Furniture Care Tips
Download the PDFWood Tips:
- Always use hot pads under warm dishes on wood surfaces. Warm dishes, pans, or serving plates can cause moisture to pass through the finish of a wood surface, leaving a milky, cloudy, and hazy appearance
- Plastic, vinyl, and rubber products placed directly on finished wood surfaces may cause severe finish damage. The plasticizer found in these materials may migrate into the finish causing permanent damage to the finish. Use felt, bumpers, or cork pads under items. Linen table cloths and placemats should be used in place of vinyl products to prevent plasticizer migration.
- Take special care to use coasters under drinking glasses to prevent water rings, finish lifting, cracking, and peeling. Woods such as oak have porous, open grain lines that can be wide and deep making them more susceptible to moisture damage.
- Repair dents and scratches in wood finishes as soon as possible. Areas where the finish is worn off may become vulnerable to further in-depth damage and soiling if left unattended for too long.
- Exposure to direct sunlight and heat causes fading and excessive discoloration. To prevent over exposure, place your furniture 2-3 feet away from direct sunlight or any heat source (such as a fireplace or heating vent). This can be particularly noticeable in tables with detachable or removable leaves that are only occasionally used.
- Most Nitrocellulose Lacquer formulations will only pass a 6 lb. to 8 lb. print test. It is important not use extremely heavy accessories on finished wood surfaces.
- A significant number of furniture polishes on the market today contain wax or silicone. Silicone is a type of polymer used in most household furniture polishes as a lubricant and water repellent. Unfortunately it penetrates the coating and softens it, as well as making it cloudy, hazy and sometimes sticky. After repeated applications silicone can build-up much like wax does and be very difficult to remove without damaging the finish.
- Dust weekly between polish applications
- Polish furniture monthly with wax free and silicone free polish
- Apply polish in direction of wood grain
- Use Guardsman Wood Cleaner to remove smudges, grease and smoke residue
Fabric Tips:
- Cleaning codes are used to identify the appropriate cleaning method of fabric upholstery. Before attempting to clean any fabric, always check the manufacturer’s preferred method of cleaning. Pre-test a small hidden area on the item before applying the cleaner to the entire piece.
- Vacuum and dust frequently
- Blot spills with soft cloth; do not rub
- Know fabric type; as different fabrics require specific cleaning products
Fabric Cleaning Codes:
| Cleaning Code | "W" | "S" | "WS" or "SW" | "X" |
| General Maintenance | Vacuum or brush frequently | Vacuum or brush frequently | Vacuum or brush frequently | Vacuum or light brushing |
| Spot Cleaning | Spot clean using a water-based cleaning agent. | Spot clean using a water-free solvent-based cleaning agent. | Spot clean using a mild solvent, upholstery shampoo, or mild detergent. | Water-based & solvent cleaners may cause discoloration, fading or distortion of the fabric. See recommendation from the manufacturer. |
Leather Tips:
- Dust frequently
- Protect from stains with Guardsman Leather Protector Wipes
- Clean with Guardsman Leather Clean and Renew Wipes
- Know leather type; different leathers require specific cleaning products
Leather Types:
Aniline
- Colored only with transparent dyes
- Naturally porous and easily stained
- Does not have a protective coating
- Protect it with Guardsman Nubuck Protector to prevent stains from absorbing into it
Waxed Pull-Up
- Aniline leather that has been treated on the surface with a special wax or oil
- These leathers develop a distressed look over time
- Can be rejuvenated with an application of Pro Series Waxed Leather Conditioner
Buffed
- Aniline leather that has been buffed or sanded on the surface producing a very soft velvety feel
- Very absorbent
- To prevent staining use Guardsman Nubuck Protector
Semi-Aniline
- Aniline leather with a very light coat of opaque finish
- The natural pores are not completely filled
Finished
- Aniline or buffed leather that has a heavy topcoat
- The leather’s natural pores are completely sealed
- Pro Series Finished Leather Cleaner is specially formulated and pH balanced to clean but not damage finished leather
General Maintenance Tips for you Furniture
- To limit the fading effects of ultra violet rays (UV), furniture should not be placed in direct sunlight. Blinds, curtains, and Guardsman UV Polish help protect wood furniture from UV rays.
- Extreme humidity may cause warping or joint failure in furniture and frames. Furniture should be placed in moderate temperatures (60°- 80° F) and moderate humidity (30% - 60% RH). To avoid damage, furniture should not be placed in attics, next to fireplaces or near heating vents.
- Heavy accessories may cause distortion to the top of the furniture finish. Use cork or felt pads under accessories, not rubber or plastic. Lift objects rather than dragging them across the furniture surface. Rotate objects several times a year.
- To limit damage to wood finishes do not use vinyl or plastic tablecloths or placemats. Cloth place mats should not be left on furniture for extended periods of time.
- To maintain the appearance of fabric and leatherrotate removable, reversible cushions routinely. Doing this will help maintain the appearance of the fabric and resiliency of the foam core.
- Follow manufacturers cleaning recommendations. Use the proper cleaning products on your furniture. Pretest all products in an inconspicuous area before using.
