|
Q.
How do I clean and care for my fabric or
leather furniture? (Back To Top)
A.
The recommended cleaning care is chosen based on careful testing by
fabric suppliers. Westrichs recommends professional cleaning when
overall cleaning is necessary. For spot cleaning, it is always
best to try applying compressed air or light brushing on the dirt spot with out using liquid
substances. If that doesn't clean it, then check the recommended
cleaning code or check with a professional cleaner.
Most of Westrich Furniture's
Manufacturer fabrics carry the furniture industry's cleanability code
adopted in 1969. It gives the consumer information about the proper
methods to clean specific fabrics. There are four letters in the code,
immediately followed by care instructions. The code letters are
W, S,
W-S, and X.
Permanent care law labels will normally be found under the seat cushion.
When spot cleaning, it is always a good idea for consumers to first
pretest fabric for discoloration and 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, cause shrinking and color changes.
|
Fabric Cleaning |
Code "W"
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to
remove dust and grime is recommended. Spot clean, using the foam
only from a water-based cleaning agent such as a mild detergent or
non-solvent upholstery shampoo product. Apply foam with a soft brush
in a circular motion. Vacuum when dry. Pretest a small area before
proceeding. Use a professional furniture cleaning service when an
overall soiled condition has been reached.
Code "S"
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to
remove dust and grime is recommended. Spot clean using a mild
water-free solvent or dry cleaning product containing carbon
tetrachloride which is highly toxic. Pretest a small area before
proceeding. Cleaning by a professional cleaning service only is
recommended.
Code "W-S"
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to
remove dust and grime is recommended. Spot clean, with a mild
solvent, an upholstery shampoo, or the foam from a mild detergent.
When using a solvent or dry cleaning product, follow instructions
carefully and clean only in a well ventilated room. Avoid any
product which contains carbon tetrachloride which is highly toxic.
With either method, pretest a small area before proceeding. Use a
professional furniture cleaning service when an overall soiled
condition has been reached.
Code "X"
Clean this fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing to prevent
accumulation of dust or grime. Water-based foam cleaners or solvent
based cleaning agents of any kind may cause excessive shrinking,
staining or distortion of the surface pile and, therefore, should
not be used.
|
|
Leather Cleaning |
Because leathers vary, always consult
manufacturer's care instructions. Frequent dusting is the only way
to clean most leathers with limited surface protection. An art-gum
eraser may remove ordinary dirt. The uncoated surface readily
absorbs liquids and oily substances. Stains may be impossible to
remove. For the same reason, leather creams may create blotches.
Coated leathers, on the other hand, resist staining. They can be
occasionally washed with a mild soap (such as castile) and water,
wiped with a slightly damp cloth and buffed dry. If desired, use
leather cream once or twice a year.
Do not use oils, furniture polishes, or varnishes on leather because
these products may contain solvents that might make the leather
sticky. |
Q.
The fabric on my furniture has tiny
fuzz balls. What are they and how can I get rid of them?
(Back To Top)
A.
“Pilling” refers to those little fuzz balls
that collect on the surface of many woven and knit fabrics. It occurs
when loose fiber ends escape from their yarn or thread twist. As fabrics
experience abrasion through normal wear and use, these loose ends get
bound together. Due to the strength of most fabric fibers, these pills
are unable to break away from the fabric itself and collect on the
surface of the fabric. This is normal and should be expected with some
fabrics. They may be trimmed carefully with a scissors or a fabric
shaver.
Q.
The cushions for my furniture have
flattened. (Back To Top)
A.
Cushions may over time lose some of their
firmness, much as any foam or pillow type product would under normal
circumstances. You will notice some compression loss and this is normal.
Pillow back styles need occasional fluffing. Some styles also have
zippers underneath for additional dacron or poly-fill. Also,
occasionally flipping and rotating seat cushions (if removable) will
help the wear and density of the cushion.
Q.
My reclining
furniture is making marks on my carpet. How do I prevent that?
(Back To Top)
A.
In order for your reclining mechanism to operate
smoothly, the factory uses a lubricant on some of the metal parts.
We have found that in some situations, the weight of the furniture
causes the carpet nap and padding to compress, which may cause the metal
parts to rub against the carpeting. This could cause the lubricant
to leave discoloration on your carpet. To prevent this from
settling into you carpet, you can use coasters under the legs/feet of
your furniture. Check periodically to make sure the mechanism
parts are not rubbing against the carpet. If you do find a
discolorations, you can use Formula 409 or something similar to clean
it. Repeat cleaning process if necessary.
Q.
Can I spray my
furniture with something to prevent it from spills and stains?
(Back To Top)
A.
Yes.
Westrich Furniture can treat your upholstery with Stainsafe Protector,
the world's leading protective treatment. This treatment forms an
invisible shield around the fibers that allows both water and oil bsed
tains to be cleaned away without a trace. Yet the treatment
doesn't affect the look of the feel of the fabric. So your furniture is
easy to maintain, easy to clean, and stays new looking longer. Use
the link below to find out much more on this product and more on how to
maintain your furniture.
Q.
What should I be aware of with my
wood product? (Back To Top)
A.
Variations in texture and grain do affect the finish; it is impossible
to guarantee an exact match between two pieces of wood even though
identical finishing processes are used. These differences in
character are not defects, but variations that make each piece of
furniture unique.
A.
Alcohol, nail polish, perfumes, and chemicals in plastic can cause
severe finish damage. Wipe up all spills promptly. Water
left over a prolonged time may cause white spots in the finish.
A.
Most wood products have
natural (un-protective) finishes; Please be advised that scratching is
possible and darker stains will show this more readily; Moisture & heat
can damage the finish; Dust with the grain of your furniture to avoid
scratches from dust particles. Small mars and scratches may be
touched up or covered with "Touch-Up Sticks". These may be
purchased at Westrich's, Wal-Mart, Lowes, etc. Some other
suggestions for natural (un-protective) tops are table pads,
tablecloths, place mats, or glass with bumpers.
A.
"Formica" tops occasionally can be polished with furniture polish to
restore shine in top. A "catalyzed finish" is a moisture and chemical
resistant finish. It is still susceptible to scratches and heat.
Q.
What if I have a question that isn't
answered here? (Back To Top)
A.
Contact our Service Department at
service@westrichfurniture.com Otherwise we recommend visiting the
Manufacture’s website of the piece you
purchased from us.
*Also
see the STAINSAFE
website
for much
more on how to maintain your furniture.
 |
|