Furniture & Product Care
Care needs vary by material, finish, and construction. Read the installation and care instructions supplied with your item before assembling or cleaning it, and follow any product-specific directions. For help identifying the right guidance for your purchase, email cs@1stopdining.com.
Everyday use and safe placement
- Products are intended for indoor use in the home unless they are specifically identified as outdoor items.
- Dining, coffee, side, and end tables are intended for ordinary, lightweight items. They are not workbenches and should not carry excessive loads, which can damage or overturn them. Do not let children climb on tables.
- Position cabinets, sideboards, lowboards, end tables, and similar case goods securely against a wall. Freestanding bookcases used in the center of a room require particular attention to placement and children's safety.
- Place floor-standing mirrors beside a wall, with anti-slip rubber or felt at the base to help prevent sliding. Follow the item's installation and anchoring instructions.
- Use the proper tools and take care during assembly. Arrange professional assistance when you need it.
Stained wood and veneer
Keep liquids off stained and veneered surfaces. Blot a spill immediately with a dry, soft cloth, then remove any remaining moisture or residue with a second clean, dry cloth.
For routine cleaning, gently wipe with a clean, soft cloth that is only lightly damp. Rough or dirty cloths may scratch the finish or push dirt into the veneer, particularly on open-pore finishes. Avoid harsh detergents, acetone, solvents, and abrasive cleaners.
For greasy marks, use a glass-cleaning detergent only if it is suitable for the particular finish under the manufacturer's care instructions. Apply it to the cloth rather than spraying the furniture, and wipe in the direction of the grain.
Keep furniture away from fireplaces and temperatures above 113°F (45°C). Excessive heat can distort or damage the materials.
Matte and glossy finishes
Use a clean, soft cloth and light pressure. Coarse cloths can leave small scratches that make the surface more vulnerable to later damage.
Wood and MDF can absorb moisture. Avoid leaving excessive water on the floor around furniture or allowing its base to remain wet. Prolonged moisture exposure can swell or deform these materials.
Glass, metal, and marble
Dust with a soft, dry cloth. For fingerprints or light marks, use a glass-cleaning solution without solvents or spirits only where the product's care instructions permit it. Avoid rough fibers that can scratch the surface. Painted finishes may fade or change color after extended exposure to sunlight.
Remove dirt and spills from marble immediately so they do not penetrate the stone. Lift the residue with a soft cloth, then wipe with a separate, clean, lightly damp cloth. Use a suitable marble sealer in accordance with the product's care directions.
Cane furniture
Temperature, humidity, and sunlight
Keep cane away from radiators, heating vents, and other sources of direct heat. Very dry air can make the strands brittle and more likely to crack or split. Limit direct sunlight, and consider a humidifier during dry winters or in arid climates.
Maintaining flexibility
Where the manufacturer's instructions allow it, lightly mist the back and underside of cane seating about once a month with a solution of warm water and diluted oil-based or glycerin-based soap. Use a gentle mist rather than saturating the surrounding wood.
A compatible furniture polish with a high oil content can help maintain flexibility. If approved for the finish, apply lemon oil, orange oil, or a small amount of mineral oil to the upper and lower sides of the cane a few times per year.
Protecting the seat
Spread your weight evenly across cane seating. Do not kneel or stand on it, or use it as a step stool: pressure concentrated under a foot or knee can stretch or break the strands. A cushion or seat pad can spread the load, especially on larger cane surfaces.
Addressing mild sagging
For slightly stretched cane with intact strands, and where the item's care instructions permit water treatment, turn the chair over and lay a warm, damp cloth against the underside of the seat. Allow both the cloth and cane to dry naturally overnight. Remove the cloth the following day, return the chair upright, and leave it unused for approximately 48 hours.
Alternatively, moisten the cane seat with warm water using a spray bottle, let it air-dry overnight, and keep it out of use for 48 hours and until completely dry. Protect the wooden frame from excess water.
These treatments are most useful for minor stretching during the first five years after manufacture or recaning. They generally will not repair cane with multiple broken strands. Periodic preventive care a few times per year can help reduce strain on the seat's edges.
Cleaning and drying
Remove dust and accumulated grime regularly. Use a mild wood soap or detergent diluted in warm water, with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. Keep excess water off the wooden frame, rinse away the cleaner, and allow the cane to dry naturally. Do not dry it with heat.
After wet cleaning, leave the seat unused for at least 48 hours and until it has fully dried. Sitting on damp cane can stretch it and cause sagging.
Mold, mildew, and storage
If you notice mold, mildew, or a musty odor, check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions or seek professional guidance before treatment. Use only a cleaning product suitable for the material and follow its label. Never combine bleach or other disinfectants with soap, another cleaner, or another disinfectant.
Keep cleaning products off the wooden frame and wipe away accidental spills promptly. Rinse and dry the cane as directed for the chosen product, with good air circulation. A warm, breezy outdoor location may be suitable for drying where the furniture's care instructions allow it.
Store cane in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid persistently damp spaces such as wet basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, or poorly ventilated porch corners.
Natural color changes and finishes
Cane darkens gradually as it ages, sometimes over several years. Before adding a finish, confirm that it is compatible with your item. Depending on the cane and its existing finish, suitable options may include high-oil furniture polish, lemon or orange oil, sparingly applied mineral oil, tung-oil varnish, or furniture wax.
Cushions and upholstery
- Fluff regularly. Pat and shake cushions to redistribute their filling and maintain their shape, especially cushions filled with down or synthetic fibers.
- Rotate for even wear. Where the design allows, rotate cushions every few weeks to limit uneven compression.
- Vacuum gently. Use an upholstery attachment on both sides of the cushions, including seams and crevices, to remove dust, hair, and debris.
- Treat spills promptly. Blot with a clean, dry cloth. If the care label permits it, follow with a mild detergent solution or an appropriate upholstery cleaner. Test the cleaner on a hidden area first.
- Plan deeper cleaning. Depending on the fabric and use, clean more thoroughly every 6 to 12 months. Steam-clean only when permitted by the care instructions. Wash removable covers only as directed on their care label, and let all components dry completely before reassembling them.
- Consider protective covers. Covers can help limit spills and wear in homes with pets or children.
- Limit direct sunlight. Position furniture away from prolonged sun exposure or use curtains and blinds to reduce fading and deterioration of the fibers.
- Keep sharp objects away. Keys, buckles, and pets' claws can catch, snag, or tear fabric.
- Allow ventilation. Occasionally remove cushions and air them in a well-ventilated place, particularly in humid conditions.
- Use a professional when needed. Heavy soiling or difficult stains may require an upholstery-cleaning specialist.