Use and Care Manual
[Pg. 3] Version 5.1
KEEPING YOUR FURNITURE BEAUTIFUL
Quality furniture is a significant investment expected to last for years on end. To maintain its beauty and help it last, furniture needs the right
care. No finish is totally indestructible. But with regular care, the finish and materials will last much longer, providing years of enjoyment.
Tips to Protect and Care for Your Furniture
1. Avoid placing your furniture directly under windows, or in direct sunlight, as sunlight causes fading.
2. Avoid extreme changes in temperature by arranging furniture away from radiators, heat and air vents and air conditioning unit s.
3. Avoid placing plastic, adhesives or rubber materials (lamp bases, notebooks, placemats, etc.) on your 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 an d vases
and use a protective pad when writing on the furniture surface.
6. On Kitchen Carts and Islands, specifically, use cutting boards and trivets for food preparation in order to avoid damaging the top for
the unit.
7. Clean up spills immediately. Use a blotting rather than a wiping action. Water left over a long period of time will cause whi te spots in
the finish. Alcohol, perfume, after-shave and certain medications can cause severe finish damage.
8. Lift and place objects rather than dragging them across the furniture surface.
Wood Furniture Care: We recommend dusting frequently with a clean, soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Clean the surface by rubbing in the
direction of the grain. We recommend polishing your furniture approximately every six months, using a clean, soft, lint -free cloth and
rubbing the polish in the direction of the grain. Guardsman Furniture Polish © or any furniture polish that doesn't contain silicone is
recommended.
Leather Furniture Care: Wipe spills immediately with clean cloth or sponge. For spots or stains and daily cleaning, cl ean with mild
non-detergent soap. Rinse well, gently wipe off, and allow to air dry. Regarding Cleaning Butter, Oil or Grease for Leather; Wipe leather
with a clean cloth, and leave alone. The oil will be absorbed by the leather. DO NOT APPLY WATER. Also, do not use saddle soap,
cleaning solvents, furniture polish, oils, varnish, abrasive cleaners, ammonia or any other type of chemical solution.
Granite Care: Our granite is not sealed, so you may want to apply an over-the-counter sealant, which will provide a small amount of
surface protection, but we still recommend cleaning spills promptly. Use a slightly damp cloth to clean as needed. Wipe dry. We also do
not recommend using abrasive cleaners, chemical solvents, strong detergents, cleaners with bleach, and furniture polish. Be sure to
use trivets, coasters, placemats, and adhesive felt pads to help prevent scratches.
Stainless Steel Care: Stainless Steel tops should always arrive unblemished. Depending on usage, overtime you will begin to notice
that your stainless steel may develop a sheen (often light bronze or copper green in color). This is called a ‘patina’ and is completely
normal. This is the distressed and vintage look of metals from the natural process of oxidation, regular use, and exposure to
environment. It will vary depending on these factors and is not a defect of the material. To clean, avoid using harsh abrasiv es unless
absolutely necessary as this will lead to excessive scratching of the surface. Generally a solution of vinegar and water or household
streak free window cleaner is sufficient along with a soft cloth or paper towel. Spray your top lightly with vinegar/water or window
cleaner and rub in the direction of the grain of the metal finish until clean.
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, and rinse. Avoid sitting on the wicker when still damp, which can cause w icker to
sag. Please always cover the furniture when not in use, and store properly during inclement wea ther and the winter/rainy seasons. If
wicker furniture is caught during a sudden rain storm, please make sure to drain any water that may have accumulated inside t he
frame.
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. Use a mild soap solution, and scrub, rinse, and dry. Do not use products s uch 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). 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 auto 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 t hat may have accumulated
inside the frame.