care + maintenance

care + maintenance

Your furniture has found its place in your home, bringing both style and quality to your space. To keep it looking its best for years to come, proper care and maintenance are key. Here’s how you can preserve its beauty and longevity.

  • Everyday Care

    • Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment.

    • Keep out of direct sunlight.

    • Rotate/fluff cushions to extend life.

    • Lift to move—never drag.

    • Keep 12″ from heat/AC vents.

    Fabrics

    • W: Water-based cleaner/shampoo.

    • S: Solvent/dry clean only.

    • W-S: Water- or solvent-based cleaners.

    • X: Vacuum/brush only.

    • PW: Machine-wash slipcovers, gentle/low heat.

    • Blot spills immediately; use distilled water if needed.

    • Remove pilling with a fabric shaver.

    Leather

    • Condition every 6–12 months.

    • Wipe spills immediately; grease dissipates naturally.

    • Never use soap, solvents, oils, or abrasives.

    • Buff light scratches with a chamois.

    • Store in a cool, dry place—never plastic.

  • Everyday Care

    • Dust regularly with a soft cloth (follow the grain).

    • Clean with mild soap & water; dry immediately.

    • Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading or darkening.

    • Maintain humidity between 25–50% to avoid cracking or warping.

    • Always lift to move—never drag.

    Surface Protection

    • Use coasters, hot pads, and placemats.

    • For dining tables, use pads with felt backing.

    • For desks, use a blotter or desk pad.

    • Lift objects when dusting—don’t slide.

    Finishes

    • Solid Wood: Ages beautifully; scratches can be repaired.

    • Veneer: Stable and design-friendly; use care with scratches.

    • High Gloss: Dust only; avoid glass cleaners or sprays.

    • Reclaimed Wood: Wipe with damp cloth; avoid oil- or wax-based cleaners.

    Common Woods

    • Cherry: Darkens to rich reddish-brown with age.

    • Maple: Dense and durable; ages to warm yellow.

    • Walnut: Gray to dark brown; develops rich patina.

    • Oak: Strong and resistant; white oak popular in modern design.

  • Everyday Care

    • Use coasters, mats, and trivets under glasses, plates, and hot foods.

    • Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains.

    • Clean with lukewarm water; dry with a soft cloth.

    • Wash occasionally with mild dish soap and water; rinse and dry.

    • Avoid vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.

    Protection

    • Apply a light coat of clear paste wax (avoid on pure white marble).

    • Use marble cleaners/polishes to restore dull surfaces.

    • Severely scratched or etched stone may need professional polishing.

    Stains

    • Organic (coffee, tea, soda): Poultice with peroxide + a few drops of ammonia.

    • Oil (butter, lotion): Apply cornstarch, then clean with hot soapy water; for stubborn stains use acetone or dry-cleaning solvent (with ventilation).

    • Rust: Use rust removers sparingly; follow directions carefully.

    • Acid (fruit juice, soda): Wipe up immediately; dull spots may require waxing or polishing.

    Natural Stone

    • Dust/sweep regularly to prevent scratches.

    • Clean with warm water and a soft cloth or mop.

    • Use neutral stone cleaners as needed.

  • Everyday Care

    • Use placemats, coasters, trivets, and desk pads to prevent scratches.

    • Never drag items across glass.

    • Avoid “heavy landings” with dishes or objects.

    • Keep glass away from extreme heat to prevent cracking.

    Cleaning

    • Use glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol with a soft, lint-free cloth (newsprint also works well).

    • For frosted glass: clean the smooth side like clear glass; for textured underside, use rubbing alcohol, let dry, then brush off lint.

    • For colored glass: clean only the slick surface; if needed, use water on a soft cloth very gently. Stop if color lifts.

    Repairs

    • Minor scratches may be buffed out by a professional glass shop.

  • Everyday Care

    • Place doormats to reduce tracked-in dirt.

    • Vacuum regularly (without beater bar for deep shags).

    • Use rug pads to prevent slipping, protect floors, and reduce wear.

    • Rotate rugs occasionally for even wear.

    Protection

    • Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

    • Pilling is normal (especially first 6–12 months); just vacuum it away.

    Cleaning

    • Know your rug’s fiber content—wool, nylon, sisal, jute, etc.—before applying cleaners.

    • Blot spills immediately (don’t rub). For food spills, scrape away excess first.

    • Follow vendor’s care instructions or search fiber-specific cleaning guides.

  • Everyday Cleaning

    • Wipe with mild soap and water.

    • Avoid bleach, ammonia, abrasives, or citrus-based cleaners (too harsh).

    • Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining.

    Maintenance

    • Re-wax within 2 months of installation, then every 3–6 months (more often outdoors).

    • Cover and elevate outdoor pieces before winter.

    • Use felt/rubber pads under objects to prevent marks.

    • Always use trivets under hot items.

    • Avoid adhesives like painter’s tape.

    Stain Prevention

    • Wax provides protection, but oils and acids can penetrate if left too long.

    • Bath oils are especially harmful—avoid contact.

    • Expect some rings and patina with use; this adds character.

    Natural Characteristics

    • Minor hairline cracks may appear over time; seal with wax to prevent moisture damage.

    • Unglazed ceramics (like terracotta) can draw moisture—use pads underneath.

  • Assembly

    • Check all parts before discarding packaging.

    • Read instructions fully before starting.

    • Keep directions for future bulb replacement or disassembly.

    Bulbs

    • Note the correct bulb type when assembling. Keep a spare on hand.

    • Incandescent: Warm light, inexpensive, least energy-efficient.

    • Halogen: Bright, long-lasting, closest to natural light. Handle only with tissue/gloves.

    • Fluorescent: Energy-efficient, long life, cooler/blue tone.

    Safety & Maintenance

    • Dust fixtures and bulbs regularly (only when cool).

    • Never exceed the recommended bulb wattage.

    • Don’t change bulbs with wet hands.

    • Handle plugs—not cords—when unplugging.

    • Keep lamps away from flammable materials.

    • For hardwired fixtures/fans, hire a licensed electrician.

  • Before You Start

    • Ensure all boxes fit in your vehicle and are secured for transport.

    • Assemble in the room where the furniture will stay.

    • Open one box at a time and take inventory of parts.

    Assembly Tips

    • Enlist help for heavy or bulky pieces.

    • Read instructions completely before starting and keep them for reference.

    • Use glue where directed; clean excess immediately.

    • Use the recommended tools; tighten screws by hand for final adjustments.

    • Insert wooden dowels gently; wait to fully tighten bolts until the unit is assembled.

    • Ensure back panels are square before securing; this improves structural stability.

    If Needed

    • If you cannot finish assembly, contact your Houseworks salesperson for professional assistance (service and delivery fees may apply).