Care Tips
Protection
Guardsman Furniture Proctection
When you invest in new furniture, you want to keep it looking great for as long as possible. Guardsman Furniture Protection helps you protect your new fabric, leather, wood, and other hard-surface furniture from accidental stains and damage. With Guardsman’s network of 3,500 professionals across the United States- and A+ rating from the the Better Business Bureau- you can relax, assured that you have an expert to call when you need one. Live life to the fullest with the protection you deserve!
Guardsman Care Products
We offer a complete line of Guardsman products designed to clean, protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood finishes, in-home fabrics, and leather and fabric upholstery, as well as products that can remedy many common problems such as scratches, ink marks, and other damage that can happen as life happens.
UPHOLSTERY
General Maintenance
To ensure longer lasting fabrics, it may help to vacuum the item’s seat cushions, inside arms, and inside backs once a week. Dirt and dust act like glass particles, cutting the small fibers of the fabric. All yarns, regardless of their reputation, are subject to this abrasive action. Pets are extremely abrasive on fabrics; therefore we recommend that they are not allowed on the furniture. Evidence of pet use is not covered by any warranty. Cushions should be turned often and plumped up. Be sure to also plump up pillow backs and padded arms. Some settling of the cushions is to be expected with time. A little extra maintenance will help ensure years of enjoyment.
Comfort Wrinkles
As you settle into your new furniture, “comfort wrinkles” will begin to develop in the fabric and leather. All materials display this characteristic. Some fabrics and cushions are more apt to develop these wrinkles than others. Comfort wrinkles are to be expected and give your pieces added beauty and uniqueness. Many of today’s styles are designed with a “wrinkled elegance” saying “I have been there and back!”
Pilling
Many of the best wearing synthetic fabrics in the industry will display pilling, which is similar to the “fuzzing” experienced with new carpet, or a sweater. This pilling can be removed with a battery operated furniture or sweater shaver. This may need to be done more than once and will reduce as time goes on.
Crushing & Shading
Many of today’s fabrics have a soft rich texture that creates visual interest. Color shading can occur on these when light from different angles is reflected off the fabric, which creates a unique antiqued or vintage affect. Also, as these fabrics have a texture or pile to them, the yarns will flatten creating an irregular surface appearance and texture. These surface variations are the nature of the fabric and to be expected.
Furniture Placement
Please take care in placing your furniture by windows or in direct sunlight as this can sunburn the fabric, weaken the fiber, and even bleach the color. Contact with heat vents and high humidity damages fabrics as well, resulting in faded colors and fibers that can separate or be torn easily. Try to reposition your furniture on a regular basis and avoid sitting in the same spot, as uneven wear can result.
Basic Cleaning
For overall cleaning of soil, manufacturers recommend using a professional cleaning service for all upholstered products. Cushion casings should never be removed and cleaned by the consumer. Always proceed with caution when cleaning a spill or stain. Failure to follow cleaning code instructions may result in damaged fabric.
Cleaning Codes
W- Vacuuming and light dusting is recommended. Spot clean by using only the foam from a water-based cleaner. Spot test in an unobtrusive area by applying foam using a circular motion with a soft brush.
S-Vacuuming and light dusting is recommended. Spot clean with a water-free solvent or dry-cleaning solution.
W/S- Vacuuming and light dusting is recommended. Spot clean with a mild-solvent, upholstery shampoo or with the foam from a water-based cleaner. If using a solvent or dry-cleaning product, follow the directions carefully and use only in a well-ventilated area.
X- Clean only by vaccuming and light dusting. Water and solvent cleaners may cause extreme shrinking, stains, and disrupt the surface appearance.
When spot cleaning, ALWAYS test colorfastness first, in an unobtrusive area before proceeding. Also, be sure to follow the cleaner’s instructions for optimal results.
Leather
Leather represents the most natural and durable of all upholstered furniture coverings. Compare hides and you’ll see that no two hides are alike. Special hand finishing techniques, scratches, healed scars, insect bites, stomach wrinkles, grain variations, shading, and color are all normal characteristics. Since each hide is different, these characteristics can show up anywhere on the piece. This is what makes leather so unique and beautiful.
Protected Finish Leather
Protective coatings over the leather help guard against soil and stains. For spills, blot excess liquid immediately with a clean cloth or sponge. Follow with a damp, lukewarm cloth in a circular motion. For oily spills, or body oils, add a few drops of non-detergent, mild soap to a small bucket of warm water. Use a soft cloth and gently go over the entire area in a light circular motion. Any time you use a soap solution, be sure to test the leather for colorfastness in a hidden area. Always allow the fabric to air dry, instead of using a hair dryer.
Pure Aniline Leather
Aniline leathers are known as “naked leathers,” as they do not have a protective, topcoat applied to the leather. This leather initially repels most spills; but if allowed to sit, they will absorb into the leather. Blot any liquids away with a dry cloth or sponge, and let air-dry. Use only distilled water and a soft cloth for cleaning. These are only suggestions; and not a guarantee that any stain will be totally removed. Appropriate preventative care should be used to avoid oil based stains.
Semi-Aniline Leather
Semi-aniline leather is produced through a very similar process to pure aniline, but has a thin protective topcoat. The topcoat can be pigmented to add additional highlights or transparent to add a measure of protection. For spills, use a damp cloth to immediately dab off any excess. Do not rub.
Nu-buk Leather
Nu-Buk leathers are lightly brushed and have a very soft feel. Often referred to as “bomber jacket” leather, they have a high degree of color variation and natural markings. These are not “protected” leathers; and will have the same characteristics and cleanability as pure aniline leathers.
WOOD
Normal Characteristics
The distinctive grain of finished wood is as individual as a fingerprint. Nature marks each piece of wood with its own figured character. Color variations, mineral deposits, sap pockets, knots, cherry pits, burling, and other character marks vary with each piece. Furniture is also “physically distressed” or “antiqued” to bring out the beauty and uniqueness of each piece.
Leveling
If doors do not line up across the top, or the drawers seem to bind, you will need to level the piece. Our delivery personnel will do this for you initially, but once the piece settles into the carpet or you begin to load the piece with items, you may need to re-adjust accordingly. To do this, simply grab the front top of the piece on both sides, and gently push and pull the edges back and forth, in opposite directions. As you perform this motion, watch for door alignment to adjust. When the doors become aligned again, you will be able to see at what point(s) the piece needs to be shimmed or lowered. With patience you will find the correct placement for the piece.
Care & Cleaning
Fine wood furniture requires diligent care to protect its appearance. Table pads are recommended for all wood table surfaces when used frequently; especially when entertaining. All wood finishes are subject to scratching and damage from dust, rubber lamp bases, lamp cords, and plastic materials. Surface scratches can occur by sliding things across the tabletop. Moisture will permanently damage fine wood furniture. When cleaning, use a slightly damp, clean cloth; and follow this process immediately with a dry, soft, clean cloth in the direction of the wood grain. Surface scratches, water rings, and checking or lifting of the finish are considered damage and not factory defects.
Table Leaves
Care should be taken when inserting or removing leaves to prevent chipping or denting wood. To prevent warping, use leaf protectors or a blanket; and store leaves topside down on a flat surface. If a leaf is stored for a long period of time, some variation in finish and color may occur; as the leaf is not exposed to the same light, usage, and polishing.
Sunlight, Humidity, & Temperature
Avoid direct sunlight with shades, blinds, or other window treatments. Direct sunlight will cause finish color changes, hairline cracks, and checking; as well as other types of damage. Reposition accessories and lamps to prevent “spot bleaching.” Wood expands and contracts based on humidity levels and seasonal changes. Because of this you may experience some variation on how the drawers and doors open and close as well as table tops and their leaves. Silicone or soap can be used on drawer glides. Avoid heat vents and try to keep humidity levels constant as possible.
Stone Surfaces
While marble and other stone surfaces can virtually last forever, they can still stain and lose their sheen level. Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning. Please remember that marble and quartz are natural materials. It is normal to see veins running through the marble that resemble the appearance of cracking. Also, fillers are used to even out the surface; and are to be expected. When moving any stone surface, be sure to not lift or carry the object laying flat. This could potentially lead to the stone cracking in half from the weight. To move, turn the top on its side; and then lift it while it is in the vertical position.
Glass Shelving
While such shelving is sturdy, there is not an industry standard specifying how much a particular shelf will safely support. To prevent breakage of shelves (and their contents) good judgment should be exercised. Be sure all shelf clips are properly and securely in place. Take care in placing heavy items or large quantities of items on glass shelves.
Mattresses
Materials used in mattresses today are very plush and designed to mold around your body’s unique contours. The depth of performance impressions will vary with different styles of bedding. Depending on the amount of upholstery on a mattress, the impressions will vary from 1 to 4 inches. This is normal and to be expected. Be sure your mattress has sufficient under-bed center support, with middle legs to the floor. These supports are required for warranty purposes.
Need some further advice about your new furniture? Email us with your questions at goodcare@goodsfurniture.com
