General Care

To keep your furniture in top condition, we recommend:

• Avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading and cracking.
• Keeping furniture away from heating and cooling sources to prevent warping or damage.
• Using coasters and placemats for hot or cold dishes and cups.
• Adding felt pads under decor items to protect surfaces.
• Being mindful that heavily dyed fabrics, such as denim, can transfer color onto lighter furniture.
• Spot-testing any cleaning products on an inconspicuous area before full application.
• Wiping up spills immediately with a dry cloth or, if necessary, a damp cloth with mild soap.
• Avoiding harsh household cleaners that may damage finishes.

Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is timeless and durable, but it requires proper care to maintain its beauty:

• Dust regularly with a microfiber or lint-free cloth to prevent buildup.
• Use a quality wood furniture polish every few months to enhance the finish—our beeswax polish is a great option.
• Avoid chemical cleaners; instead, use warm water and mild soap.
• Keep wood furniture out of direct sunlight and away from heating or cooling sources.
• Always use coasters and placemats to prevent heat or moisture damage.
• Some natural movement in wooden planks is normal due to seasonal climate changes. A touch-up pen can help conceal minor gaps or shifts.

For stains or grease spots, use a mild, non-acidic, water-based detergent and a soft cloth. Always spot-test before full application.

Marble Furniture

Marble is a natural, porous stone that requires careful maintenance:

• Use coasters and placemats to prevent staining.
• Wipe spills immediately, especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, and citrus juice.
• If considering a sealant, consult a professional first, as improper sealing can void warranties.
• If sealing, consider reputable brands such as Stonetech Bulletproof, Tuff Duck, or MORE. Reseal once a year depending on usage.

Travertine Furniture

Travertine is a natural stone with unique textures and requires:

• A protective wax coating to reduce staining—reapply every 6–12 months.
• Regular dusting with a soft cloth or microfiber duster.
• Immediate spill cleanup to prevent absorption.
• Cleaning with mild soap and water—never use vinegar, lemon juice, or bleach.
• Use of coasters and trivets to protect against heat and liquid stains.

Leather Furniture

Leather is a natural material that requires careful handling:

• Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent drying and cracking.
• Regularly dust with a soft cloth and vacuum crevices.
• Consider using a leather conditioner once or twice a year—recommended brands include Zep Leather Cleaner and Conditioner or Leather Honey Leather Conditioner.
• Blot spills immediately and clean with a lightly dampened cloth and mild detergent.
• Do not spot clean; instead, clean the entire surface evenly.

Fabric Upholstery

Fabric furniture requires routine maintenance to keep it looking fresh:

• Vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment.
• Rotate and fluff cushions weekly to maintain their shape.
• Pilling may occur naturally—use a fabric pilling tool to remove excess fibers.
• Avoid direct sunlight to minimize fading.
• Do not machine wash cushion covers unless specified by the manufacturer.

For stains, blot (do not rub) immediately with a clean, dry cloth. If needed, use a mild upholstery cleaner, but always spot-test first. For persistent stains, consult a professional cleaner.

What do the Upholstery Cleaning Codes mean?

• W (Wet) –   W refers to Water-based Cleaning. Spot clean with water only. Distilled water is ideal. To dab spots use a clean white or cream towel. Avoid coloured cloths that might bleed their colour onto the fabric.
• Your Upholstery Fabric might be amenable to Professional Water-Based Cleaning, such as Hot Water extraction or Steam Cleaning, but consult with a trustworthy cleaning service company, who will give you an honest answer as to whether your décor is agreeable to steam cleaning.
• S (Solvent) – Water is a bad idea and should be avoided. It may leave water marks and damage the fabric through shrinking or bleeding. Instead, the fabric must be dry-cleaned with a solvent-based cleaning product. Appropriate Solvents help break down grease spots, leaving the area dry. After application, the fabric should be vacuumed. Ensure there is plenty of room ventilation when using solvents, and make sure you use one explicitly designated for upholstery. Read the instructions and follow them carefully.
• WS (Wet and Solvent) – WS means the fabric allows for both wet and solvent cleaning, but it depends on the stain that needs attention. Is the stain oil-based or water-based? Professional Upholstery Cleaning may be more appropriate for this code, but it depends on the fibres.
• X (No Cleaning/Vacuum only) – Unfortunately, this means your beloved piece of furniture should not be cleaned. This is definitely something you should look out for when buying a new item for your home.
• D (Dry Clean Only) – Some Fabrics are simply not conducive to anything but Dry Cleaning.

Rug Care

To maintain your natural fibre rugs:

• Vacuum once or twice a month in one direction with the beater bar turned off.
• Rotate the rug once a year to ensure even wear.
• Have the rug professionally washed every 3–4 years, depending on usage.
• Spot-clean spills immediately with a cotton cloth and mild water only.

By following these care tips, you can extend the life and beauty of your furniture. If you have any questions about maintenance or recommended products, feel free to contact us or visit our showroom!

Ask about our Guardsman Furniture Protection Plan.