SCRATCH
& DENT

Search

Caring For Your Furniture

Tips and Techniques

Keep it Clean

To keep your upholstered furniture looking its best  vacuum it  regularly. In the event of a liquid spill, blot it immediately with cotton cloth or tissue. Soiled areas should be vacuumed and then cleaned with either a solution of warm water and a mild detergent and a 100% cotton cloth; or with a mild solvent. Check to see if you have a product tag on the item as they will  usually contain cleaning recommendations. Pre-testing is always advised on an inconspicuous area.

●	Fabric Cleaning
●	Leather Care
●	Leather Cleaning
●	Leather Types

Cushions

Upholstered seat cushions should be turned over regularly and swapped around so they will keep their shape and wear evenly. Sitting on the same seat will cause it to wear differently than the rest. Manufacturers put zippers on  cushions for better fit and for cushion core adjustment. Cushions covers should never be removed from  the cushion core and put in a washing machine, this will most like void any warranty and ultimately destroy the look of the upholstery.

Caution: Things to Avoid

Excessive exposure to the sun and bright light will destroy furniture over time. It will cause fabrics  to fade  and lose tensile strength and leathers and vinyl will fade and dry out. Natural body oils and moisture can be absorbed causing stains to fabric and leathers plus they will harden leather and crack it over time. Dust and dirt will act like sandpaper and if not removed on a regular basis will cause untimely wear and tear. Fabric treatments will greatly enhance the longevity of your upholstery and leather furniture. They provide UV protection and will protect your furniture from staining and fading.

Typical Wood Care

To keep your wood furniture looking it's best dust surfaces on a regular basis with a damp cloth. If your furniture has a hard sealed finish then after dusting you can use a non-silicone light weight wax/polish. Remember that a little will go a long way so don't over do it. If you have furniture that is natural or has open grain wood then the use of a product such as "Howards Feed and Wax" is recommended. Howards is a bees wax type product that will restore the wood and protect it from drying out excessively.

Dining Tables

Moisture that is allowed to sit between an extension tables  leaves will be absorbed and destroy the finish and fit of the leaves making it difficult if not impossible to open or close the table. Do not allow plastic backed table coverings to remain on tables for extended periods of time. They can trap moisture and humidity between them and the table and destroy the finish and the underlying wood. Do not allow liquids to dry on a table top or place very hot or wet glasses on the surface without some form of protection. Lifting veneers, cracking, or crazing are typical effects of allowing moisture to seep into the finish or wood and are not covered by warranty.

When removing or putting in the leaves of a table it is always best to use two people—one at each end. When inserting a leaf, place the leaf over the table runners so that the pins and holes match up correctly. Match the wood's grain to properly arrange the leaves. If the table has guidelines such as chalk marks and numbers that indicate the correct order use them for proper fit. Then from both ends of the table, slowly push the table together or apart by gently lifting up on the table to reduce the stress on the legs. Excessive force on the legs while sliding on carpet will damage the table and leg joints making the table wobble from poor fit.

Back