Care Guide

Image of various patterned pillows

Fabric & Upholstery Care

General Care

  • Vacuum regularly or brush with a nonmetallic, stiff-bristle brush to remove dust and grime.
  • Reverse and rotate seat and back cushions to increase longevity.
  • Protect from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Don’t remove the seat or back cushion casings for cleaning. Unlike slip covered cushion casings, upholstered casings are not meant to be removed.
  • Don’t wait until severe soiling before cleaning. The more soiling, the less likelihood of restoring fabric.
  • Overall professional cleaning is recommended approximately every 12 to 24 months.

Spot Cleaning

  • Pat spills immediately with a soft white cloth.
  • Know your fabric’s Spot Cleaning Code so you can act fast if a spill occurs.
  • Always test cleaners first in an inconspicuous place.
  • Do not saturate fabric with cleaner.
  • Pat instead of rubbing to avoid altering surface texture. (Pile fabrics may need a nonmetallic, stiff-bristle brush to restore their appearance.)
  • Clean stains from the outer edges in to prevent “circling".

Professional Upholstery Cleaning

  • The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides referrals of certified cleaning services by zip code. Visit www.iicrc.org or call 1.800.472.1885 for more information.
  • Know your fabrics Spot Cleaning Code so your cleaning service can properly treat your piece.

Leather Care

  • Patinaed, vintage look will develop over time and should be expected.
  • Vacuum or dust using a soft cloth dampened with distilled water for routine maintenance.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight.
  • Never use detergents, polishes, preserves or saddle soap. They can remove natural oils.
  • Most surface scratches will fade over time if you rub them with your fingertips. The warmth of your hand releases natural oils that help marks disappear.

Slipcover Care

General Care

  • Vacuum regularly or brush with a nonmetallic, stiff-bristle brush to remove dust and grime.
  • Reverse and rotate seat and back cushions to increase longevity.
  • Protect from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Spot Cleaning

  • Pat spills immediately with a soft white cloth. Know your fabric’s Spot Cleaning Code so that you can act fast if a spill occurs.
  • Always test cleaners first in an inconspicuous place.
  • Do not saturate fabric with cleaner.
  • Pat instead of rubbing to avoid altering surface texture. (Pile fabrics may need a nonmetallic, stiff-bristle brush to restore their appearance.)
  • Clean stains from the outer edge in to prevent “circling.”

Machine Washing

  • If your slipcover’s overall cleaning code is MW, it can be machine washed. Cleaning is recommended every 12 to 24 months.
  • You can expect 3 to 5% residual shrinkage in all washable cotton fabrics, whether home furnishings or apparel. This can make a big difference if your slipcover is form-fitting, so consider if it can tolerate shrinkage before washing.
  • Use an appropriately-sized washer. A small chair slipcover may fit in a home washer, while sofas require commercial washers. A washer without a center agitator is best, as agitators can strain seams and damage zippers. Use only cold water and mild detergent.
  • Wash all parts at once (base, cushion covers, pillow covers) just as you would dry clean all parts of a suit together. As with clothing, some fading is expected and separate laundering may cause color variation among the parts.
  • Use an appropriately-sized dryer, preferably on an air dry setting. Remove slipcovers while still damp and put them back on the base to finish drying. (For cottons, this should take about 2 to 3 hours.) Most large wrinkles will fall out within a few days. If desired, steam your slipcover or iron it off its base.
  • Do not line dry, as fabric may stretch and affect the fit.
  • Do not put your slipcover away while still damp. If you wash it before storing for the season, let it dry on the base first.

Dry Cleaning

  • Slipcovers with cleaning codes MW and DC can be dry cleaned. Be sure to use a reputable dry cleaner with experience cleaning slipcovers.
  • Clean all parts at once and be aware that you should still expect 3 to 5% shrinkage.

Professionally Cleaning

  • If you decide not to machine wash or dry clean your slipcover or if it is cleaning code P, use a professional in-home upholstery cleaning service. Have it cleaned while it’s still on the muslin base to ensure the crispest look and greatest longevity.

Casegood Care

General Wood Furniture Guidelines

  • It is ideal to keep wood furniture in a regulated room temperature with consistent humidity.
  • Dust regularly using a dry soft cloth.
  • Do not put wood furniture near direct heat. In a dry climate, even kiln-dried boards may experience some shrinkage.
  • Always use a coaster! Dampness damages wood furniture.
  • Naturally occurring irregularities in wood should be expected and add to your piece’s beauty.

Lacquer Finishes

  • Clean as needed using a soft cloth dipped in warm soapy water or water with a drop of vinegar.
  • Never use abrasive kitchen cleaners, paper towels or pretreated furniture cloths on lacquer.
  • Avoid placing lacquer furniture in direct heat, direct sunlight or a damp area.
  • Maintain stable moisture by keeping a humidifier nearby or simply placing a glass of water inside or under your piece.
  • Wax 2 to 3 times a year with antique beeswax.
  • Fine hairline cracks are inherent to the construction and finishing of lacquer furniture but will not sacrifice the structural support or durability of your furniture.

Lucite

  • Use a soft cloth and an acrylic cleaner, such as Novus.
  • Never use abrasive cleaners or paper towels, as these will easily scratch the surface.

Honed Marble

  • Due to the porous nature of honed marble, etching, scratching and staining will occur with time and use and should be considered part of a piece’s patina. While these signs of wear are expected, their appearance can be lessend by following a simple care routine.
  • Clean regularly with a damp sponge or a tile and stone cleaner. Never clean with an abrasive pad or cloth, as this will cause scratching.
  • Spot treat with poultice paste to remove deep-set stains.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with acid and citrus, as this will cause etching.
  • To help lessen stains and markings overall, seal with a food-safe sealant every few months, or whenever water no longer beads on the surface.

Brass Care

  • Pure, untreated brass will change in appearance over time, taking on a beautiful patina with age.
  • For a natural antiqued finish, let the patination process continue and clean your item regularly using only a soft, non-abrasive cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
  • For a bright, shiny finish, clean your item regularly with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and your favorite brass cleaner, following instructions on the package.

Rug Care

  • Vacuum regularly with a bristle bar attachment following the pile direction of your rug. Make sure your vacuum’s beater bar is lifted up or turned off, if possible, as this may cause fibers to loosen.
  • If loose fibers do occur, cut back with scissors rather than pulling.
  • Avoid vacuuming any fringed edges; instead, brush dirt and dust out of these areas with a hand broom.
  • Firmly blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent dry cloth. Avoid rubbing stains, as this may cause them to set deeper into your rug. Never saturate with cleaning solvents.
  • Avoid placing in direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Initial shedding may occur with high pile rugs but should subside after a few months.
  • Professional cleaning is recommended to remove deep set dirt or stains.