Care Guide

UPHOLSTERY CARE GUIDE

Our upholstery items are crafted by artisans from around the world and are expertly designed to withstand everyday use. However, as even the best-made furnishings and décor are not indestructible, normal wear and tear will reflect use and care.

Summary:

• Pieces upholstered in 100% pre-washed Italian linen have covers that are removable and washable in a washing machine. Water temperature to be under 30 degrees celcius. Do not place in a dryer.
• Slip-covered upholstery as it is not fixed means it will move with use, and to reduce wear it is important to smooth out any wrinkles on seating areas.
• Cushions and toss pillows may show signs of wear and lose shape after use. To help prevent this, periodically rotate cushions and toss pillows to distribute wear.
• To help prevent fabrics and leathers from fading over time, avoid placing indoor upholstery in direct sunlight or near sources of heat or moisture.
• Vacuum your upholstery occasionally, using upholstery and crevice attachments to clean up loose particles.
• Spot-clean upholstery using a clean, absorbent, undyed cloth with a blotting motion. Blot from the outside towards the middle of the soiled area to prevent rings. Never scrub.
• Before cleaning, pre-test upholstery cleaners for color loss and compatibility by applying a small amount to a hidden section of fabric.
• If you are mixing cleaners, dilute the mixture using distilled water. Be careful not to over-wet your furniture.
• Avoid over-rubbing and never clean fabrics with a hard-bristle brush as this could damage fibers.
• For best results, follow use instructions for all cleaning products carefully. Do not over apply.
• All fabrics may pill from friction and normal wear, as everyday use loosens fibers. Occasionally use a fabric (or “sweater”) shaver to gently remove pills. Pilling should decrease once loose fibers are removed.
• For overall cleaning or to clean any overly soiled upholstery, we recommend contacting a professional cleaning service.

 Leather Upholstery

As leather furniture is made from hides it needs special care. Though you will have to make an effort to take care of leather furniture in the long run it is worth the effort.

For protection and performance of leather

Place leather furniture away from any heat source (minimum 50cm) as it will dry the leather over a period of time. Excessive drying will cause the leather to crack.

Leather furniture should be placed away from direct sunlight, as sunlight will fade it.

Regular cleaning

Remove dust from leather furniture by vacuum cleaning regularly.

Do not allow dust to accumulate on the leather surface. Wipe dust off weekly with a soft, damp cloth or using an authorised product. Failure to do so will result in dust and dirt being embedded in the grain which could cause the leather to peel or crack.

Periodically (3-4 times per year), clean, condition and protect the entire leather surface using a recommended product. Follow the instructions provided with the kit.

Food, Grease and Spot Cleaning

Use a dry cloth to blot anything that spills on the leather and let it air dry. Any spills must be removed immediately using a soft, non-abrasive damp cloth or absorbent paper, applying minimal pressure from the outside of the stain moving towards the centre.

To clean further, use an authorised leather care kit, following the specific spot cleaning instructions provided with the kit. Never use solvents, abrasives or shoe care products. Use recommended leather cleaners and creams which keep the leather soft and supple and increase their resistance to stains.

Denims and other coloured synthetic fabrics may transfer the dye to the covering of your lounge and it is best to avoid these types of clothing when using the lounge. Avoid chlorine or wet swimming costumes.

Normal Wear and Regular Usage

Following delivery you might notice slight compression of the padding of your lounge. Straight after delivery, and on a regular basis thereafter, it is necessary to model your lounge to ensure the padding and cushions return to its initial appearance.

Softening of padding and cushions will occur over time. This will cause light creasing, wrinkling and slight stretching of the leather which is considered to be normal wear, enhancing the look and feel of the leather.

Softening of seat cushions over time is completely normal and is not considered a defect in any way. Sitting on one particular seat most of the time will cause that seat to soften more than the others.

For an even wear alternate your choice of seat regularly.

Do not sit on the armrest and backrest - these are not designed for seating and can potentially damage the frame.

Keep pets off the furniture.

Fabric Upholstery

General care and characteristics

Try to keep pets off the furniture and be careful of belts, toys and watches as they may snag the fabric.

Do not pull loose threads; tie a knot and/or cut them instead.

It is important to plump the cushions after everyday use, particularly those filled with fibre fill or feathers, and to smooth out the surface to prevent permanent creases forming. Also any reversible seat and back cushions should be turned regularly. Pilling can occur as a result of normal daily use and is not considered a fault. There are many variables that can contribute to pilling such as, climatic conditions, atmospheric purity and the user environment. Even specific types of clothing can transfer ‘pills’ from clothing to the fabric. As the fabric surface is rubbed a single or small group of fibres on the surface begin to twist forming what is known as ‘pills’. Often the catalyst for this is a foreign fibre or speck of dirt. Pilling can successfully be removed by the use of a battery operated de-pilling tool available from most haberdashery stores. Velvet and chenille type fabrics have a raised surface texture, which is exposed to flattening and shading, this is an important characteristic of the fabric to know, and is not considered faulty in any way.

Any material will change unavoidably when exposed to (sun)light, and NZ’s harsh ultraviolet rays are unfortunately the most severe in the world. Therefore, protect your valuable (new) furniture from direct sunlight as much as you can. Strong light, and especially sunlight, will change material surfaces and can cause fading to the parts that are directly exposed to the light source within a few weeks.

Generally synthetic fibre fabrics are better resistant to fading, and natural linens and cottons are quicker to fade.  Also pay attention to what color the upholstery is. While you don’t have to plan your entire home design around possible sun damage, it’s helpful to keep in mind that darker fabrics tend to fade much more rapidly and in a much more noticeable way than lighter tones do. We do recommend using a fabric protector, such as Microseal, as not only does this protect against stains, it also provides a layer of protection to fading. 

Regular Care and Cleaning of Fabric Upholstery

Refer to the cleaning instructions below before cleaning.

Use a low suction vacuum or light brush to clean your furniture weekly to remove any accumulated dirt and dust. Clean all parts of the suite together as slight colour changes can sometimes occur. Do NOT use solvents, general cleaning fluids or any product containing silicone.