Upholstery Care Guide

Care of cushions

• If your furniture is in constant use, all reversible cushions should be turned daily, constantly switching positions where possible. This will prevent excessive soiling, uneven wear and keep the interiors in shape.
• If the fillings are of the foam or fibre type, there may be some initial loss of density through normal wear and tear. This is by design and does not imply a fault with the seat interior.
• If the cushions are not reversible, or if you find the seams twisting, reset by stroking the cover back into place.
• If the cushion interiors comprise of a fibre or feather-filled combination, then a regular dressing programme must be practised, as these fillings do produce a lived-in appearance, presenting a soft loose design. This involves the "plumping up" of all applicable cushions (as you would with pillows) on a daily basis, in order to fill out the cushion casing.
• If the fibres of the interiors are allowed to settle and matt together, the comfort and appearance will be substantially affected, giving the cushion a flat or uneven appearance. This can be corrected by a vigorous shaking and manipulation to separate the fillings. For best results open the zip of the cushion to allow air into the fillings. Always smooth out the fabric / leather surface to prevent permanent creases being formed.

Prolonged sunlight / heat exposure

• Upholstered furniture should not be exposed for long periods to direct sunlight as this may result in the fabric / leather fading or even rotting. Protect it by drawing your curtains or blinds.
• In addition, keep your furniture well away from direct air conditioning or heat, e.g., radiators and fires, as it can cause joints to dry out and creaks to develop in the frame. Allow a gap of at least 20-30 cm from such appliances.

Useful hints

• Because of television your upholstery probably gets more use than ever. Sit in your furniture in the manner in which it has been designed.
• Do not sit on the edges of cushions or the arms as this may cause permanent wear and distortion on the padding and fabric.
• Do not use the arm pads to leaver yourself out of the furniture.
• Rather than having a favourite seat, use your whole suite equally. This will keep your suite looking the same all over and equalise any wear.
• Avoid rubbing your hands along the arms as this is where the first signs of misuse appear.
• Protect your furniture from damaging hair products.
• Please note that animal coats contain quantities of abrasive oils that accelerate wear. Avoid allowing sharp edged toys, buckles, jewellery and domestic pets to snag or pluck the fabric. If these occur, however, carefully cut off the loose ends with scissors or tuck back in, under no circumstances pull them.
• Do not allow your children to use your upholstery to demonstrate their gymnastic abilities.

Regular cleaning

• Carefully vacuum clean your upholstery at least once a week using the upholstery attachment, dust removal may be improved by pre-brushing with a soft brush. Pay particular attention to arm fronts and pleated sections.
• Accumulated dirt will accelerate wear, dull colours and cause fading.

Spillages / spot cleaning

• Deal with spillages quickly by mopping with nothing wetter than a damp colour-free cloth or sponge. Soaking any fabric can cause the colour to bleed and may well leave a permanent mark, cause shrinkage or damage the filling.
• Prompt action will always improve the likelihood of success.
• Never use detergents, only a mild solution of soap, e.g. Lux or Dreft.
• Do not try to wash or rub minor spills as this will affect the fabric structure, maybe causing pilling. Always mop up a spillage working from the outside of it inwards to avoid it spreading.
• If you have taken the Cousins' Care Programme, contact Valspar right away and they will advise you on what to do. They can arrange any professional cleaning for you.

General cleaning

• It is difficult to give instructions on cleaning your suite yourself due to the variety of different fibre and fabric constructions, each of which require specialist cleaning techniques. We would therefore recommend that you contact professional upholstery cleaners.
• The effectiveness of any specialist cleaning treatment will depend on the degree of soiling. It is therefore advisable to have this done before dirt becomes too ingrained. Do not wash or dry clean your suite covers unless the manufacturer's label indicates that you can do so. In all instances, carefully follow all the instructions on your manufacturer's labelling.
• When cleaning your suite, clean all the items together as slight colour changes can often occur.
• Do not attempt to remove cushion covers unless clearly stated.

Light coloured fabrics

• A strict cleaning regime is particularly important on lighter coloured suites. Discolouration can occur through dye transfer from dark clothing, especially denim, if allowed to build up this can cause unsightly problems.

Loose covers

• Some slight shrinkage may occur on initial cleaning but sufficient tolerance will have allowed for this. Always clean all covers at the same time to prevent colour variations.
• When removing and particularly when replacing loose covers, always take care with the carcass and cushion cover zips. Your covers are tailored to snugly fit the carcass, therefore identify the shapes prior to fitting.

General Tips for Fitting

• Locate the zip fastener
• Fit the wing or rear arm nearest the zip
• Fit the arm front
• Repeat on the opposite arm fixing
• Tuck covers on the inside of the arms and back of the seat
• Fit the valance stiffeners where applicable
• Close the zip, pulling the outside arm and back covers tightly to remove pressure on the zip itself.
• Cushions are best covered by turning the inside out and locating the lugs where applicable first. Try to ensure that the front covers are well stuffed. Always make sure the zip is fully opened.

Acrylic Velvets (Dralon) and Chenilles

• Through normal handling, and wear of the furniture, crush marks, creasing and random shading of the fabric surface will occur. This is a desirable expression of the fabric's comfort and elegance, and in no way affects the durability of the material.

Flatweaves and "Shabby Chic" loose covers

• These fabrics have a tendency to "pill" (shed fabric particles) in the initial months of use, but this will decrease with time. This is a natural feature and will not reduce the quality. Any evidence can be removed with gentle brushing.

Printed Fabrics

• Certain printed fabrics will, after prolonged use, lose some colour density where the surface pattern begins to wear. Many parts have "gold" areas as an integral part of the design. Over a period of time the "gold" will dull, this is not a defect and will not affect the durability of the fabric.
• The surface of any fabric will slowly wear, this in itself should not be taken as an indication that the fabric is worn out.

Casual / Shabby Chic Styles

• This popular style creates the fashionable "lived-in look" which is designed to be casual, comfortable, and welcoming. Because of the loose cover materials and the soft fibre cushion fillings used, a neat tailored look cannot be achieved and would in fact conflict with the casual look sought for in this style.
• The covers will have been pre-shrunk (shabbied) to give the lived-in look and are designed to lightly fluff up and pill throughout their life to ensure the handle and feel remains beautifully soft. The fabric colours are dyed so as to give an aged look by slowly losing their colour with cleaning. It is therefore recommended that all parts of the furniture are cleaned together and not separately.
• The presence of "cotton seeds" indicates the true beauty of a natural product and these do not affect the durability of the fabric.

Fringes / Ruching

• If your upholstery is fitted with decorative fringe or ruching, its appearance will be maintained by avoiding damage. It is designed to be decorative and not to withstand scuffing or snagging. Things to guard against are vacuum cleaners, sharp objects such as toys, shoe buckles, and heels, and domestic animals, such as cats.

Zips

• Where zips are fitted, this is often to assist in the ease of manufacture and does not necessarily mean that the cover is removable for separate cleaning. Care should be taken when undoing the zip to avoid damage to the "teeth". Please never force a zip open / closed.

Showood / Wood Trims

• Although every effort has been made to match and co-ordinate the finish of your product, due to the individual nature of real wood, each item may vary in grain and colour. This by no means detracts from its appeal or durability. Most decorative facings require minimal maintenance and should be occasionally wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust. Do not use spray polishes or solvent cleaners as these can have a damaging effect on both the facings and adjoining fabric / leather.

Armcaps

• Armcap covers will help to protect the lighter weight fabrics on those areas where heavy build-up of soiling is common, and material can be purchased for this purpose.

Jeans

• It is important to note that denim fabrics will wear upholstery much quicker than any other fabric. Dark coloured jeans can experience "dye transfer" onto your upholstery fabric and the studs / zips can lead to "pulling" of flatweave fabrics.

Standard Corrected Grain Leather

Enables us to make the most economical use of the hide. A pigment is used to cover most of the natural imperfections which exist in every hide. The grain is then embossed onto the hide and a protective coating is applied, which gives good wear characteristics and high resistance to fading, staining and scratching. This category is particularly easy to care for and is the most durable.

Standard Antique Leather

Has similar characteristics to the aforementioned hide except that a two part dye is applied - a light base coat and a dark top coat. After the furniture has been upholstered, part of the top coat is rubbed off by hand to expose the contrast colour beneath. This creates an accelerated aged appearance with the top coat colour designed to wear away during use to give the attractive "antique" effect. This process will continue naturally and the shading will vary and increase with time.

Aniline and Sauvage Leather

This is the most expensive type of leather made from the most carefully selected hides. Dye is impregnated into the hide and the surface remains natural with no artificial finish. It is the softest and most pure looking leather with all the variations in shade and markings shown clearly. Because it does not have any surface finish it has low resistance to light and is more absorbent to staining.

Semi-Aniline Leather

This is similar to aniline but with the added advantage of a light surface finish to make it more resistant to staining. However, most natural marks and shade variations are still visible.

Nubuck leather

After tanning and dyeing, the surface of this leather is buffed to produce a soft velvety surface. In its most natural state, nubuck leather is quite prone to soiling and staining and needs to be maintained and protected with specialist products.

Waxed or Oiled Pull-Up Leathers

These are natural hides with a protective oil or waxed coating which can be replenished with use. This finish gives a "lived-in look", highlighting the natural characteristics of the leather. It will also show a distinct colour / shade variation from panel to panel. The leather will appear paler when stretched or pulled. It is prone to scratching.

Coated or Bycast finishes

These finishes are achieved by a substantial polyeurathane coating applied to the surface. This often gives a highly glossed appearance and subsequent high durability to spillages. Due to the hardness of this leather it is not suited to soft, squashy styles of upholstery.

Natural characteristics of leather

Real leather remains a natural product with its own unique characteristics. It will always bear the marks of its natural origin because it is real animal hide. These marks may appear as brand marks, healed scars, growth lines, veins, creases, bites and areas of differing fibre density and hair pore structure. These hallmarks in no way detract from the wearing qualities of the leather. In fact they enhance its appearance and distinguish it from imitations. As a result of more advanced tanning and finishing processes, leather now has a softer, glove-like suppleness which is maintained throughout the life of the furniture. Likewise, cushions and arms are much softer and the combinations of these two factors mean that stretching and creases will naturally appear in the leather during use. This is quite normal, and should cause no concern, giving a softer more inviting look, with it no way being detrimental to the durability of the leather. However, you should always try to smooth out the leather surface with your hands to minimise the formation of permanent creases. With the passage of time and normal use, these features along with subtle shade changes, lead to the appearance of your leather changing to reflect your lifestyle and to enhance the leather's natural beauty with it developing a "patina".

Shade variations of leather

It must be remembered that at least eight hides are required to produce a suite. No two hides are identical and due to variations in grain structure, the dyes and finishes penetrate to differing degrees into various parts of the hide to give attractive variations. Whilst every attempt is made to achieve uniformity, this is not always possible.

Dye Transfer

Leather requires very little care, particularly standard corrected grain leathers. However, lighter coloured leathers can be permanently stained by continuous contact with non-colourfast clothing, and cannot be considered as a performance deficiency of the leather. It is consequently very important to clean lighter shades of leather more often to avoid the build-up of harmful soiling.

• Avoid placing your leather furniture near a radiator or similar heat source, or air conditioning unit, as this can cause drying out of the leather and a subsequent reduction in suppleness. In addition, joints can dry out causing the frame to creak. Try to maintain a minimum distance of 20-30 cm between your furniture and the heat source.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight - as this can cause fading.
• Do not allow dust to build up excessively as this will have an abrasive effect on the finish of the leather and could eventually lead to problems with cracking and peeling of the finish.
• Hair products can affect the finish and mark the hide. If you are a regular user of this type of product it may be prudent fitting some form of protective cover.
• Watch out for sharp objects like buckles, toys, and claws of pets as they can scuff and scratch the surface. Nevertheless these can always be repaired by a leather specialist.

Cleaning of Your Leather

Whilst leather will provide many trouble-free years of service, as with all natural products, a little extra care will help maintain its good looks.

• Depending on the amount of use your leather upholstery receives, the following treatment should be carried out:
• Dust regularly with a clean, soft white cloth (preferably once a week). Never use a cloth that has any trace of polish, solvent or detergent on it.
• Occasional overall cleaning or the removal of spillages and slight marks can be carried out using a weak solution of lukewarm water and a mild pure soap e.g. Lux or Dreft. Always use a white cloth (to avoid dye transfer) and only lightly wipe the area, taking care not to soak the leather. If necessary repeat the operation using a soft damp cloth with fresh water only.
• Always wipe the leather dry.
• Detergents, spirit cleaners and furniture polish should never be used, as they may contain solvents and silicones which will damage the finish of the leather.
• Mop up spills immediately with a clean cloth or sponge.
• Leather creams can be used to protect your leather, once or twice a year, but always check their compatibility with your type of leather.
• If it is important that any cleaning / maintenance process is tested on an unseen area to check for colour fastness.
• If you need any additional help or advice, feel free to call in or telephone us to speak to one of our advisors.

Motion furniture has many different designs and functions and it is important that the manufacturer's operating and care instructions are correctly followed.

• Take care when opening and closing recliner mechanisms. Please note where recliners are present in sofas, it is normal to see gaps between them, as this allows free movement and helps to avoid excessive abrasion.
• Always leave enough room for the mechanism to work. It will not operate correctly and the furniture may appear to rock if your floor is not level. If the recliner mechanisms seem stiff, they will ease with use.