Upholstery Care
Frequent vacuuming or light brushing will get rid of surface soil and prevent the embedding of dirt and grime into the fabric, which causes abrasion and wear. Periodical rotation and turning-over of cushions (if applicable) will keep them looking better longer. While moving furniture, lift the item rather than "scooting" it across the floor. This prevents damage to the item's legs and protects your flooring. Every twelve to twenty-four months, professionally clean upholstered furniture and fabrics. Increased cleaning frequency may be required when fabric subjected to heavy use, or when it is located in homes occupied by persons with allergies or respiratory sensitivity.

Leather Care
Always consult manufacturer's care instructions because leather's vary. 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 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.

Mattress Care
Frequent turning of your mattress will prevent sagging and uneven wear. Cover your mattress with a cotton mattress pad, which will absorb perspiration and can be removed and washed to keep the mattress clean. Rotate your mattress twice a year, and flip it over completely after the first six months. Some new mattresses don't need flipping. Check with the manufacturer. Use the handles on the sides of the mattress for positioning only - not for carrying. Lifting by the handles can damage your mattress. Air out your mattress each morning by folding back the covers to the bottom of the bed for half an hour before you make it. This will also prevent moisture buildup. Try not to sit on the edge of the bed in the same place every day, because this can lead to sagging

Glass and Tile Care
The use of placemats and coasters will help prevent surface scratches. Do not place hot cookware directly on the table surface. Use a mild, water-based detergent or cleanser with a soft cloth. Prolonged use of paper-towels can actually result in surface scratches.

Wood Care
MOISTURE IS WOOD'S BIGGEST ENEMY! Do not use water-based furniture polish. If you don't have proper polish, use a slightly dampened sponge or soft cloth to remove fingerprints or smudges, and IMMEDIATELY dry the area with a soft, dry cloth. Always protect table surfaces by using coasters and placemats which are not rubber-backed, as they tend to adhere to the wood finish. When placing decorative objects on a wood surface, protect the finish from scratches by affixing felt "patches" to the item where it comes into contact with the surface. You will find such felt patches with convenient adhesive backs at most hardware stores. Avoid using alcohol-based products such as perfume or nail-polish remover near wood surfaces, as they can result in serious damage. We recommend the use of protective table pads for dining room tables. Hard wood furniture is crafted from wood that is carefully dried, retaining just enough moisture for the furniture to properly acclimate to the relative humidity in your home. The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air, shrinking and expanding in response to changes in relative humidity. Like your own skin, solid hardwood furniture's natural response to extremely dry air is to lose moisture and shrink a bit. The halves of an extension table may part slightly or a few tiny openings may appear on a solid wood surface. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises, and the hardwood absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly. If you don't have an air conditioner or dehumidifier, your home's relative humidity may get too high. Parts of your hardwood furniture may absorb excess moisture from the air and expand, perhaps causing drawers to stick. Once again, this will correct itself as your home's relative humidity decreases. The quality and sturdiness of your hardwood furniture are not affected by these natural changes.

*Notice on Care: Always consult manufacturer's care instructions. This page is provided as a courtesy by Fales Furniture Co. strictly for informational purposes.