Each piece of Cornerstone furniture is created to provide exceptional performance with minimal care. Attention to a few basic points will help you protect your investment.
- Wood Care
- Fabric Care
Wood Care
- Fine wood furniture should not be exposed to extreme heat or humid conditions, such as placing it near a heat outlet or an open window. Try to avoid direct sunlight which may cause certain finishes to fade. Every effort is made to make the finish as fade-proof as possible.
- Humidity levels should be maintained at 30 – 40%, achieved by using a steam humidifier attached to your furnace.
- Do not place plastic, rubber or hot objects directly on a wood finish. Chemicals in plastic and some rubber may soften or discolor the finish if left in contact with the furniture for a long period of time. To avoid these markings, place a strip of felt, leather or cork under accessories.
- Every six months or so, there may be a need or desire for more thorough cleaning of wood furniture than routine dusting. The furniture may be washed with a mild soap intended for that purpose or a furniture cleaning product available in most grocery stores. Following the directions on the product, use a soft cloth and wipe with the grain. A furniture polish may be applied if a little more shine is desired.
- Spilled liquids should be wiped from the surface immediately with a soft, slightly damp cloth, in the direction of the wood grain.
- Remove household dust with a soft, clean cloth, dusting with the grain. The cloth may be dampened with a furniture dusting-aid product, or a furniture care polish may be used. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on the product. Avoid products that leave an oily film on the furniture since they may cause a clouding of the finish and have a tendency to collect dust.
- Avoid using oily polishes or waxes.
- Over time, scratches from normal use may be noticed on furniture. These can be touched up with a scratch remover or special touch-up pens or sticks available at your furniture dealer or at many paint stores.
Fabric Care
Looking after your furniture will maintain the appearance and life of your piece. As all furniture can play an important part of the look and style of your home it is important to understand your upholstery and how to care for your furniture. The most common problem with upholstery is stains and discoloration. Before attempting to remove a stain from your furniture, it is helpful to know what type of fabric the furniture is covered with.
Different upholstery requires different methods when trying to remove or minimize stains and discoloration in the fabric. It is important to understand as much as you can about your selected fabric, make sure you discuss in detail information about your fabric with our sales staff to understand clearly the features of your piece.
Once you understand the type of upholstery you have purchased there are a number of ways of attempting stain removal. Always test any stain removal method in an inconspicuous area before you start other areas.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and only use products they recommend.
- Plump and turn cushions daily. Over time some fillings, including fiber, will lose up to 20% of their original volume through normal wear and tear. Daily plumping will help make them last longer.
- Use the upholstery or drape attachment to vacuum your furniture weekly and reduce the abrasive effect of dust and crumbs.
- Brushing fabric covers can damage the pile and affect its feel and durability.
- Fixed cover fabric suites should be professionally cleaned at least once a year.
- Clean all covers of a loose cover suite at the same time to prevent color variations.
- If you spill something, blot up the excess immediately. Do not use detergents or rub as you could cause permanent damage.
Making It Last
- Do not have your furniture too close to direct heat or air conditioning. It can cause joints to dry out and squeaks and creaks to develop.
- Do not sit on the arms or allow children to jump on your furniture. It will shorten the life span of your furniture dramatically.
- Remember light affects the color of fabrics and leather. Over exposure to sunlight will cause your furniture to fade.
- Don’t pull loose threads, you could cause a hole. Trim them off neatly with sharp scissors.
- Over time, perspiration and natural oils from our skins and hair can have an affect on the finish of leather. Where hands, bare arms or heads rest on the hide, wipe over regularly with a slightly damp cotton cloth and a recommended leather cleaning product. Do the same with any areas where pets may have rubbed against your furniture.
- Heavy perspiration can also affect the long term.
- Do not sit on light colored suites, in particular pale leathers, wearing denim jeans or non color-fast dark clothing. The dye can transfer on to your furniture & cause permanent discoloration.
