Most things we buy-homes, cars, appliances, electronics-require regular maintenance to keep them in acceptable shape. Good furniture, however, can last a lifetime with a minimal amount of effort. Following a few basic steps and using common sense go a long way toward preserving your fine furnishings for many, many years.

Brass

Clean with mild soap and water; do not use brass cleaner, which will damage or remove the lacquer finish.

Butcher Block Tops

Cleaning Clean with mild soap and water.
Oiling Preserve and enhance the natural wood surface with an occasional application of vegetable or mineral oil. Soil and some stains also may be removed by sanding lightly.

Cast Resin

Clean as for fine wood furniture (see Wood, below). A mild glass or household cleaner also may be used.

Furniture Repair Hotline

Restoration Center Hotline (800/332-2747) is a helpful source for names of recommended local furniture repairers. Also find them on line at www.furniture-hotline.com.

Leather

Sunlight–To prevent drying and fading, keep leather furniture away from direct sunlight.

Heat–To prevent leather from drying out over time, maintain at least two feet of space between leather furniture and heating sources such as vents or radiators.

Dust–To remove accumulated surface dust from your furniture, vacuum or wipe with a clean cloth on a weekly basis.

Stains–To minimize oil, butter, or grease stains, absorb any excess with a clean, dry cloth. Then leave it alone. If the darkened area doesn't dissipate completely, it will become part of the leather's unique character.

Cleaning Products–Never use saddle soaps, cleaning solvents, furniture polish, oils, varnish, abrasive cleaners, detergents or ammonia on upholstery leather. It has been permanently preserved durring the tanning process, and requires only very simple cleaning

For additional protection over the years, we recommend the cleaning and protection products made by Leather master. For more information, call Leather Master at (800) 300-2359.

Metal and Wrought Iron

Maintain with regular dusting.
Wipe up spills immediately.
Cleaning Use a clean, soft cloth for each step. Wipe first with a cloth dipped in a mild soap and water solution and wrung out; wipe again with a cloth dipped in clear water and wrung out; dry thoroughly.

Use: Metal and wrought iron furnishings are recommended for use only for indoor or limited weather exposure, such as on a screened porch or covered patio. If exposed to excessive moisture, wrought iron will rust.

New Furniture Precaution

When bringing new furniture into your home, wipe the bottoms of the feet before placing on carpet to assure no accumulated travel dirt or finish materials remain to mar your interiors.

Stone, Marble & Travertine

Moisture Use coasters or a table cloth to protect from spills or rings. Wipe up spills immediately; stone is porous and liquids allowed to seep in may not be able to be removed.

Cleaning Clean with mild soap and water, dry thoroughly, always rubbing with the grain

Teak

Cleaning If exposed to moisture with inadequate air circulation or sunlight, mildew may develop. Clean with a brush and a water and bleach dilution.
Preserving color As teak furniture ages, its color will change from light reddish brown to a pleasing silver gray. Teak oil, found in hardware stores, may be used to maintain teak's original brown color, but it will not restore the russet color once it has turned silver.

Upholstered Furniture

Use Extend the life of frames, springs, and cushions by limiting use of upholstered furniture to sitting-despite its trampoline-like appeal to youngsters!

Pets Consider investing in a scratching post for any resident felines; cats are less likely to use leather than fabric as scratching material.

Vacuuming Vacuum the entire upholstered piece regularly to prevent dust from settling into the fibers. If you create a cloud of dust when you hit a cushion with your hand, you have waited too long.

Limiting Wear Rotate and turn cushions regularly to evenly distribute wear.

Cleaning Unless otherwise noted, professional cleaning is recommended for all upholstered pieces. Although some fabrics may be protected with Scotchguard™, regular cleaning will keep your investment looking good for years.
Instructions A label on the deck under the seat cushion will state the fabric's cleaning code and cleaning instructions. Codes are based on the type of fabric, as follows:

"W" clean with a water-based cleaner only.

"S" clean with a solvent-based cleaner only.

"SW" clean with shampoo or dry cleaning solvents as desired. Do not saturate.

Leather Dust daily with a clean, dry, white cotton cloth. Avoid colored cloths, as the dye in them may be transferred to the leather finish. Carved leather can be cleaned with a very soft brush. Spray spills with a reputable oil soap product (diluted with 50% water). Dry thoroughly with a clean, dry, cotton cloth, leaving no film or residue. This routine also is recommended for monthly cleaning maintenance. Avoid furniture polish due to the polish build-up that occurs with multiple applications.

Wicker

Cleaning frames Clean natural fiber frames by dusting or vacuuming; sponge spills with mild soap and water, rinse, and wipe dry. Natural materials are given a protective silicone coating; however, some materials are porous, and spills allowed to seep into the pores, in most cases, cannot be removed. Take precaution by using coasters, tablecloths, or pads to protect surfaces from spills or sweat rings caused by beverage glasses. Wipe up any spills immediately.

Cleaning acrylic fabrics Clean acrylic fabrics on cushions with mild soap and water. All other fabrics require professional cleaning. Seat back cushions are filled with polyester fibers that settle with time and use. To maintain the original fullness and proper fiber distribution, fluff these cushions periodically.

Wood

Sunlight - Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which may alter the finish color.

Synthetic Materials - Do not allow plastic or rubber materials (lamp cords, bases, etc.) to remain in contact with wood surfaces; these materials may soften or injure the finish. To avoid this, place a piece of felt or leather under synthetic materials where they contact the furniture.

Spills - Wipe up spills or moisture immediately to avoid rings or watermarks.

Cleaning - Use a new, clean cloth and wipe with the grain of the wood for each step in cleaning furniture. First, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in a mild soap and water solution and wrung out; wipe again with a second cloth dipped in clear water; dry thoroughly with a third cloth, rubbing with the grain of the wood.

Polishing - An occasional cleaning with a reliable non-silicone furniture polish-always rubbing with the grain of the wood-will enhance the fine factory finish. Avoid oily or silicone polishes or waxes, which attract dust and, over time, build up a grimy film.

Abrasion - Avoid harsh solvents (nail polish remover, alcohol, etc.), and setting abrasive items directly on your furniture; use protective pads, especially under any hot dish.

Touch-up - Small scratches or marks may be touched up with a scratch remover or touch-up stick, available at fine furniture, hardware, or paint stores.