Furniture Care and Maintenance Guide

1. How to use this Guide

This Guide provides general care information for common furniture materials. Always follow a product label, product-specific instruction, care card or written Furnible direction where it differs from this Guide. Test any cleaning method on a hidden area first and stop if colour, sheen, texture or finish changes.

Act quickly and gently: Blot spills rather than rubbing. Use the least aggressive method first. Do not saturate furniture, mix cleaning chemicals or apply an unapproved protector. Professional cleaning is safer when the material, stain or finish is uncertain.

2. General furniture care

• Keep furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight, strong heat sources, air-conditioning outlets and excessive humidity unless designed for those conditions;
• Use clean dry hands when handling pale fabrics, leather, timber, metal and stone;
• Use coasters, placemats, trivets and felt protectors under drinks, hot items, ceramics, decorations and equipment;
• Lift objects instead of dragging them across a surface;
• Clean spills promptly and prevent liquids from pooling in seams, joints, pores or under objects;
• Keep floors level and use suitable glides or protectors. Recheck stability after moving furniture;
• Do not stand, jump or sit on arms, backs, tables, shelves or other parts not designed as seats;
• Do not exceed a disclosed load limit or apply concentrated loads to unsupported areas;
• Keep pets, claws, sharp fasteners, buckles, denim transfer and abrasive clothing away from vulnerable upholstery; and
• Photograph labels and keep order, material and care records for future reference.

3. Routine maintenance schedule

4. Fabric upholstery

4.1 Routine care

• Vacuum using low suction and a clean upholstery attachment. Work along the weave and do not drag a hard nozzle across the fabric;
• Rotate, reverse and plump removable cushions where the construction permits;
• Keep armrests and headrests free from hair products, skin oils, cosmetics and dark fabric dye transfer;
• Trim a loose surface thread carefully only if it is clearly non-structural. Do not pull it; and
• Protect from prolonged sunlight. Even performance fabrics may fade.

4.2 Spills and stains

Remove excess solids with a spoon or blunt edge. Blot liquid with a white absorbent cloth, working from the outside inward. Do not scrub, over-wet, steam or use household detergent unless the product care label specifically permits it.

Cleaning codes and fibre composition matter. Water can leave rings on some fabrics, while solvents can damage others. If the care code is unknown, the fabric is delicate, the stain contains oil, ink, dye, blood, adhesive or chemical cleaner, or the area is large, use a qualified upholstery cleaner.

4.3 Pilling, shading and pile

Pilling can result from normal friction or transferred fibres from clothing and throws. A suitable fabric shaver may be used cautiously on compatible fabrics. Velvet, chenille and pile fabrics can show pressure marks, shading and directional colour changes. Gentle brushing or steaming by a professional may improve appearance, but some movement is inherent.

5. Leather upholstery

5.1 Natural characteristics

Leather can show pores, scars, wrinkles, grain and shade variation. It will stretch, crease and develop patina with use. These characteristics are especially visible in aniline and semi-aniline leathers and are not normally faults.

5.2 Routine care

• Dust with a clean dry or barely damp soft cloth, then dry immediately;
• Vacuum seams carefully with a soft attachment;
• Keep leather away from direct sunlight, radiators, heaters and strong air-conditioning;
• Blot spills immediately. Do not rub or soak the leather;
• Use only a cleaner or conditioner approved for the exact leather type, and test first; and
• Avoid baby wipes, saddle soap, oils, wax, polish, alcohol, disinfectant, detergent, steam and silicone products unless specifically approved.

Dye transfer from denim or dark clothing should be addressed promptly by a leather professional. Body oils and hair products can permanently darken head and arm areas. Protective throws may themselves transfer dye, so test them first.

6. Timber and solid wood

6.1 Environment and movement

Wood responds to temperature and humidity. Small changes in joints, grain, colour and fine checking can occur as seasons change. Maintain a stable indoor environment and avoid placing solid timber directly beside heat, strong air-conditioning or moisture.

6.2 Cleaning and protection

• Dust with a soft dry cloth following the grain;
• For routine marks, use a lightly damp cloth and dry immediately, unless the product instruction says dry-clean only;
• Use coasters and trivets and wipe condensation promptly;
• Do not place hot, wet or rubber-backed items directly on timber;
• Avoid abrasive pads, ammonia, bleach, alcohol, silicone spray, furniture polish and excess oil unless approved for the finish;
• Move decorative items periodically to reduce uneven light exposure; and
• Do not attempt to sand, wax, oil or refinish without confirming the existing finish.

Standing water can penetrate seams and end grain. Plant pots should sit in waterproof trays with airflow beneath. Writing directly on a timber surface can leave impressions; use a pad.

7. Veneer, lacquer and painted finishes

Veneer is real timber cut in a thin layer and requires similar care to solid wood, but sanding or aggressive refinishing can permanently expose the substrate. Lacquer and painted finishes can scratch, chip or soften under heat, solvents and prolonged moisture.

• Use a soft dry or slightly damp cloth and dry immediately;
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, magic erasers, nail-polish remover, alcohol or strong disinfectants;
• Use soft felt pads under objects and avoid rubber or plastic left in long contact; and
• Lift objects rather than sliding them. Do not place hot equipment directly on the finish.

8. Marble, travertine and natural stone

8.1 Natural character

Veining, pores, fissures, pits, filled areas, fossils, mineral deposits, shade differences and surface variation are natural. Stone is durable but can stain, scratch, chip or etch.

8.2 Daily care

• Use coasters, placemats and trivets at all times;
• Blot spills immediately, especially citrus, wine, vinegar, coffee, oil, cosmetics and strongly coloured liquids;
• Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner or a soft cloth dampened with clean water, then dry;
• Avoid vinegar, lemon, bleach, abrasive powders, bathroom cleaner, general-purpose acidic cleaner and scouring pads;
• Do not sit or stand on stone tops or apply load to unsupported edges; and
• Lift objects and protect the surface from metal, ceramic and stone bases.

Sealing may slow absorption but does not make stone stain-proof or etch-proof. The correct sealer and interval depend on the stone and finish. Consult a stone professional before sealing, polishing or treating a stain.

9. Engineered stone, ceramic and sintered surfaces

These materials may be more stain-resistant than natural stone but can still chip at edges, scratch, suffer thermal shock or react to unsuitable chemicals. Use trivets, cutting boards and soft non-abrasive cleaners. Do not assume a surface is heat-proof merely because it is marketed as heat-resistant.

10. Metal finishes

10.1 Stainless steel and polished metal

• Wipe with a soft cloth; for stainless steel, follow the grain where visible;
• Remove fingerprints with a product approved for the finish, then buff dry;
• Avoid steel wool, abrasive powders, chlorine, salt residue and prolonged moisture; and
• Keep dissimilar wet metals from prolonged contact to reduce corrosion or marking.

10.2 Powder coat, plated and patinated finishes

Use a soft damp cloth and mild pH-neutral solution only where needed, then dry. Abrasives and polish can change sheen or remove plating and intentional patina. Small variations in patinated or hand-applied finishes are expected.

11. Glass and mirrors

• Use a clean lint-free cloth and a non-abrasive glass cleaner applied to the cloth rather than sprayed onto edges, frames or backing;
• Avoid impacts, thermal shock and concentrated pressure near edges or drilled openings;
• Do not sit or stand on a glass surface;
• Keep mirror edges and backing dry; moisture and chemicals can cause desilvering; and
• Use professional assistance for large panels, wall-mounted mirrors or chipped glass.

Stop using cracked, deeply chipped or unstable glass and keep people away until it is safely assessed.

12. Rugs and textile floor coverings

12.1 Placement and routine care

• Use a suitable non-staining rug pad to reduce movement and wear;
• Vacuum with suction appropriate to the pile. Avoid rotating beater bars on delicate, high-pile, hand-knotted, silk or fringed rugs;
• Rotate periodically to balance traffic and light exposure;
• Keep rugs dry and allow airflow. Do not place on a damp floor;
• Trim loose surface fibre only where safe; never pull a yarn; and
• Expect initial shedding from many wool rugs and directional shading from pile.

12.2 Spills and professional cleaning

Blot immediately using a white absorbent cloth. Do not rub, flood or apply a household carpet chemical without confirming fibre compatibility. Silk, viscose, wool, hand-knotted and heavily stained rugs should be handled by a specialist experienced with that construction. Clean the rug and pad according to professional advice and dry completely before relaying.

13. Cushion interiors and mechanisms

13.1 Foam, fibre, feather and down

• Plump and redistribute fillings from the centre toward corners;
• Rotate and swap cushions where sizes and construction allow;
• Allow compressed or newly unpacked cushions time to recover;
• Avoid repeatedly sitting on the same edge or arm; and
• Keep feather and down dry. Follow any care label for removable covers.

13.2 Recliners, swivels and moving hardware

Keep hands, clothing, children and pets clear of moving parts. Operate mechanisms while seated or positioned as instructed. Do not force a mechanism, exceed a load, sit on an extended footrest or allow cables to become trapped. Stop use if there is unusual movement, noise, heat, fraying or instability and contact Furnible.

14. Outdoor and semi-outdoor products

Only use a product outdoors if it is expressly sold for outdoor use. Outdoor suitability does not mean maintenance-free or weather-proof. Climate, salt, pollution, rain, freezing, heat and UV exposure can materially shorten service life.

• Use covers that allow ventilation and do not trap moisture;
• Store cushions dry and under cover during prolonged rain or non-use;
• Clean salt, dust, leaves, bird droppings and pollutants promptly;
• Drain and dry furniture after rain and keep drainage holes clear;
• Tighten approved hardware periodically; and
• Store or secure furniture during storms, strong wind, snow or extreme weather.

Timber oils, metal treatments and fabric protectors must be suitable for the exact product. Ask Furnible before treatment if uncertain.

15. Lighting and electrical products

• Use the voltage, frequency, bulb type and wattage stated on the product or order;
• Installation, hardwiring, wall mounting and electrical work must be completed by a qualified person where required;
• Switch off and disconnect power before cleaning or replacing a bulb;
• Keep liquids and damp cloths away from sockets, drivers, switches and electrical joints;
• Do not use a damaged cord, plug, socket, driver or fitting; and
• Stop use immediately if there is overheating, burning smell, flickering, exposed wiring or unusual noise.

Electrical requirements and certifications vary by location. The customer and installer are responsible for confirming local installation requirements unless Furnible has expressly agreed to provide that professional service.

16. Moving, unpacking and storage

• Use enough trained people and suitable equipment for the weight and shape;
• Lift from structural points, not arms, cushions, tabletops, doors, drawers, electrical cords or decorative elements;
• Remove loose shelves, drawers and cushions before moving where safe;
• Protect corners and surfaces with clean breathable material. Do not tape directly to a finish;
• Keep products upright where indicated and do not stack unless packaging is designed for it;
• Store in a clean, dry, ventilated, climate-stable place off the floor; and
• Re-level and inspect the product after relocation.

Retain protective packaging until the product has been fully inspected after delivery. Timber crates can contain nails, screws and splinters; use appropriate tools and personal protection.

17. Assembly and installation

Follow supplied instructions and use the specified hardware. Do not substitute fixings without professional confirmation. Large, tall, wall-mounted, stone, glass, bunk, shelving and electrical products may require professional installation and anchoring appropriate to the wall, floor and local building conditions.

Periodically check accessible bolts, connectors and anti-tip restraints, especially after moving. Stop using a product that is unstable, cracked, loose or inadequately anchored.

18. Children, pets and household safety

• Anchor furniture where an anti-tip risk exists and local guidance or the product instructions require it;
• Do not allow climbing, hanging, jumping or play on drawers, shelves, tables, backs or mechanisms;
• Keep small parts, packing materials, cords and moving mechanisms away from children and pets;
• Use window-covering and electrical cords safely and keep them secured; and
• Address sharp damage, broken glass, exposed staples, unstable legs and electrical faults immediately.

19. Professional service and repair

Use a qualified professional familiar with the exact material or product. Unauthorised repairs, sanding, dyeing, reupholstery, stone treatment, electrical work or structural modification can cause permanent damage and may affect voluntary warranty coverage to the extent it causes or worsens a problem.

Before authorising work connected with a possible defect, contact Furnible and preserve photographs, video, removed parts and written findings. Emergency action reasonably necessary to protect safety or property should not be delayed solely to obtain approval.

20. Care and warranty

Normal maintenance is the owner’s responsibility. Failure to follow care instructions may affect the voluntary warranty only to the extent that it caused or contributed to the claimed issue. It does not remove statutory rights for an unrelated defect.

Natural variation, ordinary wear and material ageing are explained in the Three-Year Limited Warranty Policy. Contact Furnible promptly if you observe structural movement, abnormal collapse, electrical risk, unsafe glass or another issue that may worsen with continued use.

21. Contact

For product-specific care guidance, email sales@furnible.com or message +852 800 938 241 with the order number, product name, material and clear photographs. Do not send a product to the registered office without written authorisation.