Carol House Furniture's Tips

Get the most out of your furniture investment

FOR KEEPING YOUR UPHOLSTERY LOOKING CLEAN AND FRESH:

LOOSE CUSHIONS and pillows should be flipped, rotated and fluffed on a weekly basis to keep filling materials evenly distributed and allow for even wear.

VACUUM all upholstery once a week with a brush attachment only.

DOWN CUSHIONS cannot be vacuumed; instead, use a sofa whisk broom or soft brush to clean fabric.

PILLING & BALLING is normal because the fabric is simply shedding its excess fiber. Using a fabric shaver will remove unwanted pills. This perceived problem is really just a maintenance issue and will eventually cease. Afterwards, your fabric should still look good and give you long durability.

DIRECT SUNLIGHT heat and moisture should be kept away from upholstery as fading and discoloration may occur.

NEVER SIT on the recliner's footrest, the end of an open sleeper, the arms of furniture or an ottoman.

MOVING? Always lift your upholstered furniture. Never drag or push furniture to a new location. This could damage your floor or furniture.

STAIN REMOVAL Before you try to remove a stain or soil from your upholstery, you should determine the type of fabric involved. Some manufacturers make this easy for you by placing cleaning codes on furniture. (You'll find the code either on the furniture hang-tag or on the manufacturer's label. If not, call us!)

These codes indicate the type of fabric involved - cotton, wool, silk, etc., and suggest the best methods of cleaning and spot removal.

WS: Clean with water-based cleaning agents and foams, as well as with mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.

W: Use water-based cleaning agents or foams only.

S: Use only mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.

X: Do not use foam or liquid agents on this fabric. Vacuum or brush lightly to remove soil.

PROFESSIONALLY CLEAN your furniture once a year. If you have purchased Stainsafe¬ fabric protection, please refer to the warranty card for care and cleaning questions.

FOR KEEPING YOUR WOOD LOOKING GREAT:

TABLE PADS can be purchased at Carol House for a reasonable price. They will help protect the finish on your furniture.

WOOD BREATHES, EXPANDS AND CONTRACTS. Each piece of furniture responds differently to changes in temperature and humidity in your home. Expansion at the joints and seams will return to its original shape and size as seasons change.

PROTECTIVE COVERINGS, such as felt backed place mats and table pads will help protect the finish on your furniture. This is especially important for wood furniture that is used in kitchen areas. Reasonably exact-fit table pads can be purchased at Carol House.

POLISH WOOD 2-3 times per year with Stainsafe Wood Polish. Dust with a soft lint-free cloth.

TREAT DRAWER GLIDES with Vaseline or candle wax for smooth operation.

AVOID LEANING CHAIRS back on two legs - to protect structural integrity and your personal safety.

TABLE LEAVES should always be stored flat. Opening & closing of dining tables requires two people, when inserting or removing table leaves. This will avoid damaging table legs.

NEVER MOVE a bed while it is set-up. Always remove bedding and disconnect side rails to avoid structural damage.

KEEP FURNITURE OUT OF SUNLIGHT to avoid sun damage and bleaching.

KEEP FURNITURE AWAY FROM HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING SOURCES as they affect the moisture content of the wood.

DO NOT SET SYNTHETICS, RUBBER OR PLASTICS on the wood finish as the chemicals may damage the finish.

DO NOT LEAVE NEWSPAPERS and magazines on wood because the inks can bleed onto the finish and into the wood.

PERIODICALLY ADJUST levelers and door hinges to ensure smooth operation of doors and drawers.

CARING FOR MARBLE:

Immediately upon receipt of unsealed marble furniture, APPLY A COAT OF PASTE WAX to seal and protect the surface. This will fill small holes and repel liquids. Never leave anything wet for any length of time on marble furniture. Keep it well waxed, as you would any fine piece of wood furniture.

THE REMOVAL OF LIGHT RINGS AND SLIGHT STAINS on marble is a simple procedure. If you think it's a surface stain, with a light-handed application try the finest sandpaper (600 grit or finer) available. Then add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, diluted bleach, or ammonia to the stain with a soft cloth. Always wash with clear water, wipe with a dry cloth, and re-wax after any cleaning or repair.

Lacquer (polyester poured finish) can be cleaned with glass cleaner and a soft cloth.

KEEPING RUGS LIKE NEW:

With proper maintenance and rug padding, you can maximize your area rug investment. The following tips can be used on all types of rugs, and can keep your rug looking great!

FREQUENT VACUUMING benefits all rugs, but please do not vacuum rug fringe, or use beater-bar attachments on hooked rugs.

TURN RUGS 180 DEGREES annually to alternate wear patterns and even out sun exposure.

SPOT CLEAN ALL SPILLS with soda water, blotting with a white cloth. Quick reaction helps minimize the chances of a stain setting. All stubborn stains should be treated by a professional rug cleaner.