Furniture Care Tips

Fine home furnishings are designed and crafted for lasting enjoyment. As with any quality product, care and maintenance are critical to ensuring that longevity. The following are recommendations for the various materials and finishes in the product assortment, across all brands.

FURNITURE, STONE, AND METAL CARE

  • Dust with a clean microfiber or lint-free cloth, rubbing with the grain direction
  • Avoid using furniture waxes, polishes or oils that can build up on surfaces
  • Clean surfaces with mild soap and water solution, drying immediately afterward
  • Wipe up spills or smudges immediately
  • Protect surfaces from scratches using felt pads, placemats or tablecloths
  • Never set drinks or liquids directly on surfaces
  • Do not leave plastic or rubber materials on surfaces
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources
  • Avoid contact with hot dishes or objects
  • Avoid contact with solvents like nail polish remover or alcohol
  • Do not use cleaners on metal, brass or stone items

Casters: The standard casters on upholstered chairs are designed for use on carpeted, porcelain, ceramic or stone surfaces. Most hardwood and vinyl floors have a softer surface which may cause casters to leave tracking marks. In cases where the chairs are used directly on hardwood flooring, engineered flooring or vinyl surfaces, the standard casters should be replaced with hardwood-safe casters.

FABRIC AND LEATHER UPHOLSTERY CARE

  • Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight or near a heat source
  • Vacuum furniture to prevent the accumulation of dust or debris
  • Flip cushions and pillows regularly to keep filling equally distributed
  • Fluff pillows after use to maintain shape
  • Never remove cushion covers for cleaning
  • Never put cushion covers into a washer or dryer
  • All fabrics and leathers have specific cleaning codes
  • Use a professional cleaning service whenever possible
  • Allowing pets on upholstery will void the fabric warranty

FABRIC CARE

Fabrics are classified into one of four categories for the purpose of care and cleaning. This code is noted on each fabric swatch. Cleaning methods are suggested by the fabric manufacturer. The brands we carry are not responsible for a failure to clean using these methods. It is always recommended to contact a cleaning professional for best results.

W– Clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not saturate. Do not use solvents to spot clean. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance.

S – Clean only with dry-cleaning solvent. Do not saturate. Do not use water. Pile fabric may require brushing to restore appearance.

SW – Clean with shampoo or dry-cleaning solvents as desired. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance.

X – Do not clean with either water or solvent-based cleaner. Use vacuuming or light brushing only.

LEATHER CARE

Leather is classified into one of three categories – Aniline, Semi-Aniline, or Protected. Leather samples are marked with the corresponding first initial indicating the suggested cleaning code.

General Care:

  • Protect from sunlight, as exposure over time will cause fading.
  • Always maintain at least two feet of space between leather furniture and any heating source, such as vents or radiators. This helps prevent the leather from drying out over time.
  • To remove accumulated surface dust, vacuum or wipe with a clean white cloth on a regular basis.
  • For oil, butter, or grease stains, absorb any excess with a clean dry cloth. Then leave the stain alone. If it does not dissipate completely, it will become part of the leather’s unique characteristics.
  • Never use saddle soaps, cleaning solvents, furniture polish, oils, varnish, abrasive cleaners, detergents, or ammonia on upholstery leather. Lexington leathers have been permanently preserved during the tanning process and require only simple cleaning. Harsh chemicals may alter or damage leather.

A – Aniline leathers wear well but are susceptible to staining. They will fade over the years if exposed to direct sunlight. For the treatment of oily spills, see above. For non-oil-based spills, blot immediately with a dry, soft, white cloth. If the spill has penetrated the leather, dampen the cloth with lukewarm distilled water and gently massage the stain and surrounding area. Allow it to air dry.

SA – Semi-aniline leathers can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Since this leather has a natural/translucent protective coating applied, it will be easier to clean than pure aniline, but we encourage addressing sooner than later to prevent penetration. For the treatment of oily spills, see “General Maintenance” above. For non-oil-based spills, think a 1:3 ratio of mild soap to water. Use a soft white cloth to blot dry.

P – Protected leathers are easy to clean. For the treatment of oily spills, see above. For non-oil-based spills, blot immediately with a dry, soft, white cloth. If the spill has penetrated the leather, dampen the cloth with distilled water and gently massage the stain and the surrounding area. Gently blot dry with a clean white cloth. Allow it to air dry.

Rugs

100% WOOL

Blot stains right away. To clean, use a mild soap mixed with equal parts white vinegar and water. It is normal for new wool rugs to shed. Vacuum on a regular basis with the beater bar off; shedding will reduce over time. Periodic professional cleaning is recommended.

VISCOSE / VISCOSE BLEND

Blot stains right away. Professional cleaning is recommended for stain removal or periodic cleaning care. Vacuum with beater bar off.

Note: Viscose rugs should not be placed in areas with heavy traffic or moisture.

SARI SILK, SILK, & TENCEL

Blot stains right away. Professional cleaning is recommended for stain removal or periodic cleaning care. Vacuum with the beater bar off. Periodic professional cleaning is recommended.

Note: These recycled silk, silk, or cellulose-based fibers are delicate and should not be placed in areas with heavy traffic or moisture.

100% COTTON

Blot stains right away. Use a dry-cleaning powder to clean large cotton rugs. Check the labels for small cotton rugs to see if they can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Vacuum on a regular basis with the beater bar off.

POLYESTER, POLYPROPYLENE, & PET

Blot stains right away. To clean, use a mild soap mixed with equal parts white vinegar and water. Vacuum on a regular basis with the beater bar off.

Note: For indoor/outdoor rugs containing these materials, clean or remove stains by using soap or detergent and rinsing with clean water or a garden hose. Allow time for water to drain and rug to dry before laying rug out.

ACRYLIC

Blot stains right away. To clean, use a mild soap mixed with equal parts white vinegar and water. Vacuum on a regular basis with the beater bar off. Periodic professional cleaning is recommended.

SHAGS (Synthetic or Wool)

For smaller sizes, shake rug to loosen dirt and dust that can build up within higher pile. Use hand-held or upholstery attachment to vacuum shag rugs.

NATURAL FIBERS

Blot stains right away. To clean, use mild soapy water and blot dry. Use fan or dryer to speed up the drying process—natural materials should not be exposed to too much moisture. Vacuum on a regular basis with the beater bar off, occasionally vacuuming under the rug to remove dirt and dust that can sift through the weave onto the floor.

Note: Sprouts, or stray tufts/loops, on natural rugs are normal; trim with scissors to remove.