KEEPING YOUR FURNITURE BEAUTIFUL
Quality furniture is a significant investment expected to last for years on end. To maintain its beauty & help it last, furniture needs the right care, as no finish is totally indestructible. However, with regular care, the finish will last much longer, providing years of enjoyment to you.
TIPS TO PROTECT & CARE FOR YOUR FURNITURE
- 1. Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight, as sunlight causes fading.
- 2. Avoid extreme changes in temperature by arranging furniture away from radiators, heat & air vents, & air conditioning units.
- 3. Avoid placing plastic or rubber materials (lamp bases, notebooks, placemats, etc.) on you furniture, as certain plastics contain ingredients that may damage the finish.
- 4. Periodically rotate accessories on furniture so they do not sit in the same spot all the time.
- 5. Use pads, cloth or felt to protect the furniture surface from plastic, rubber, hot dishes beverages, bookends, flowerpots, & vases.
- 6. Clean up spills immediately, using a blotting rather than wiping action, as water left over a long period of time will cause white spots in the finish. Alcohol, perfume, after-shave & medications can cause severe finish damage.
- 7. Use a protective pad when writing on the furniture surface.
- 8. Lift & place objects rather than dragging them across the furniture surface.
- 9. Avoid placing furniture directly under windows.
- 10. Use cutting boards and trivets for food preparation in order to avoid damaging the top for the unit.
RESIN WICKER FURNITURE CARE
Regular cleaning is recommended for wicker, as it generally cannot endure harsh or abrasive treatments. This also minimizes mildew buildup. To remove dirt and debris, vacuum with a dust brush attachment or use a dry paintbrush. Clean with a mild soap solution, scrub with a sponge, rinse with cold water and dry completely. Avoid sitting on the wicker when still damp, which can cause wicker to sag. If wicker furniture is caught during a sudden rain storm, please make sure to drain any water that may have accumulated inside the frame and dry completely. Please always cover the furniture when not in use, and store properly during inclement weather and the winter/rainy seasons.
METAL FURNITURE CARE
Because most metals, except aluminum, are subject to rust, metal furniture is usually finished with layers of clear varnish, paint, or a durable powder coating. To clean, use a mild soap solution, scrub, rinse and dry. On outdoor furniture, make sure to drain any water that may accumulate inside the frames after rinsing. After cleaning, apply a coat of quality liquid or paste wax with a lint-free cloth. Use a silicone spray to lubricate swivels and glides on chairs. If metal outdoor furniture is caught during a sudden rain storm, please make sure to drain any water that may have accumulated inside the frame and dry completely. Please always cover the furniture when not in use, and store properly during inclement weather and the winter/rainy seasons. On indoor furniture, do not use abrasives or products such as Brasso © as this may lead to the accidental removal of antique finishes and also to staining or damage to surrounding areas of fabric (IE Bed Buttons).
WOOD FURNITURE CARE
We recommend dusting frequently with a clean, soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Wipe spills immediately with a clean cloth. Clean the surface by rubbing in the direction of the grain and wipe dry. We recommend polishing your furniture approximately every six months with Guardsman Furniture Polish © or any furniture polish. We do not recommend the use of aerosol-powered cleaners, polishes that contain silicone, waxes, abrasives, or are oil based.
WOOD/BUTCHER BLOCK CARE
For best results, clean top surfaces with damp cloth and mild detergent. Towel it off to remove excess moisture. Do not use abrasives or powder cleansers. Do not allow moisture to stand on the surface for prolonged periods of time.
FABRIC MATERIALS CARE
Prevent stains by removing crumbs, dust, dirt, and debris. To remove dirt and debris, vacuum with a dust-brush attachment. Clean spills immediately! For Linen – If the linen item is removable, place the item in a clean sink or tub with cool water and a mild detergent. Gently agitate the linen items, then remove from the soapy water. Rinse with cool water and hang dry. If not removable, then spot clean by dabbing with solution of cool water and a mild detergent on a soft non abrasive cloth. For Microfiber - If the microfiber item is removable, machine wash in cold water with mild detergent. No fabric softeners as they will clog the open spaces in the microfiber, making the fabric useless. Avoid washing with cotton items because the microfiber will grab on to the lint. If not removable, then spray the area lightly with a water-based solution; using a soft cloth and a blotting motion to remove the stain. Fully air dry.
OUTDOOR CUSHION CARE
Our cushions are made from a high density polyester foam, and the covers are made from a moisture resistant polyester blend. This does not mean they are waterproof! We do not recommend leaving cushions out in inclement weather, and if cushions become wet, please dry them immediately by removing the cushion from the cover so they can dry separately. Wring out any excess moisture before drying. Air dry only! Cushion covers are machine washable (gentlest cycle with like colors and cold water), and we recommend separating the cushion cover from the core for any cleaning purposes. Cushions should be stored and covered when not in use to protect them from rain, sunlight, and other staining agents.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE STORAGE
We highly recommend storing any outdoor furniture during the winter/rainy seasons. Before storing your furniture, please ensure all moisture collected in the frame tubes has been drained and wipe dry. When outdoor furniture is not in use, we recommend covering all the furniture to protect it against the elements. If outdoor furniture is caught during a sudden rain storm, please make sure to drain any water that may have accumulated inside the frame and wipe dry.
OUTDOOR COVER CARE
Our covers are made from heavy gauge and reinforced vinyl making them waterproof. We recommend hand washing in lukewarm water and allowing to fully air dry before reusing or storing. We do not recommend using a washing machine or soaps and detergents as it may destroy the protective coatings. Remove the covers periodically to check for moisture build-up.
COASTAL CUSTOMERS
Due to the corrosive nature of salt, extra care must be taken due to the higher salinity in the air as well as the possibility of direct contact from sea spray. Keep outdoor metal/wicker furniture covered when not in use, and rinse with fresh water on a regular basis to prevent salt accumulation. Make sure to drain any water that may accumulate inside the frames after rinsing. Additional protection in the form of protective transparent sealer is recommended as well.