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Great Tips for Choosing Furniture by Keith Kingston
You’re finally going to do it! No I don’t mean tie the knot, I mean your finally
ready to buy that new furniture you’ve been dreaming about. We adorn our
bodies with fashion which makes a statement about who we are. Your furniture
does exactly the same thing for your house. It’s your fashion statement for your
home.
Here’s some helpful tips on getting the most value for your money, and choosing
furniture that will work with your home and your lifestyle. You’re friends will be
green with envy when they see your new look.
First you need to know the size of the rooms you are going to be furnishing, right
down to windows, and walls that might not work well. You can either purchase a
piece of software that will help you design a cozy room or grab a pencil and
paper and start sketching. If you have any original pieces you are keeping, then
make sure to work them into your room plan.
Once you’ve decided what would look good where, and how large of furniture
you can purchase, you need to set your budget. Decide how much money you
are willing to part with and stick to it.
Once you know how much your going to spend you’ll be able to decide on the
type of furniture. Determine the type of use the furniture will get. Are you buying
furniture for a family room or a living room? If your buying for a family room
you’re going to want to look at furniture that’s built to hold up with high use. If
your buying furniture for your living room, and it’s more of a show room then you
might look at fancier, less functional furniture.
When deciding on the type of furniture also take into consideration your lifestyle.
Do you have pets that are going to claw or chew? Do you have small children?
Is your home air conditioned? Leather is a great example of a piece of furniture
that looks good, but can be downright uncomfortable in the hot weather, unless
you have air.
Once you’ve narrowed down what you’re in the market for, make a list itemizing
each piece you’re looking for. Include sizes that will work, color preferences, all
the fine details. You’d be surprised at what you’ll forget once you walk into the
furniture store. It’s easy to get distracted because of all the choices. But with list
in hand you’ll be prepared.
Make choices that will last you for years. Don’t choose trendy furniture that you’ll
be tired of in six months. Furniture is a big investment, so keep your tastes in
check and choose furniture that will look and feel good for years to come. You
can add some trendy small ticket items such as vases or wall décor. Keep your
furniture colors easy to work with. That way you will be able to do a room face lift
just by changing out small ticket items, like pillows, ornaments, and wall art.
Once you’ve found that perfect piece of furniture, get physical with it. Check the
construction of it, watch for low quality assembly. If you buying a couch or bed,
sit on it, move around on it, see if it fits your body well. Check to see if you can
feel springs, if the buttons are attached well, if the seams are finished properly.
Don’t take any piece of furniture at face value, get underneath and check the
entire construction of it.
Once you’ve made your choices, all that’s left to do is pay and wait for delivery.
If you have old furniture in the room, it’s easier to dispose of this before the new
furniture arrives. Prep the room, so that when the delivery guys arrive they can
place the furniture where it belongs.
Stress free furniture shopping can be accomplished with just a little bit of pre-
planning. Now all that’s left to do is enjoy your new room!
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Metal Outdoor Furniture - Explained by Debbie Rodgers
Mention metal patio furniture and you probably think of the light, fly-away aluminium loungers of your youth or that half-ton cast iron table and chair set on your neighbour's lawn.
But metal outdoor furniture has come a long way. Here's a quick primer on the available types and their care.
Construction Methods
Metal is fashioned into furniture in one of three main ways: extrusion, casting, and welding.
Extrusion forces melted metal through long pipes and forms long narrow tubes of metal, sometimes solid, but often hollow.
Casting metal involves a form, or cast, shaped like the finished product. The molten metal is poured into the form and then the form is removed when the metal has solidified. Cast pieces are almost always solid.
Forging, a process in which metal is heated and hammered into shape produces the type of furniture known as "wrought" metal. It uses pipes and various solid pieces of the metal and joins them together by welding or bolting.
Common Materials
The most common metal outdoor furniture is made from iron or aluminium, although the use of steel, especially stainless steel, is growing.
Iron is a chemical element that is naturally malleable and rusts easily. Vintage pieces, usually in black or dark green, can be found at premium prices and must be carefully maintained to prevent further rusting. Modern reproduction pieces will usually have a rust-resistant finish or coating that protects against chipping, scratching and corrosion. There are a variety of finishes available such as primer and paint, powder coatings and galvanizing. They are available in a range of colors and styles.
Since iron is heavy and solid, it is well-suited for windy spots where light furniture might be blown away. Don't expect it to be highly portable, though. Well-cared for, iron furnishings can last for 100 years.
Much of the iron furniture available today is wrought iron, rather than cast iron. When you're buying wrought iron, look for pieces made with solid metal rather than hollow tubing, and that are welded, rather than bolted, together. Generally, the better furniture is North American made.
Iron furniture requires more maintenance than other types of metal furniture. Clean it regularly with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly. Wax the smooth surfaces and apply mineral or baby oil to textured surfaces. Oil springs and moving parts once per year. Immediately touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel wool. Then apply several thin coats of metal paint, letting each coat dry well before applying the next. If you're using a spray paint, apply with short light stokes.
Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight and easily worked metallic element that never rusts. Much of the early aluminum furniture from the 1960s was made from hollow-core extrusion tubing. Such furniture was extremely lightweight but not exceedingly wind-stable. Such pieces are still available today and are best used around a pool area. Cast aluminum is better used in outdoor dining or sitting areas.
Whether you're looking for extruded, cast or wrought aluminum items, there are a few items that indicate a quality piece. As with wrought iron, joints should be welded (preferably full-circumference welds) rather than bolted. If bolts are used, for example to connect webbing, they should be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Otherwise they will begin to rust even though the main frame does not.
Best quality aluminum pieces have a powder-coated finish, which determines the final color of the piece and the durability of the metal. Powder coating is a process in which colorful polyester powders are applied and then baked onto the frame.
If you're buying aluminum furniture with vinyl webbing or straps, look for vinyl that has been processed with mildew inhibitors and ultraviolet stabilizers. Any wooden pieces mounted on aluminum frames should be treated with a finish to guarantee durability.
Suntan oils, human perspiration, car exhaust and salt spray can all eat away at the powder coating on aluminum furniture. To ensure long life, clean your aluminum furniture twice a month with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water. Rinse well. You can then apply paste car wax to any smooth finish frames.
Steel, a hard tough metal, is an alloy of iron and various small percentages of metallic elements. The alloys produce hardness and resistance to rusting. Galvanized steel has been plated with zinc; stainless steel has been alloyed with chromium and is virtually immune to rust and corrosion.
Before the production of aluminum furniture in the mid 20th century, steel furniture was common, dating from popular French-made items manufactured in the later half of the 1800s. American companies used solid steel until the Second World War when the heavy military demand for steel dictated the use of lightweight tubular (hollow) steel in outdoor furniture. Vintage steel sets can still be found at flea markets.
If you're looking at modern steel furniture, be sure the product is either stainless or powder-coated and that any hardware used is also rust-resistant.
Metal outdoor furniture in its many shapes and designs can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor living space. Choose wisely and enjoy!
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Teak Patio Furniture Use And Care by Kathryn Whittaker
When the weather gets colder, many homeowners face a dilemma: to keep their patio furniture outside, with proper weatherproofing, or take it inside and try to accommodate in a basement or garage. But with teak patio furniture, you will no longer want to stash the patio set in the basement. Instead, you will want to flaunt it all year long.
Teak patio furniture is becoming more popular each day, with more designers exploring the timeless charm of teak wood. This wood, which grows in Burma, Indonesia and other exotic locations, is extremely durable, light and convenient, and it ages with a stunning grace.
According to historians, woven wicker furniture was first used in ancient Egypt. But since that time teak has become a favorite of garden furniture manufacturers only in the beginning of the 20th century, when white garden furniture has been labeled as boring and the prominent garden decorator Gertrude Jekyll claimed that gray- or green-toned garden furniture is more attractive. Since teak weathers to a beautiful silvery gray, it has soon become a popular wood of choice for many garden and patio furniture manufacturers.
Teak is one of the most valuable woods today. Teak wood grows in severe climatic conditions in Burma and Indonesia. Teak is a very hard wood resistant to wind, pests, sun, and humidity. In addition, teak does not splinter. For centuries, teak was used in marine building, which means that teak patio furniture can be easily left outside even in harsh climate conditions.
One of the most remarkable features of teak wood is its ability to change color with age. When new, its color varies from light to dark brown and over years becomes a light silver gray. The first “gray hair” in teak furniture will be noticeable after three to four months of use, depending on how contrasting the climate conditions are in your area. For example, if you have cold nights and hot sunny days, teak patio furniture will turn to gray faster. Natural teak will become gray in about a year.
To preserve this beautiful taupe shade of gray, you can wash the teak patio furniture every spring with mild detergent and water. To prevent dust accumulation you may wash the furniture with your regular garden hose, keeping the water pressure at low.
Even though teak wood does not splinter, it may develop small cracks with time. Teak wood contains a high amount of natural wood oils, so it will not develop deep structural cracks. There is no need to treat teak wood with any kind of wood sprays or oils to protect it; however, the teak wood oil does create a pretty surface sheen. You may apply oil when you plan to leave the teak furniture outside for a long period of time, or when the wood starts to show gray.
Since in most cases teak wood is left untreated when used for teak patio furniture, you should avoid spilling food or drinks on the wood surface. If you do happen to “leave your mark”, don’t use any harsh detergents to remove it. Any marks will eventually fade with time. When the stain is noticeable, you may scrub the area with mild sandpaper. Ultra-violet rays also damage the sheen of the teak furniture, and an annual treatment with properly labeled teak wood oil is recommended. Make sure that your teak wood furniture is clean and dry before treating, because you don’t want to trap any water under the coat of oil.
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Choosing Beautiful Furniture for you Home! by Mike Yeager
Furniture is what provides the style that you want to portray in your home. Furniture is something that every home needs to give it style and comfort. Patio furniture, bedroom furniture and dining room furniture all help to add character and elegance to your home.
When choosing furniture for your home, remember to consider the decorating theme your using throughout your entire house. You’ll find that your own personality will shine through as you choose the best furniture, tables, lamps and rugs for your home.
Adorning the interior of a building or home means selecting quality furniture. Asian and classical cultures used the decorative arts to create elaborate interiors, and they originated forms extensively copied in later times. In Europe during the early medieval period few notable interiors were created except in Islamic Spain and in the Byzantine Empire. Simple movable and hanging objects were the chief furnishings of castles. In the late Middle Ages artistic resources were dedicated to the embellishment of churches and public buildings.
With more settled conditions, Renaissance Italy, influenced by Greek and Roman styles, developed interiors of grandeur and magnificence; popes and nobles employed leading artists to decorate their palaces and villas.
For your home select from only the best furniture representatives who offer quality, elegance, quick delivery and, of course, great prices!
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Seeking The Best Oak Furniture Advice by (Unkown)
Sometimes when you're trying to find better-quality information about oak furniture, you'll find it's complex separating value packed information from amateurish oak furniture proposals and guidance so it's astute to know how to judge the advice that is offered.
Now we'd like to give you a few tips which we think you should use when you are searching for information concerning oak furniture. It is important to remember that the recommendation we give is only relevant to internet information about oak furniture. We can't offer you any guidance or tips when you are also conducting research in books or magazines.
Look for oak furniture
Find oak furniture at one of the best sites the Internet has to offer!
An excellent piece of advice to follow when you're presented with help or advice concerning a oak furniture webpage is to ascertain who owns the site. Doing this could reveal the owners oak furniture credentials The easiest way to find out who is behind the oak furniture web site is to look on the 'about' page or the sites 'contact' page.
All decent sites providing information on oak furniture, will almost certainly provide an 'about' or 'contact' page which will list the owner's details. The fine points should detail some key points concerning the owner's requisite knowledge. You can then make a judgement about the vendor's insight and appreciation, to offer advice about oak furniture.
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Is It Really Teak Wood? Caveat Emptor!' - Part 1 by Michael Ochoa
"Caveat Emptor" is Latin for "Let the buyer beware".
If you have Teak wood outdoor furniture, there is very little you will need to do be ready for spring and summer gatherings to begin. If you purchased "teak oiled" or "better than teak wood" outdoor furniture, you may be in for a big surprise.
There are several outlets that are selling wood outdoor furniture using phrases like, "Teak oiled wood furniture". Teak oiled means just that: the wood that the furniture is made from has been oiled with Teak oil. Period. It is not Teak wood as many of us who may have purchased it would have hoped to believe.
Part of the problem is that we are all looking for the "deal". We want to pay as little as possible for high quality items so badly that we often overlook or don't look at all at what we are actually getting for our money.
What does "Teak like" furniture mean? Does that mean that the wood has a high silica content like Teak wood? Does it mean that the wood will weather all the natural elements and last 75-100 years left outdoors, like Teak wood will? What exactly does it mean?
Look at this verbiage on any number of websites or in any number of stores and you will see it. Some of these outdoor wood furniture pieces that are the "GREAT DEALS" are made from a wood called Nyatoh, not Teak. It is sold as an exotic hardwood and many outlets and advertisers call it a wood which wears and behaves like teak? Go on to E-Bay and you will find sellers who are advertising it as "stronger than teak wood". In fact, that is not true.
Who are these marketers trying to kid? Guess what, they are trying to kid us all. Marketers are very good at putting spins on things to make us, the buying public, think one thing, and because we did not pay attention, it turns out to be something completely different.
Where are many of the consumers getting these great deals and purchasing their "Teak like" outdoor furniture? It is reported that many of these wood outdoor furniture sets are being purchased from big chain department stores located in each and every town across the United States, as well as local grocery and drugstores, and on the internet.
Take a look at Nyatoh versus Teak in one area of wood measurement: Durability. Nyatoh wood is generally rated as Class 3, nondurable to moderately durable, and has a low resistance to termite attack. Its sapwood is liable to powder-post beetle attack. Other woods more familiar to us with this similar durability rating are: American Cherry: African mahogany: Japanese Oak: Southern Pine: American Walnut: and Western Red Cedar, just to name a few.
Teak woods durability is classified as Class 1, Very Durable. Woods in this class include Ebony: Iroka: Makore: and Opepe to name a few. And this is just one area of measurement we are looking at, (just as a side note, class 2, which is Durable, contains familiar woods like American Oak: Balau: Sweet Chestnut: Cedar: Ekki: and Karri woods to name a few).
Nyatoh wood is protected with oil. Once treated, this wood should consistently be treated each year to maintain some protection from the elements. When it comes to Nyatoh wood, the consumer must pay particular attention to sufficiently oiling the "joints" where the protection is needed most. If water gets trapped in the joints of this wood, wood rot will begin.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Nyatoh wood at all. It is being fashioned in very similar styles of other high quality outdoor furniture. If you are looking for the deal, make this purchase. Just be aware of what it is you are really buying. It is NOT Teak wood. You will need to maintain it differently than you would Teak wood and you may need to replace it more frequently just as you have your previous outdoor patio furniture.
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Is It Really Teak Wood? Caveat Emptor! - Part 2 by Michael Ochoa
"Caveat Emptor" is Latin for "Let the buyer beware".
We all want to pay as little as possible for the most product we can buy. The challenge we have is to pay enough attention to what it is we are actually purchasing so as not to become let down later when we find out we did not really get what we thought we would be getting.
When it comes to outdoor furniture, Teak wood is still the standard that all other woods are compared to. Because it is in such high demand, consumers want to purchase this best quality product or something even better, for less money. If marketers can help the buyer to perceive they are getting something better for less money the buyer tends to jump on it. And therein lies the problem: Perception. There is outdoor wood furniture being advertised as teak like, better than teak, or stronger than teak for a fraction of the cost. When you look further into the advertisements, you find the product to be made of woods like Shorea or Eucalyptus. But is this wood as good as or better than teak? Does this wood weather the elements year in and year out like Teak? Do you do very little to maintain it like you do Teak? It sure sounds like it could be worth it, don't it?
Shorea wood
Here is how Wikipedia defines Shorea wood: Shorea is a genus of 360 species of mainly rainforest trees in the family Dipterocarpaceae. They are native to Southeast Asia, from Northern India to Malesia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
There are marketers that are marketing Shorea wood as being closely related cousins to Teak. Teak is Tectona Grandis: It is a genus of tropical hardwood trees in the family Verbenaceae. To say they are closely related is kind of like saying all spruces are evergreens but not all evergreens are spruces. It doesn't make sense. And because there are more than 360 species of trees that make up Shorea, some being good and some being not so good, which type are you really getting that "good deal" on?
Here are some common names being used by marketers to be "like Teak", but are really Shorea:
Balau
This is a heavy hardwood. It comes from up to 15 different species of Shorea genus.
Almon
Also known as white luan. This wood comes from up to 5 different species of Shorea genus.
White Meranti
This is a light hardwood. It comes from up to 8 different species of Shorea genus.
Dark Red Meranti
This is also a light hardwood. It comes from up to 11 different species of Shorea genus.
Yellow Meranti
This is also a light hardwood. It comes from up to 5 different species of Shorea genus.
We can go on and on. After all, there are up to 360 different species of Shorea genus to go through. These are beautiful woods that can be used for indoor furniture as well as decorative artifacts, doors, drawers, joints and even outdoor furniture. But let us not be confused: they are not Teak wood. And the fact that marketers are trying to pass them off as Teak tells us squarely: Teak is still the best. Teak is still the wood that all others try to compare to.
Eucalyptus Genus
There are over 300 species of Eucalyptus genus. This is a very fine wood that has been put to many good uses through the years from windbreaks, to fuel, to building supplies, to food sources in some countries. It is cautioned that this wood needs to be seasoned properly prior to manufacturing otherwise it will split, crack and chip. Since it holds such a heavy volume of water in order to sustain its very fast growth, it is reported to shrink as much as 34% when kiln dried.
In doing research on Eucalyptus, here is what one company had to say: "When finished with a high quality penetrating oil, mixed with the stain of your choice, Eucalyptus takes on a teak-like appearance. To maintain a new look, the buyer will need to occasionally clean and reseal the furniture. This furniture can be painted as well". Teak once again is being used as the standard.
When you are shopping for outdoor furniture this year, make sure you know what type of wood it is that you are purchasing. Don't be fooled. Read the fine print. Thinking your purchase is Teak wood because you want the beauty of Teak, the ability for your furniture to weather the elements including termites, beetles, fungus, and wood rot, you could be sorely disappointed. In order to maintain sales volume, manufactures and marketers are offering alternative wood outdoor furniture to the consumers as prices for Teak are steep and supply is limited. Although these listed woods look beautiful and may hold up for a short period of time, they do not have the staying power of Teak wood outdoor furniture.
Knowledge is power. Remember, Caveat Emptor: Let the buyer beware!
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How To Choose Your Garden Furniture And Make It Last by Angus Charlton
Before you buy any garden furniture it is strongly recommended that you do some research. Doing so will greatly increase your chances of buying garden furniture that is right for you and will last you a long time. Following are some important tips you need to consider before you buy.
Firstly decide whether you want stackable or foldaway furniture that will be put away in the shed or garage in winter or if you want permanent solid garden furniture that remains in situ all year round. If you want your garden furniture to be a permanent part of your garden for esthetic reasons then it is recommended that you go for heavy furniture made from hardwood, aluminum or wrought iron with rust proofing. It is well worth spending the money on the heavier more durable materials as this will be much more cost effective in the long run.
Choosing the right type of material and construction is paramount. Decide what kind of material for your garden furniture would best compliment your patio or garden. Select a material that will stay in balance with your garden.
Wood is the best all round as it is lightweight, esthetically pleasing and comfortable but requires some maintenance. Choose a tropical hardwood which is high in natural oil content like teak, iroko or courbaril. These woods are weather resistant and can be left outside throughout the year.
Make sure that mortice and tenon joints are used for your teak garden furniture and not bolts which corrode. If any metal fittings are used in the construction make sure they are made from brass, stainless steel or aluminum which are corrosion resistant. Make sure the construction is only premium grade teak for our garden furniture, so any knots, cracks and other defects are eliminated before the timber is used to build the furniture. Additionally, Make sure your teak garden furniture is kiln dried to optimise moisture content and ensure shape is maintained and cracks are eliminated.
Teak garden furniture that is assembled using epoxy based glues tend to have the best performance and durability of all the types of joints as the epoxy resin used will not be affected by rain or frost.
If your teak garden furniture becomes dirty it is easy to clean with warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush which will enable you to restore the beautiful silver grey weathered look. If required a pressure hose can be used at 60-80 bar [900-1200psi] at a distance of no less than 30cm.
Once your teak garden furniture has weathered the colour will be enhanced by an annual scrub.
A small amount of bleach added to the water will suppress any algae growth.
Any stains and grease spots can be immediately removed by washing down using a light detergent then rinsing off with clean water as soon as they occur .However, this is not essential as nature will take its course over time.
In dry weather small cracks will appear in the end of the grain timbers. This is natural and no action needs to be taken as when the moisture in the atmosphere increases the timber will return to its original condition.
It is not necessary to use teak oil or varnish as these will not extend the life of your garden furniture and are purely cosmetic. However if you wish to preserve the as new appearance of your teak garden furniture the application of teak oil when the furniture is new will give a more lustre finish than leaving untouched. Please ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions as usually this is a three stage process. Make sure the timber is completely dry when you apply the teak oil, otherwise the furniture will blacken.
Wrought iron garden furniture generally looks the best as it is usually hand crafted to give a unique look. The disadvantages of wrought iron furniture is that it is not as comfortable as wood and heavier to move around. Additionally, iron rusts so wrought iron garden furniture has to be especially coated to prevent it from rusting so make sure the supplier gives you at least a one year warranty against rust.
Finally, if you can, it is recommended that you invest in a cover for your garden furniture. Covers now come in all shapes and sizes and are well worth the money as they add years to the life of your garden furniture. Simply place the cover on your garden furniture every evening or when it rains, you will see the benefits in the long term.
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A Guide To Good Furniture Care by Holly Linington
During my long career in the furniture business I’ve often been asked, What is the proper way to care for my fabric? After all, you’ve purchased your dream furniture piece but you’re terrified to use it out of fear of damaging it. But you don’t have to live in fear! After extensive research and testing I have found the following guidelines and suggestions to be helpful.
Upholstered Furniture
Because of the wide variety of fabrics and fiber combinations, there is no guarantee that these methods will be completely successful and I recommend that a professional upholstery cleaner be contacted in particular cases. However, these simple solutions will keep your new upholstery crisp and clean for years!
Vacuum at least once a week to remove grit that can cause abrasion, and be sure to dust vacuum the top surfaces as often as possible. Professional cleaning is the best way to make a slightly soiled sofa look new again, but weekly vacuuming will make professional cleaning a less frequent event. (Never brush any fabric with a stiff fiber or metal brush, since they’re destructive to the fibers. Instead, use your vacuum attachments like the upholstery brush or the attachment for dusting draperies and furniture. The latter brush has longer bristles and is less abrasive to your upholstery fabric. It may be your best option if your fabric deserves a softer brushing.)
Reverse the cushions each week after vacuuming. Rearrange the furniture occasionally to ensure even wear of the cushions and other areas. Cushions and pillows filled with down or similar cushioning material should be hand-fluffed and reversed regularly to retain their original softness and resiliency.
Protect fabrics from the sun. Fabrics should not be placed in direct sunlight because the ultraviolet light will cause the fibers to degenerate and colors to fade. Occasionally dyes can fade from impurities in the air as well, but protection from the sun is a good way to prevent premature loss of color.
Keep pets off the furniture. Pet urine and pet body oil can be difficult to remove.
Use proper care with structural weave fabrics (where the design is created by the weave) to protect against snags. These fabrics may be cleaned by sprinkling dry powder cleaner over the fabric, spreading it uniformly and letting it stand for the recommended period before vacuuming with gentle suction. (However, I do recommend professional cleaning with stains on a woven fabric.)
Caution those wearing clothing with transferable dyes, such as blue jeans, that the dye could transfer onto light-colored furniture.
Fabric Cleaning Guide
Today’s new fabric treatments improve the chances of your fabric’s survival. Fabric protection products are usually applied by the retail store for an additional cost. Most of the various brands work the same way by causing spills and soil to sit on the surface of the fiber instead of migrating to the fiber’s interior.
Today’s fiber protection products are free of ozone damaging chemicals, and most are hypoallergenic and invisible to the eye. Some even provide additional UV protection from color fading caused by intense light. One of the greatest benefits of fabric protection products is that they come with specific written warranties that provide peace of mind.
Whether your new upholstery has been fabric protected or not, you should follow the same basic guidelines in cleaning liquid spills or surface soil that can’t be brushed off (such as newspaper ink).
Fabric Cleaning Codes
Before attempting to clean a spill or spot on your furniture, you should identify the fabric and the correct cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer. This information is represented by a cleaning code (W, S, WS, or X) often found under a cushion, on the bottom of the furniture or on the manufacturer’s tag. If you cannot find this information, contact your salesperson at the furniture store where the item was purchased.
W – Spot clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner.
S – Spot clean only with water-free cleaning solvent. Do not overwet. DO NOT USE WATER.
WS – Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not overwet.
X – Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic brush. DO NOT USE WATER OR DRY CLEANING SOLVENTS. Do not use a foam or liquid cleaner of any type.
Never apply cleaning solutions to visible areas of your upholstery fabric without first testing on areas that are not visible. It is important to pretest for color loss and fabric compatibility.
Cleaning Instructions
As a general rule, when a spill occurs, it is important to clean the fabric immediately. The longer a spot remains, the harder it is to remove. It may even become permanent.
Blot, don’t rub. If the spill is still “fresh”, use a clean, dry and very absorbent 100% cotton cloth. Should you have to use paper towels to blot out spills, be sure the paper towel (or cloth) is white, as colors in the towel may, when applied to a wet surface, fade onto the upholstery. Color from one fabric can rub off onto another fabric, even when dry -- a process known in the industry as “crocking”.
If blotting with a dry cloth doesn’t quite finish the job and you have cleaning directions from the furniture manufacturer, follow those. If none are available, use the instructions provided here.
I hope this information has been insightful. Use these tools when necessary, but most importantly, enjoy your upholstered piece -- it was meant to be used!
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