Luxury Furniture Care Instructions

Timber is a natural product and has characteristics that make each piece of furniture unique and individual. Mineral streaks, grain variations, knots, pitch pockets, colour variations and other markings create a natural beauty. No two trees are exactly alike, and this is reflected in the unique character that is reflected through the lustre of our carefully applied finishes.

Timber will continue to exchange moisture with the atmosphere in response to changes in the relative humidity around the furniture. Extremely dry air will cause timber to lose moisture and shrink a little, correcting itself when the humidity rises again. Maintaining a stable humidity level or reducing the rate of change of relative humidity will reduce the amount of movement within your timber furniture. These movements are, however, natural changes and do not affect the quality and sturdiness of your furniture.

Teak has long been a top choice for outdoor furnishings, due to durability. Its high content of naturally occurring rubber and oils serves as Mother Nature’s weatherproofing, protecting against water, rot and insects, ensuring that your furnishings will last year after year.

When exposed to the elements, teak naturally turns a silvery grey over time. If you like this look, be aware that small splits and cracks may appear on the surface due to the constant change in temperature and humidity. These small cracks and splits do not reflect upon the quality or durability of the teak furniture. Bear in mind that weather conditions are extreme in South Africa.

Teak furniture that is left outdoors will naturally begin to slowly change colour from a golden honey tone to a silver grey. If you do decide to oil, you’ll need to do it once or twice a year to preserve the colour. Treating your furniture with” teak oil” will not help extend the life of the furniture. All it will do is make the teak wood dependent on continuous reapplications of oil to prevent the wood from drying out. This is because the “teak oil” you buy is mostly linseed oil and solvents. When you apply it, the wood will have a nice honey colour for a short time, but the solvents actually act to degrade the wood’s natural oil faster. Oiling can also promote mould and mildew and can change the colour to orange.

When deciding whether or not to oil, consider where the furniture is placed. If it’s in a covered or enclosed area in constant shade, the sun won’t fade it as quickly. Indoor teak furnishings often won’t fade at all.

Woodoc Patio liquid wax and oil blend is a better option to use. They also have an antique wax which can be used sparingly (once a year) on weathered grey teak.

Stains

Stubborn stains like coffee or red wine can be removed by a light sanding of the very top layer. Start with a medium grit sand-paper and finish off with a fine grit to make the surface nice and smooth.

It’s true that applying teak oil will temporarily bring out a rich golden colour in your teak furniture but it will also deplete the wood of its natural oils. The effect is that you will need to continuously re-apply oil every three to four months for the lifetime of your furniture.

The biggest factor responsible for Suar wood being preferred for making furniture is its durability. Suar wood falls in the category of hardwood, is fast-growing and not endangered. Sizeable tables are widely made out of this type of wood, and due to its impressive wood grains and uncanny strength, it makes the ideal choice for dinner tables, conference tables, round tables and more. Compared to Teak Wood, Suar Wood proves to be a more affordable option. Each slab of wood is unique, and no 2 pieces are the same.

Care

Keep out of direct heat. Do not place any hot items directly onto the surface. Clean up any spills immediately. Excessive cold air-conditioning or heating may cause cracks.

On a daily basis the furniture will not require much maintenance apart from dry dusting.  We recommend that once every 6 months you apply beeswax or Teak Oil to keep the table nourished and safeguard against shrinkage.  We advise you to avoid using any abrasive products.  Hot and/ or wet objects such as hot/wet mugs, vases, pizza boxes, crockery etc placed directly on the product surface may also cause damage.  Unsightly chalky white markings on table tops and flat surfaces can be avoided by the use of placemats and coasters.

Great care should be taken when using solvents such as alcohol, nail polish remover, perfume/cologne, or any other toxic chemical around your furniture.  Nail polish remover is nothing more than liquid paint/finish remover in a small bottle and will remove the finish in an instant.

Bluestone is porous and can be stained, scratched or chipped. A water-repellent finish is applied to our marble to give some protection, this will not repel acidic substances.

After regular use, your bluestone top will develop its own unique patina in which light spots, streaks or rings that can be felt by hand will develop. This is completely normal and unavoidable and cannot be undone without the surface being refinished. As with any natural material, this ageing process enriches your furniture and gives it that special character and soul. Some scuffing may occur over time and can be seen as a normal aesthetic in the nature of natural unprocessed stone. No two slabs are alike and will each mark and etch differently.

By following the care instructions below, you can keep your bluestone top looking beautiful for many years to come.

• Use a cleaning agent specifically designed for stone table tops. Do not use detergents, soaps or abrasive materials. Use a mild soap
• Wipe up spills immediately as they can leave a permanent mark. Wipe with a warm, slightly damp cloth and then dry with a clean towel.
• Substances that damage the bluestone include alcohol, alkaline or acidic liquids such as juice, wine, vinegar and ammonia, but all liquids can potentially alter the surface.
• Do not put excessive heat directly from your stove onto the stone.
• Avoid heavy or sharp objects on the bluestone.
• If there are any scratch marks, rub baby oil into them. The oil penetrates and softens the scratch marks

Keep stone material in its packaging until installation and always store it on its edge.  When removing the stone product from its package, always ensure it is removed vertically on its long edge.

Always carry the natural stone product vertically on its long edge.

NB. Carrying a natural stone flat WILL cause it to crack or break.

Zinc is a metal with a number of characteristics that make it an ideal choice for use in busy kitchens and homes. Zinc’s natural properties provide years of virtually maintenance-free use. In addition, zinc’s blue-grey and brown patina blend beautifully with most building materials and surroundings. Additionally, zinc is nonporous, anti-microbial and antibacterial. It has a smooth surface that is easy to clean and maintain.

Clean Regularly – Mild soap and water is all it takes. Zinc has natural anti-bacterial properties.

Do not use Harsh Chemical Cleaners – This includes bleach and other chemical abrasives. These cleaners are too harsh for the soft surface and can cause damage.

Do not use for Cutting – Zinc is softer than stainless steel so can scratch. We recommend the use of a cutting board

Do Not Place Hot Items Directly on the Surface – Zinc has a melting point of 150°C. To avoid problems, use trivets instead of placing hot pots directly on the surface.

Avoid Acidic Materials  – Each zinc top is carefully created by hand. Do not use cleaners with acidic chemicals or fluids such as lemon, lime or orange juice on the table’s surface. It can damage the quality and colour of the patina.

Allow your Surface to develop Character –  Unlearn everything you thought you knew about zinc countertops. Zinc is a living alloy that reacts to its environment. Spots will form, but over time they will fade and self-correct. With use, the blue-grey hue beloved by zinc connoisseurs will develop. It may take up to a year to acquire a full patina, but it is well worth the wait.

All-weather synthetic rattan is weatherproof and UV resistant.  Light soils may be removed with a soft cloth, mild detergent and water, rinsed with clean water and dried.

The frame is made of aluminium which is powder coated.
VELVET HOME & LIVING has carefully selected this material/weave which is manufactured in Indonesia.

Although the cushions are anti-mildew and UV Protected, they must not be left in the rain

Features of synthetic wicker:

• UV and weather-resistant
• Non-toxic and 100% recyclable
• Natural looking and feel and texture
• Strong and durable

VELVET HOME & LIVING warrants that under normal use and proper care, our products are free from defects of cracking, peeling and breaking for ONE year from the date of delivery.

The warranty above does not cover failure or damage caused by improper applications, unreasonable use or abusive use which is beyond our control; or cost associated with the replacement of the fabric, including labour and installation.

VELVET HOME & LIVING also warrants that under normal use and proper handling, the product has no significant colour fading within 1 year of outdoor use from the date of delivery.
Should the furniture fail structurally (i.e. broken frame) or fade excessively within one year from the date of purchase, we will at our discretion, replace it if available or in a similar colour and style if the original has been discontinued.  Components such as chair levellers are subject to wear and tear and are not considered part of the frame.

Physical Properties

The synthetic weave has been checked by a certified laboratory, using international standards

JIS, ISO and ASTM. 

LIGHT STABILITY PERFORMANCE

Evaluation

Colour change L*a*b* (JIS K 7105)

Standard colour measurement widely used today is recommended by:

CIE (Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage ) named by CIElab system, donated in L* , a* , and

b*

If your countertop is scratched it can simply be sanded back and resealed. Bamboo can also be freshened up over time by sanding back and resealing the entire countertop. It is bacteria, mildew and fungi resistant. This is because bamboo has a natural bacteria agent known as bamboo Kun which kills most strains of bacteria.

It’s also far more forgiving if you happen to drop an expensive glass or crockery item on the surface as opposed to stone which will break almost anything delicate if dropped from a reasonable height.

Care must be taken in order to maintain your bamboo countertop to ensure it continues to look attractive. Avoid wiping away debris as this can scratch the surface when not treated gently. You will also need to avoid abrasive cleansing materials or harsh detergents which can damage the finishing seal. Oil lightly with unscented baby oil every few months.

Use soft and non-abrasive cloths and sponges to remove spills as quickly as possible to prevent stains. Organic and biodegradable cleaning agents are best to use on bamboo. When sealing to protect the surface, remember that bamboo naturally responds to weather and humidity and contracts and expands accordingly.

DAILY CARE

Frequent light dusting is recommended as dust and soil can be abrasive and potentially damage the finishing of your leather.   Occasional wiping with a warm and slightly damp clean cloth will prevent oils and dust from building up.

Avoid direct sunlight – This will fade leather!

SPOTS & SPILLS

Blot excess liquid immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth or sponge.  Do not rub. If necessary use clear, lukewarm water and gently wipe the spill.  Dry with a clean towel and allow to air dry.

STUBBORN SPOTS & STAINS

Use a mild solution of non-detergent soap (use a soap you would use on your face) and clear, lukewarm water in a 1:10 solution. Apply with a clean, damp sponge, then rinse the area of the spot or stain well and let it air dry naturally.  Always try the cleaning method on a concealed area first to be certain of colour fastness.

BUTTER, OIL & GREASE

Gently wipe the spot off the leather with a clean, dry cloth and then leave it alone as the spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time. Do not apply water or other liquids.

The marble top on the Marmer sideboard is an investment that will give you a lifetime of beautiful service. Simple care and maintenance will keep your stone looking new for many years.

Marble is a substance that reacts, on contact, with any acid. This includes acids that are found in food like tomato, fruit juice, vinegar etc., so please ensure that you avoid these items.

When cleaning your marble tops, make it a point to avoid everyday use of abrasive cleaners. This is because these household cleaners can remove the polish of the marble top. Just as it is not advisable to place hot or cold items on the marble tops, you should avoid using hot dishes as they can burn the marble. It is also important to avoid spilling alcohol drinks or fruit juices on the marble top as it can etch into the polish of the marble top.

Simply clean with warm, soapy water.

All upholstery fabrics can be affected by light, so we recommend that you position your couches/chairs away from direct sunlight and heat to protect them from fading and premature wear. Upholstered furniture is warranted for a period of 2 years from the date of invoice with respect to the frame and craftsmanship. Don’t sit on the arms of the Sofa/chair as the support structure is not designed for extra weight.

The warranty does not extend to the fabric or leather used to upholster the product as upholstery is subject to wear and tear associated with use. Furthermore, usage and treatment in the customer’s environment are beyond our control. The frame is constructed from kiln-dried birch. The base has a spring suspension for superior durability and comfort.

Seat Cushions Interiors and Covers

The sofa you have purchased is filled with foam, fibre-fill and genuine duck feathers. The casing is down-proof to prevent the feathers from escaping. The down-proofing is channelled to prevent the feathers from shifting and forming lumps. Remember the sofa will always have a slightly squishy appearance (this is what gives it that gorgeous marshmallow look). To preserve the appearance of your furniture and to prevent feather-filled cushions from flattening, please follow these two simple steps:

Cushions should be plumped by beating vigorously on each edge at least once a week. The more often this is carried out, the better the filling will perform.

Reversible cushions should be swapped around and turned where possible to ensure equal wear.

One of the reasons why feathers go flat is because they absorb moisture from the air. Periodically spin them in the tumble drier on a cold cycle to fluff them up again.

CLEANING

• Clean co-ordinated items at the same time.
• To remove everyday household dust and dirt, clean regularly by gently vacuuming fabric.
• Remove all spills immediately. Blot liquid spills with a clean dry cloth & work towards the centre of the spill. Don’t rub or use abrasive cleaners as this may damage the fabric.
• When using chemicals, always check the colour-fastness of the fabric on an unobtrusive patch or hidden area.
• Never use bleach
• A plain synthetic sponge removes a lot of dust and grime easily.

Usage, treatment, and maintenance of the fabric are beyond our control. Furthermore, the product is subject to wear and tear associated with use. For this reason, we cannot guarantee the fabric.

Composition: 70% cotton & 30% Linen.

DO NOT DRY CLEAN AND DO NOT BLEACH

Guideline to washing our slipcovers:

Please be noted that we cannot offer any warranty as this process is out of our control.

Please note that we cannot offer any warranty as this process is out of our control.

1. 1. Take it off. Don’t just wash one section of your slipcover—the colours might fade slightly on the piece you wash so it could look different from the other sections. If you chose the same fabric for more than one piece of furniture (a chair and ottoman, for example), wash all of the pieces at the same time. To remove the slipcover from a sofa or chair, start with one arm, work around to the back of the frame, and then finish with the second arm. Take the slipcover outside to shake off any loose dust or crumbs before starting the actual washing process and re-zip all cushion covers so they don’t fray. Wash the reverse side of the slipcover.
   2. Treat stains. If you have stains, pre-treat with a gentle laundry stain remover or gentle liquid detergent. (pat the stain, don’t rub it). Don’t use products containing oxygen or chlorine bleach.
   3. Load up the washer. Slipcovers are bulky and heavy, so use a washer without a central agitator (even if you have to go to the laundromat). And make sure not to overload your washer—split this project up into as many loads as you need. It’s also smart to run the washer through an empty cycle before putting the slipcover in. This makes sure it’s free of detergent, bleach, or anything else that may ruin your slipcover.
   4. Wash it. Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine and wash the slipcover in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid detergents that contain bleach of any kind, “bleach boosters” or “colour boosters.” Whichever detergent you use, be careful not to pour it directly on the fabric because it may leave a mark.
   5. Take it out immediately. As soon as the cycle is done, take out the slipcover. If you leave it in the washing machine, it will crease.
   6. Dry flat to avoid stretching. No direct sun.
      1. Put it back on. You’ll need to start with an arm, then go to the back of the frame, then to the other arm. You’ll just have to keep pulling the slipcover down a few inches at a time, working your way around the frame. Don’t be afraid to put some muscle into it! Smooth the seams and cording, and pinch pleats into sharp creases. Leave the areas that tuck into the frame out and loose until dry. For the cushions, put the covers back on and stand them on end so they can dry completely. It’s okay to lean them against the frame or each other for support but let them touch as little as possible. Rotate them every 20 to 30 minutes to expose all sides to the air and prevent water marks from forming. Ensure your cushions are completely dry before putting them back on the frame. Your slipcover should dry in a few hours. To speed things up, open a window or turn on a fan. Do not sit on your furniture until it is completely dry.