Fabric Care & Cleaning

Cleaning
All of our furniture fabrics carry the furniture industry's cleanability code adopted in 1969. It gives information about the proper methods to clean specific fabrics. Each product in our catalog lists the specific cleaning code for that particular fabric or leather. When spot cleaning, pre-test fabric for discoloration and/or shrinkage on an inconspicuous part of the furniture. When overall cleaning is required, professional cleaning will often achieve the most satisfactory results. Never remove cushion covers or arm caps for separate cleaning. This may destroy the backing or cause shrinking and color changes. 


Leather Care And Cleaning - Leather Types

Cover Cleaning Codes and Specific Recommendations: 

Cleaning Code = W
Code W stands for 'Water-based cleaner' and these are the easiest fabrics to clean. This is not the same as being machine washable, however. This code means that you can spot clean your fabric with a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. You can use a brush to agitate the cleaner or even an upholstery attachment on a carpet cleaner. Be careful to avoid over-wetting the stain. 

Cleaning Code = S
Fabrics that are Code S must be cleaned with solvents (dry clean only). You can spot-treat stains with a water-free solvent or dry-cleaning product. Use solvent cleaners in a well-ventilated room and keep away from open flames. Avoid using cleaning products containing carbon tetrachloride, as it is highly toxic. 

Cleaning Code = WS
A WS code, as you might expect, means that a combination of dry cleaning solvents and water-based cleaners may be used. These fabrics can be spot cleaned with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry cleaning solvent. This is a case where the pre-test is especially important. For overall dirt, call a professional to clean these fabrics. 

Cleaning Code = X
If you have fabrics with Code X, they can only be cleaned by vacuuming or light brushing. A Code X means the fabric is not cleanable with water or solvent cleaners. 

Care Tips For Aniline And Protected Leathers

• Try to maintain at least two feet between your furniture and heating sources. Prolonged exposure to heat vents or radiators will cause your leather to dry out. Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight. All materials will fade over time when placed in direct sunlight. Aniline leathers are especially sensitive to sunlight. Do not place Aniline leathers near windows or under skylights. 

• Like all items in your home, leather can accumulate dust. Lightly dampen a soft cloth and dust weekly. You may also use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. With leather, you can fully remove dust particles from the surface, making it ideal for dust sensitive persons. 

• All leathers perform better when preventative maintenance is practiced. For Aniline and Protected leathers, apply a protection cream to the surface of the leather to help resist staining and prevent overall soiling. It is most important that you treat the high use areas like seats, backs, and arms. 

• As a general rule, fully clean your furniture with a leather soft cleaner at least every six months to remove dirt as well as the gradual accumulation of body oils and perspiration. Aniline leathers are very absorbent and may require more frequent cleaning when used in high use areas like a TV room. After cleaning, reapply a protection cream to the leather to renew the protection level. 

• If leather "washing" is completely necessary, use warm water only. Never use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents on your leather furniture. Avoid all products containing solvents or oils because they may negatively affect the surface of the leather. 

Care Tips For Nubuck Leather

• Try to maintain at least two feet between your furniture and heating sources. Prolonged exposure to heat vents or radiators will cause your leather to dry out. Protect your furniture from all sources of sunlight. All Nubuck leathers will fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place your furniture by windows, under skylights, or any place where your furniture is in the sunlight.

• Keep the leather dust-free with weekly vacuuming. Use a nubuck cleaning cloth to pick up surface soiling and return the leather to its original look and feel. Simply wrap the cloth around a soft dry sponge and rub the leather in several directions to lift soiling and renew the Nubuck effect. This will also reverse flat and shiny areas that appear from use. All leathers perform better when preventative maintenance is practiced. Treatment of the surface with a Nubuck protectant will greatly improve the leather resistance to staining and soiling. It is most important that you treat the high use areas like seats, backs, and arms.  

• For water-based stains use a Nubuck Cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a soft sponge and squeeze the produce with white foam. Gently work the foam into the area with the sponge. Allow to dry and use the cleaning cloth to renew Nubuck effect. Then apply Nubuck Protector. For oil-based stains use a leather degreaser. If leather "washing" is completely necessary, use warm water only.