faux-leather?
Lightly wipe the surface with a damp cloth and then gently wipe with a dry cloth. If the soiling is stubborn, a dilute solution of alkaline soap (i.e. Lux Flakes or Dove soap) can be used. Simply add about 1% soap solution. After wiping with a damp cloth, polish with a soft dry cloth.
ALWAYS ensure you keep 2 NEW clothes separate in a plastic bag (free from contamination with bleach & other household cleaners).
How do I care for my waxed leather?
Don't use anything at all.
Make it last
- Never place furniture in front of direct heat or near air conditioning.
- Light affects the colour of most products, to avoid furniture fading place away from direct sunlight.
- Open and close any recliner mechanisms slowly and with care, never force them as this could damage the mechanism
- Do not leave newspapers lying on the suite as the ink may transfer
- Be careful when wearing dark coloured denim jeans or non-colourfast fabrics as the colour can easily transfer to lighter coloured upholstery
