Upholstered Furniture gets just as dusty as cabinet furniture—the difference is that you can’t always see it. Vacuum or brush weekly to remove the dust and avoid colours becoming dull. Plump the cushions at the end of every day of use, particularly if they are filled with feather or fibre. This extends the life of the fillings and avoids permanent creases being formed. Where possible, turn and reverse the cushions to equalise wear. Like clothing, upholstery will require cleaning from time to time; this is best done by a reputable cleaning company.

REGULAR, EASY-CARE MAINTENANCE

· Try to keep pets off the upholstery and be careful of sharp objects such as belt buckles, toys and watch straps snagging the fabric.

· If a snag does occur, cut off the excess and carefully tuck the end in - do not pull a thread under any circumstances.

· Discourage lively children from using your new suite as a climbing frame if you want to prolong its lifespan!

· Use protective arm caps where possible as this is the area most likely to show soiling. Arm caps produced from upholstery fabric should preferably be lined to minimise wear.

· Reversible seat and back cushions should be turned weekly.

· Seat, arm and back cushions, including fixed pads, should be regularly plumped up to maintain the shape of your suite.

· Upholstery can be lightly vacuumed or gently brushed to remove dust, but take care if vacuuming delicate fringe and braid details. Use only a brush, not a vacuum cleaner, on feather or down filled cushions, to avoid pulling feathers out.

· If you notice creases developing (e.g. in the seat area) take care to smooth them out so they do not become permanent.

· Sitting on the front edges of cushions or on the arms of furniture may cause distortion or damage.

· Wood or decorative facings require minimal maintenance, and should be occasionally wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust. Do not use polishes or solvents, which might damage either the facings or the adjoining fabric.

SPILLS AND CLEANING

· Guardian G-Nine Stain Resist Treatment*, applied to your new fabric-covered lounge furniture before delivery will protect it from spills and help resist gradual soiling. The cost is small compared to your investment in the furniture and it comes with a five year guarantee of stain resistance.

· A Textile Cleaning Kit* contains products to deal with various emergencies and is a good thing to keep in the house.

· To avoid damaging your upholstery, if you spill something, act quickly to mop and blot liquid with a clean white cloth.

· If this is not sufficiently effective, and you decide to risk more drastic action—which could itself cause damage—use a clean cloth to apply water and immediately blot again to draw out the spilt liquid; repeat as necessary. Try to avoid spreading the stain and do not over-wet. Do not use detergents. Do not rub.

· Always follow your manufacturer's cleaning and care label instructions.

· Professional cleaning is recommended.

· Clean all parts of a suite together, as slight colour changes can sometimes occur

MOTION FURNITURE

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

LOOSE COVERS

· Loose covers should be cleaned regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Some slight shrinkage may occur, even with dry cleaning.

· When removing and replacing loose covers, pull the fabric panels together to avoid straining the zip fasteners.

· If washed, replace the covers when just slightly damp to ensure a better fit and minimise creasing. Allow the covers to settle on the furniture for a day or so. Ironing may not be needed but, if this is required, iron the covers on the furniture using a damp cloth.

· Do not replace covers whilst actually wet, as this could damage the upholstery materials.

· Tips for re-fitting a cover: Locate the zip fastener. Fit the wing or rear of 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 from the zip itself.

*These products are on sale at Julian Foye showrooms.

Caring for Lounge Furniture

This advice cannot be expected to apply to all types of furniture. Julian Foye cannot accept liability for any loss incurred as a result of taking inappropriate action. If you are in doubt, please ask us for advice specific to your furniture. For cleaning or repairs you should seek expert help.