Furniture Care

Important information for your furniture >>

Protecting Your Investment

You’ve made an excellent investment in your new furniture. The following care guide is designed to help you protect and look after your purchase so you can enjoy it to the full for many years to come. Please read, keep and follow any instruction labels or booklets attached by the manufacturer to your purchase.

Beds

Remember, placing a new mattress on an old base can be a false economy. For example, a platform, slatted or hard-top divan base will make a soft mattress feel hard. Putting a new mattress on an old sprung base can affect the life of the mattress as well as its feel.
Please read the manufacturer’s care guides and the labels attached, as most give guidance on the materials and support systems in your bed.
Once your new bed is in place and the packaging removed, let it air for a short while before putting on your mattress protector and bed linen.
It may feel a little strange sleeping on your new bed at first. It will take time for your body to adjust to a new level of support and comfort.
Never fold or bend a mattress as this will distort the spring unit
Mattresses should not be rolled for storage
Turn down your bedding each morning to allow the mattress to cool down and breath.
Never wet clean your mattress. When changing your bedding, brush your mattress with a soft brush or light vacuum using an upholstery adjustment.
If your mattress becomes wet stand it on its side to minimise the penetration of moisture and allow it to air away from direct heat.
A mattress protector will prevent stains and smells and keep your mattress in perfect condition.
Treat stains and spills immediately. Don’t saturate the fabric with liquid and never use detergent or a hard brush, as they can damage the material and stitching. Allow the mattress to air gently, away from direct heat.
Avoid sitting on the edge of the bed for long periods as this can damage the springing/support systems and affect it’s shape.
Avoid standing or jumping on your mattress. It will break down the internal construction and can cause the mattress to collapse.
Unless it states otherwise, turn your mattress every fortnight for the first six months using mattress handles if provided. After that, turn it at least every four weeks. Stick to a routine where you turn first end-to-end, and then upside down in regular rotation. For mattresses with a combination of spring tensions, you will have to change sides unless you turn them over from head to foot. Some mattresses are described as ‘no need to turn’. This means turning is not a regular requirement. We still recommend that you do turn and rotate from time to time. Others are described as ‘non-turn’. This means there is no need to flip them over, but you should still rotate them from head to foot regularly.
Turning a double mattress is a 2 person job. Keep it flat or on one side and use the handles to carry the load evenly.
As the mattress is designed to shape to the contours of your body, settling of the fillings is quite normal. Turning your mattress will help keep the filling supportive.
Check all bolts, screws, legs and castors regularly to make sure they haven’t loosened.
Only use storage drawers in divan beds to carry lightweight items such as pillows, duvets, and linen. Heavier items like books or toys could cause them to collapse, or distort the drawers and pull them off their runners.
Where possible, regular plumping will help to maintain your pillow’s comfort.
The average life span of a pillow is about 3 years. After this we recommend you change them. You will notice the difference!
Always follow your manufacturers cleaning an care instructions

Upholstery

If you have wooden floors it is advisable to use a protective felt on the feet of the new furniture to prevent scratching.
Castor cups will prevent castors indenting your carpets or scratching wooden floors.
If you need to move anything after we have gone, find someone to help you lift and carry it. Do not drag it across the floor. You could hurt yourself and damage your property.
Recliner mechanisms may seem stiff at first, they will ease with use.
Once the tight protective wrapping is removed from leather furniture, the cushions may appear flatter than expected and the leather creased. Use the palms of your hands to press gently on the leather surface and smooth the cushions and leather into their normal shape. Plump all cushions. Once air begins to circulate around the suite, the leather will relax and fall into its original shape.
Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and only use products they recommend.
Plump and turn cushions at least once a week. Some fillings such as feather or fibre will require daily plumping and turning. Over time some fillings, including fibre, may lose up to 20% of their original volume through normal wear and tear. Daily plumping will help make them last longer.
Use the upholstery or drape attachment to vacuum your furniture weekly and reduce the abrasive effect of dust and crumbs. Be careful when vacuuming delicate braid or fringe details.
Brushing certain fabric covers can damage the pile and affect its feel and durability.
Fixed cover fabric suites should be professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Clean all covers of a loose cover suite at the same time to prevent colour variations.
If you spill something, blot up the excess immediately working from the outside to the centre of the spill. Do not use detergents or rub as you could cause permanent damage. If you have purchased a Homeserve Warranty, contact them right away and they will advise on what to do. Often it requires professional cleaning to rectify the matter. For Homeserve policy holders this will be arranged for you.
If you have any doubts about how to care for your furniture and can’t find your instructions from the manufacturer, please phone us for help.
Do not have your furniture too close to direct heat or air conditioning. It can cause joints to dry out and squeaks and creaks to develop.
Do not sit on the arms and discourage children from using your furniture as a climbing frame or trampoline. It will shorten the life span of your furniture dramatically.
Try to keep pets off upholstery and be careful of sharp objects such as belt buckles, toys and watch straps snagging the fabric. If snags occur, carefully cut off the loose ends with scissors or tuck back in. Do not pull them under any circumstances.
Remember light affects the colour of fabrics and leather. Over exposure to sunlight will cause your furniture to fade.
Don’t pull loose threads, you could cause a hole. Trim them off neatly with sharp scissors.
Open and close recliner mechanisms with care. Ensure small children do not swing on them or operate them incorrectly.
Rather than have a ‘favourite seat’, use your whole suite equally. This will keep your furniture looking the same all over and aging as one.
Over time, perspiration and natural oils from our skins and hair can have an affect on the finish of leather. Where hands, bare arms or heads rest on the hide, wipe over regularly with a slightly damp cotton cloth and a mild soap. Do the same with any areas where pets may have rubbed against your furniture.
Heavy perspiration can also affect the long term durability of fabric suites. We strongly recommend you use arm caps and, if necessary, antimacassars to protect your furniture.
Do not leave newspapers lying on your suite. Ink can stain the cover permanently.
Do not sit on light coloured suites, in particular pale leathers, wearing denim jeans or non colour-fast dark clothing. The dye can transfer on to your furniture and cause permanent discoloration.

Leather

Leather cleaning kits are available to purchase in store.

Dining and Bedroom Furniture

You have made an excellent investment in your new cabinet furniture. This simple care guide will help ensure you can enjoy it to the full for many years to come. Please also read, keep and follow any instructions sent by the manufacturer with your delivery.

If you have wooden floors, please use a protective felt on the feet of your new furniture to prevent scratching.
If your furniture appears out of line when it is assembled, check that the floor is level. You may need to contact a local French polisher to adjust legs, feet or hinges to compensate and make it look right. This is more common on uncarpeted floors where there is nothing to cushion against the effect.
Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and only use the products they recommend.
Use a soft lint-free cloth to gently dust your furniture.
Use a clean, very slightly damp cloth to remove finger marks. The use of detergents is not recommended.
We do not recommend the use of silicon or spray polishes. They may leave a residue on the surface of your furniture that affects its appearance.
If your wood furniture has a lacquered easy care finish, daily dusting and the occasional wipe over with a clean, damp cloth followed by a dry duster will keep it looking good.
If your wood furniture has a waxed finish, use good quality natural beeswax and polish along the grain every 3 months. Use a clean duster to buff up and retain the natural beauty of your furniture.
If your wood furniture has an oiled finish you will need to treat it with a suitable oil every 3-4 months. Make sure you dispose of the cloths used safely.
Caring for furniture made from stone or travertine is straight forward. Wipe any marks or spills with a slightly damp cloth and then polish with a soft dry cloth. You may use a few drops of a neutral cleaner, or stone soap (available from hardware stores) or a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water for cleaning. Be gentle with your furniture. Never use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids, scouring powders or cream cleaners which may contain abrasives.

In the event of an accidental spill, blot up the excess immediately. If you have purchased a Homeserve Warranty, contact them for advice on how to deal with it. Do not try to remove the stain with excessive water or detergent. If the cover on your dining chairs is affected, rubbing at the stain will make it worse. Professional cleaning is usually the answer. The same applies to the finish on your furniture; a professional repair is your best solution. For Homeserve policy holders, this will be arranged for you.
Wooden products change colour with exposure to both natural and electric light. Rotate any ornaments to avoid patches of colour where the object has stood. Leave dining tables fully extended if possible, or expose the leaves to light so there are no vast colour differences between them and the table top.
When vacuuming your fabric or suede dining chairs use the soft furnishings attachment and low power. Alternatively use a soft brush to remove dust. If your chairs are covered in leather, give them a wipe over with a damp cotton cloth. If you need to use soap make sure it is very mild and does not contain any harsh detergents.
If you need to replace a light bulb in a cabinet, please disconnect it from the mains first.
Check the stability of tables and chairs regularly. You may, from time to time, need to tighten bolts and other fixings.
If you have any doubts about how to care for your furniture and can’t find your instructions from the manufacturer, please phone your local store for help.

Don’t rock backwards or stand on dining chairs.
Always leave a gap behind wardrobes and wall units to allow air to circulate.
Do not place furniture near heat sources or air conditioning units.
Avoid changes in humidity. If the air is too damp as in steamy kitchen, solid wood will still absorb moisture. Sticking drawers is a common warning sign. If the atmosphere is too dry as in a conservatory, wooden furniture may start to warp, twist and split and joints may open up into unsightly gaps.
Protect furniture from strong prolonged sunlight.
When moving your furniture, lift it carefully. Dragging or pushing it will damage fixings and affect stability. You could scratch your floor, and strain yourself.
When moving stone or travertine tables, always carry the tops on the vertical, never horizontally. Organise help before you start lifting.
We recommend the use of good quality table mats with stone surfaces to protect the surface finish from hot plates and kitchenware.
Wooden furniture is not water or chemical proof or heat resistant. Do not put hot dishes or cups on to any table top or cabinet. Always use an insulated mat for protection. Don’t use a protective cover containing rubber derivatives – it could react with the top coat finish.
Sharp objects such as cutlery and pens can score the surface of your furniture, as can crockery being dragged across the top.
Fit shelves and units according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not overload wooden or glass shelves.
Do not place heavy items on drop down leaves or doors. The hinges are not designed for excessive weight.