CLEANING & CARE TIPS
We are pleased to provide you with some general guidelines on how to take care of your furniture.

These precautions apply to any brand of high-end, fine quality furniture. Think of these tips as an aid to ownership, not a burden. Ultimately, the value of a fine piece of quality made furniture will increase with the care you give it as its owner.

Knilans’ carries a full array of products to help you keep your furniture looking good. Our most effective “product” is our staff: among us, we have seen – and solved – virtually every kind of furniture-care problem. If you have any questions about the care, cleaning or condition of any piece of furniture, please call us.

FABRIC
In general, to prevent fabric from becoming soiled, regularly vacuum or brush it lightly to remove dust and light grime.
To spot-clean fabric, use a mild water-free solvent or a dry cleaning product. Use these cleaning products ONLY in a well-ventilated room. The use of steam, water or water-based cleaners may cause shrinking or staining of the fabric.
WARNING: Avoid any product containing carbon tetrachloride or other toxic materials.
First, pretest the cleaner on a small area that won’t be seen (in case it might cause discoloration or other damage).

For deep cleaning, we recommend the use of a professional furniture cleaning service. However, do not use a tumble-method cleaning service as it may destroy the backing of the fabric, or shrink or otherwise damage the upholstery fabric.

Cautions:
• Never remove cushion covers for separate dry cleaning or washing, even though they have zippers.
• Do not use bleach at any time.

LEATHER
Natural markings. Each piece of leather has unique marks and a personality. These distinctive marks may be barbed wire nicks, brands and nature’s hallmarks. Only true leather has these marks, which are not defects but characteristics of full top-grain leathers.

General care of leather:
• Maintain at least two feet between any furniture and a heating source. Prolonged exposure to heat vents or radiators will cause leather to dry out.
• Keep furniture away from direct sunlight, to prevent fading. That goes for skylights, as well as windows and doors. Leather Masters makes products that may help repair some of sun-damaged leather.

In general, no upholstery material is easier to care for than genuine top-grain leather. Dust it often with a clean, dry cloth. Wipe occasionally with a mild Ivory soap-and-water solution on a clean, damp cloth. Repeat with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a clean cloth to restore the beautiful patina of the leather.

DO NOT use saddle soap, polish, wax or any cleaning agents other than a mild Ivory soap-and-water solution. Any other cleaner will negate any warranties from the leather tannery.

FINE WOOD FURNITURE
Wood is a natural material. Solid wood furniture bears natural characteristics, marks and grain patterns that are consistent with the overall appearance of the wood.
Wood changes color over time. Uniform aging is quite pleasant and desirable. It is an owner’s responsibility to be sure a piece of furniture ages uniformly by keeping it clean and out of direct sunlight.

Do not expect more from the wood than what nature has given.

Avoid exposure to strong sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can discolor wood, furniture finishes, fabrics, leather and carpet. Be aware that Low-E glass does not filter out ALL damaging sunlight.
Avoid extremes of heat and humidity.
• Moderate humidity is important to the long-term life of fine wood furniture, leather and upholstery. Avoid exposure to prolonged moisture. But expect evidence of solid wood movement to appear in any furniture.
• For hot and cold items, the rule of thumb is: “If you can hold it comfortably in your hand, the finish should withstand it.”

Do general dusting with water on a soft cloth – followed by thorough drying, also with a
soft cloth.
Expect surface scratches to appear on finely hand-rubbed finishes. Use of proper care products provides a layer of protection over the finish, minimizing the effect.
Always wax, polish or dust WITH the grain.
• Allow polishes to dry completely before replacing objects.
Do not use furniture-care products in combination. In general, a care product, such a wax or dressing, should only be applied sparingly a few times a year.

Rubber, cork, vinyl or plastic products can damage fine woods and furniture with lacquer finishes.
• Use caution when placing computers, telephones, clocks, radios, or any other device that has rubber or plastic pads, on a finished wood surface.

• CAUTION: Items such as blotters or some decorative objects may have a so-called “felt” backing – which is really made of synthetic materials, NOT pure woolen felt. THESE CAN DO THE SAME DAMAGE AS RUBBER, CORK, VINYL OR PLASTIC.
• To prevent damage, place a protective layer of cotton or linen cloth, or genuine woolen felt, between the object and the finish. DO NOT use felt dots with glue or adhesive.
When using a glass top over a finished surface, do not place felt with glue, cork, or plastic dots between the glass and the finished surface – these items can react with a finish. A plain piece of woolen (not acrylic) felt – with no glue – is recommended, but not necessary.• Store table leaves flat, apron side up, in a controlled environment to prevent warping or cracking. Invest in table-leaf storage bags.
WARNING: Nail polish remover, hair spray, perfume, potpourri, dyed candles and products that contain solvents can dissolve or stain wood finishes.
Objects should be lifted, rather than dragged across a finished surface.
Cautions:
• “Lemon oil” or “orange oil” type polishes are not needed for the care of fine, new furniture.
• Natural oils, acids, body lotions and moisture produced by the skin can build up slowly over time and eventually strip a fine finish right off the wood.
• Never use oil soaps for frequent cleaning. Cared for correctly, new furniture should not accumulate much grease and dirt.

If you have questions, please call us. 563-322-0903