Care Tips
Protection
Montage Furniture Services
Go on…live a little and enjoy your new furniture with peace of mind. A new generation of protection for your furniture is available, provided by Montage Furniture Services. An MFS Furniture Protection Plan gives you the freedom to live comfortably with your new furniture without concern over life’s little mishaps. When a covered accident happens, MFS offers the assistance you need, delivered by furniture experts with unparalleled reputation for excellent customer service.
Guardsman
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
Maintenance — To ensure longer lasting fabrics, be sure to vacuum at least once a week. Clean the seat cushions, inside arms and inside backs. Less frequently, vacuum the outside and back. 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, and should not be allowed on furniture. Evidence of pet use is not covered by any warranty. Cushions should be turned often and plumped up. If the cording appears to be shifting, or cushions are settling a bit, it is time to turn and reposition them. Remember that prints, plaids and similar patterns match on one side of cushion only. So if you turn the cushion to get even wear of fabric, you’ll probably notice that the patterns may not line up exactly. Be sure to also plump up pillow backs and padded arms. A little extra maintenance will give you years of enjoyment. Some settling of cushioning is to be expected through the life of your furniture.
Comfort Wrinkles — As you settle into your new furniture, “comfort wrinkles” will begin to develop in the fabric. They are a normal part of the maturing of a piece of furniture. Some fabrics and cushion constructions are more apt to develop these lines. They can be minimized by turning and fluffing cushions and pillows regularly. These characteristics are common.
Pilling — Many of the best wearing synthetic fabrics in the industry will display this characteristic, which is similar to the “fuzzing” experienced with new carpet, or a sweater. Some excess fiber is released from the surface of the material. The concern of some consumers is that the fabric is disintegrating and will ultimately leave a “bald” area on the cover. As with sweaters or carpet, the pilling will continue until the excess fiber is gone, and then it will cease. This pilling can be removed with a battery operated furniture or sweater shaver. This may need to be done more than once, but will eventually stop. Rest assured you have selected a very durable fabric.
Cleaning of Fabrics — Fabric protection provides peace of mind for spills and stains. For overall cleaning of soil, manufacturers recommend using a professional cleaning service for all upholstered products. With expert cleaning your fabric can look beautiful for years. Cushion casings should never be removed and cleaned by the consumer. Damage from dry cleaning, or washing and drying can alter the appearance of your upholstery. Always proceed with caution when cleaning a spill or stain. Failure to follow cleaning code instructions result in damaged fabric.
Cleaning Codes — Professional cleaning recommended.
W use a water-based cleaning agent or foam
S use a mild, water-free dry cleaning agent
W/S either water-based cleaning agent, or a dry cleaning solvent or a foam type cleaner.
X do not use a foam or liquid cleaner of any type. Vacuum or brush lightly to remove soil. These fabrics will not take fabric protection.
When spot cleaning, ALWAYS test colorfastness first, in a hidden area before proceeding. Also, be sure to follow the cleaner’s instructions for best results.
Furniture Placement — Placing your furniture by windows or in direct sunlight 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.
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, color, shading and grain variations are all normal characteristics. Since each hide is different, these characteristics can show up on arms, seats and virtually anywhere on the piece. This is what makes leather unique and beautiful. Following are descriptions of three types of top grain leather; as well as what to expect, and suggestions for leather care.
Protected Finished Leather — These leathers are the most durable and cleanable leathers available. Protective coatings over the leather help guard against fading, soil and stains. With new “tanning techniques,” most finished leathers have a nice, soft feel. For spills, blot excess liquid immediately with a clean cloth or sponge. Follow with a damp, lukewarm cloth in a circular motion. Follow that with a soft, dry 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. Follow with a soft, damp, clean cloth; and then a soft, dry cloth in a circular motion. Any time you use a soap solution, be sure to test the leather for colorfastness in a hidden area. Usually a clean, damp cloth is all that is needed. Always allow to air dry. Do not use a hair dryer.
Pure Aniline Leather — These leathers are tanned to be buttery, soft and supple. Aniline leathers are also called “naked leathers,” as there is no protective topcoat applied to the leather. Aniline leather is for the “leather purist,” who wants the look and luxurious feel of natural leather. Though this leather cleans better than any fabric, care must be taken to preserve its appearance. This leather will mark, darken, stain and generally “antique” itself over time, depending on care and maintenance. These leathers tend to sun fade over time, which is part of the antiquing process. 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 must be taken to avoid oil-based stains, as they may be permanent.
Nu-Bak Leather — These 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.
General Leather Care — General care is the same as for fabric care. Please refer to care of upholstery. Leather does soften and stretch with use. It is normal to see comfort wrinkles in the leather as it begins to break in.
Wood Furniture
Leveling — If doors don’t line up across the top, or drawers seem to bind, you will need to level the piece. Grab the front top of the piece, on both sides, and gently push and pull the edges back and forth, in opposite directions. Watch for door alignment across the top as you do this. When doors are aligned, you will be able to see at what point, in front or back, shims will be needed under legs. It helps to keep the piece off carpet tack strips. Also, be sure the piece is not leaning forward from the wall. These adjustments are the customer’s responsibility, and sometimes take patience.
Care & Cleaning — Fine wood furniture requires diligent care to protect its appearance. Table pads are recommended for all wood table surfaces when used frequently, and when entertaining. All wood finishes are subject to scratching and other damage; including from dust and most 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 immediately with a soft, clean, dry cloth in the direction of the wood grain. Surface scratches, water rings, and checking or lifting of the finish are considered damage – not factory defects. For casual dining, Canadel has the most durable and cleanable finish. Be sure to use only mild soap and water for cleaning Canadel pieces.
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 season changes, sometimes affecting operation of drawers and doors. As tabletops and leaves expand and contract, expect variations where each of these surfaces come together. This will change through the seasons. Silicone or soap can be used on drawer glides. Avoid heat vents, and generally try to keep humidity levels constant.
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 of each piece.
Moving — Wood furniture should never be pushed or pulled across the floor. When moving a bed, the mattress set should be removed, and the bed should be disassembled. Otherwise, serious damage will occur to areas where side rails connect to other parts of the bed. Damage is not a factory defect and is not covered by any warranty.
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.
Stone Surfaces
While marble and other stone surfaces can virtually last forever, they still can stain and lose their sheen level. Use only a soft damp cloth for cleaning. Any other types of cleaners can cause damage. Remember that marble and quartz are natural materials. It is normal to see veins running through the marble that resemble cracks. Also, fillers are used to even out the surface, and are to be expected. When moving any stone surface, be sure to not lift it while laying flat. The top will snap in half from the weight. To move, turn the top on its side, and then lift it while it is in the vertical position.
Synthetics
Rubber lamp bases, lamp cords, plastic materials like coasters and/or some tablecloths can soften and damage a wood finish. To avoid this, use felt or leather as a barrier to all wood surfaces.
Mattresses
Be sure your queen or king size bed has sufficient under-bed center supports, with middle legs to the floor. These supports are required for warranty purposes. Today’s mattresses combine superior inner support, with a variety of luxurious comfort layers on top. As you use the mattress, the cushioning materials will begin to conform to you. Much like a shoe conforms to the foot, mild body impressions will develop in the comfort layers. These impressions are normal and are to be expected.
Glass Shelving
While such shelving is sturdy, there are no industry standards specifying how much a particular shelf will safely support. To prevent breakage of shelves (and their contents) good judgement should be exercised. Be sure all shelf clips are property and securely in place. Take care in placing heavy items or large quantities of items on glass shelves. Glass shelves bend or deflect slightly before breakage, thus warning you of too heavy a load. A sudden shock, even from a small dropped item, can result in a broken shelf. Because the end use of the item is beyond our control, the manufacturer and Good’s Furniture cannot assume responsibility for broken glass shelves or personal valuables.
Halogen Lighting
Halogen lighting is used in furniture today. It is a powerful light that dramatically displays your keepsakes. Be aware that halogen lights do generate heat. It is important that potentially flammable display items are not placed directly under these lights.
Furniture Care Questions
Need some further advice about your new Good’s furniture? Email us with your questions at goodcare@goodsfurniture.com
