Furniture Care + Cleaning Code Guide
Your furniture's delivery is the end of the buying process, but it is the beginning of a new relationship with us and with your contemporary furniture. This guide is meant to help you understand our warranty policies, and how to properly clean and take care of your product.
CollecticHome.com's Warranty Policy
Warranty (IF ANY) VARIES BY PRODUCT! CollecticHome.com fully honors our manufacturers' warranties and acts as warranty claim representative for the products we sell. Please see individual product warranties for details.
Care Guidelines
Ready-to-Assemble Products IMPORTANT: please check and re-tighten ALL fasteners on your furniture after two weeks in use, and periodically thereafter. When moving, avoid dragging or tipping units to prevent strain on connectors. When necessary, partially disassemble the units prior to moving. Please contact our assembly personnel if in doubt.
Wood Surfaces
Clean with a soft cloth using quality products specifically intended for wood. Never spray cleaners directly on the surface. Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water. Please use coasters to protect against heat and dampness.
Metal
Clean with a slightly damp cloth; an automotive pastewax may be applied to glossy outdoor fi nishes. Never use abrasive cleaners.
Chrome
Clean with mild soap and water using a soft cloth. If it has started to rust you can polish it and remove the rust with fine grade steel wool. It takes some pressure, but it will usually clean right off. However, you should not use fine grade steel wool on brushed metal surfaces.
Leather
Use a soft cloth dampened with distilled water and a few drops of a well-diluted neutral soap. Never use alcohol or related products.
Lacquered Surfaces
Use a soft cloth (microfiber or chamois leather is ideal) slightly dampened with warm water. Never use ammonia-based products, detergents or abrasive cleaners. For stubborn stains we recommend careful and moderate use of diluted alcohol or products such as multipurpose Glassex without ammonia, or Vetril. If traces or marks remain after cleaning the furniture, it means that the dirt has not been completely removed, that very aggressive products have been used or that the water is very limy. In this case, we recommend cleaning the surface again carefully and drying it immediately, making sure that the microfiber cloth does not contain any traces of detergent. Always rinse all surfaces thoroughly and dry them immediately, always using a microfiber cloth or chamois leather. Air drying is not recommended. Be careful about the cloth used: it must not contain any traces of detergent.
Upholstery Fabrics Cleaning Codes
• W - Frequent vacuuming or light brushing recommended. Spot clean using foam only from a water-based cleaning agent.
• W-S - Frequent vacuuming or light brushing recommended. Spot clean with a mild solvent, an upholstery shampoo, or the foam only from a mild detergent. Avoid any product which contains Carbon Tetrachloride or other toxic materials. When an overall soiled condition exists, use a professional furniture-cleaning service.
• S - Frequent vacuuming or light brushing recommended. Spot clean with a mild, water-free solvent or drycleaning product. Avoid any product which contains Carbon Tetrachloride or other toxic materials. Pretest small area before proceeding. Use a professional furniture-cleaning service when an overall soiled condition exists.
• X - Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing. Water-based foam cleaners or solvent- based cleaning agents of any kind may cause excessive shrinking, staining or distortion of the surface.
• MW - Machine-washable slipcover. Can be removed from base and washed in appropriate-sized washer. All washable slipcovers can also be taken to a reputable dry cleaner with experience cleaning slipcovers. For more information, see warranty card.
• P - Professional furniture clean only. Upholstered and slipcovered pieces should be cleaned by a professional in-home upholstery cleaning service. Have slipcover cleaned while still on base. Inform cleaning service of cleaning code for the fabric to determine proper treatment.
Rug / Carpet Care + Maintenance Guidelines
Provided the proper care and maintenance is employed, area rugs can offer many years of beauty and enjoyment. If they are not properly cleaned and protected, their natural sheen gradually degrades and their beauty can begin to fade. Their durability cannot be prolonged unless certain required steps are followed towards their maintenance.
A step-by-step guide to protecting & preserving your area rug:
1. Rug + Carpet Care: Preventative Maintenance
Protect your investment before problems occur.
New flooring represents a substantial investment. These proper steps assure that your carpet will stay attractive for years to come.
Place walk-off mats at all entrances: Walk-off mats should be used at the exterior of all entrances to absorb the soil and moisture. They can help trap the excessive dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that would otherwise be tracked into the home. Mats should also be cleaned on a regular basis so that they don't become sources of soil themselves.
Use a quality pad: You should always use a quality pad under your carpet or rug, particularly on stairs. A good carpet pad not only provides better resilience and comfort underfoot, it extends the life of your carpet. As some carpets / rugs carry warranties with specific density and thickness requirements, one should be sure to review the warranty before purchasing the pad.
Occasionally move your heavy furniture: Move heavy furniture periodically in order to avoid excessive pile crushing. You should also use floor protectors designed for carpets and rugs under the legs of tables, chairs, and other furniture to help distribute the weight. Do not use chairs or appliances with rollers or casters without a chair pad designed specifically for carpet which otherwise can cause heavy damage. While moving heavy wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc.), prevent damage by placing a protective barrier of heavy cardboard or plywood between the wheels and the carpet / rug.
Clean your area rugs: If you use area rugs on top of wall-to-wall carpet, be sure to clean them regularly. Clean and restore the pile of the carpet underneath as well. Also, be sure to check area rugs for colorfastness before placing them on carpet because the color in some rugs may bleed through. After cleaning your carpet, allow it to dry completely before replacing rugs.
Reduce long period exposure to direct sunlight: Protect your carpet from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight with the help of blinds, shades, or awnings.
2. Rug + Carpet Care: Vacuuming
The most important step in caring your carpet.
Vacuum your carpet / rug thoroughly and frequently, particularly in high-traffic areas. Realize that walking on soiled carpet and rugs allows the soil particles to work their way below the surface of the pile where they are far more difficult to remove and can damage the carpet fibers. Frequent vacuuming removes these particles from the surface itself before they get trapped underneath.
For rooms with light traffic, vacuum the carpet traffic lanes twice weekly and the entire area once weekly. In areas with heavy traffic, vacuum the carpet traffic lanes daily and the entire area twice weekly. Up to three passes of the machine will suffice for light soiling, but five to seven passes are necessary for heavily soiled areas. Change the vacuuming direction occasionally to help stand the pile upright and reduce matting.
Several essentials should be observed whenever vacuuming your area rug:
Check the quality of your vacuum: A good vacuum cleaner is vital for prolonged beauty and life of your carpet. An inexpensive machine can remove surface dirt but will not effectively remove the hidden dirt and particles embedded in the pile.
Select the best vacuum for your type of carpet: Jaipur Living recommends using vacuums with a rotating brush or combination beater/brush bar that agitates the carpet pile and mechanically loosens soil for removal. Carpet with thick loop pile construction, particularly wool and wool-blend styles, may be sensitive to brushing or rubbing of the pile surface and may become fuzzy. For these products, we recommend a suction-only vacuum or a vacuum with an adjustable brush lifted away from the carpet so that it does not agitate the pile. A vacuum with a beater/brush bar can be tested for excessive fuzzing in an inconspicuous location before regular use.
Pay attention to vacuum bags: Replaceable paper vacuum bags do a better job of trapping small particles than cloth bags. With cloth bags, the particles pass back into the room. High efficiency vacuum bags, also called micro filtration bags, trap even smaller microscopic particles (such as mold and mildew spores and dust mite byproducts) which are often found to be source of allergies. All vacuum bags should be checked often and replaced when half full.
Check the belt and the setting: Make sure the belt is in good condition and that the brush or beater bar rotates when in contact with the carpet. To adjust the vacuum to the correct height setting for the carpet, raise the beater/brush bar to the highest setting and then lower it until it is in enough contact with the pile to slightly vibrate the carpet / rug several inches away from the machine. Do not lower it enough to cause significant slowing of the motor.
Change vacuuming directions: Change the vacuuming direction occasionally to help stand the pile upright and help reduce matting.
3. Rug + Carpet Care: Overall Cleaning
Vacuuming alone won't protect your carpet / rug
Even though vacuuming can remove most soil, it is also necessary to clean your carpet on a regular basis to remove the oily, stickiness that vacuums cannot remove. These result from cooking vapors, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt from outside. The particles of oil and soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of oil layer is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil in them. If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore is easier and more successful. Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the above factors.
What cleaning system should you use?
Choosing the proper cleaning system is important. Some systems may leave residues which accelerates re-soiling and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning. The recommendations below if followed properly will help prolong the time between cleaning.
Jaipur Living recommends the hot water extraction system: Research indicates that the hot water extraction system provides the best capability for cleaning. This system is commonly referred to as ‘steam cleaning,’ although no steam is actually generated. The process consists of spraying a solution of water and detergent into the carpet pile and recovering the water and soil with a powerful vacuum into a holding tank. This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home.
Rely on the professionals or do-it-yourself? It is to your advantage to rely on the experience of a professional carpet cleaner when your rug is in need of a full cleaning. Their equipment has more extraction power than the rental units available to individuals which helps the carpet dry more quickly. Good professionals also know the usage of the equipment better, know the proper cleaning agents for the situation at hand, and recognize the differences in fibers and carpet construction.
Caring for Your Cowhide Rug
Cowhide rugs are hardwearing in most situations.
• Include your cowhide rug, furniture or cushions in your normal cleaning routine. Vacuum or shake rugs and cushions to remove dust and dry small particles or dirt.
• Rotate your rug or move it to a different location from time to time to ensure it wears evenly.
• Cowhides do not like the damp or wet. Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from a room, or place cowhide outside (on a sunny day) underside facing the sun to air. Don’t soak the cowhide or put into the washing machine.
• Brushing hides vigorously with a hard plastic brush is a good way of removing dirt and dust. This helps to keep the hair soft and fluffy. It also straightens the hair follicles and redistributes oils, leaving skins soft and glossy.
• Common spills such as wine, coffee, tea, juice, food, soup, urine and vomit can be treated quite simply. First, immediately soak up excess liquid with a paper towel or sponge. Next remove solid matter with the blunt edge of a knife by scraping gently in the direction of the hair. Then wipe with a damp (but not wet) sponge or cloth using a mild, soapy solution. You can wipe and rub the hair vigorously in any direction. Finally, clean with a damp cloth using a one percent white vinegar / 99 percent water solution (this balances the PH levels).
Bonded Leather Care: How to Clean Bonded Leather
To ensure you get the most life out of your furniture, regular care is a must. Never use any harsh chemicals on bonded leather. They will strip the clear coating from the material. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe any debris from between cushions and to remove body oils and dirt. If the sofa is used heavily, you should thoroughly clean it at least once a week. Use a leather conditioner to help protect and preserve the surface. Never place your bonded leather in direct sunlight. This will cause fading and weakening of the material. The same rule applies to heating vents or fireplaces. The heat will dry the leather and promote peeling. Bonded leather is susceptible to staining, so clean any spills immediately.
Bonded Leather Care: How to Keep Bonded Leather from Peeling
• Clean often to remove body oils and dirt
• Don't use harsh chemicals
• Use leather conditioner to help protect and preserve the surface
• Don't place your leather furniture in direct sunlight