The precautions listed here are typical of high-end, fine quality furniture manufacturers. View them as an aid to ownership, not a burden. It is important to understand that small scratches and nicks as a result of normal use do not devalue furniture. A fine antique is expected to bear the characteristic evidence of time and use. Furniture loses its value because of neglect and misuse. Please use the information below as a general guide to furniture care. Feel free to call or email for more detailed instructions on specific items.
- General Care
- Wood Care
- Leather Care
- Upholstery Care
- Sunbrella Fabrics
When caring for wood furniture, follow these three simple rules.
Rule #1 Whatever product you choose has to be used exclusively without combining with any other product. This is probably the most frequent cause of deteriorated finishes.
Rule #2 Whatever care product you choose should not be used too often. Two to four times a year is max. This is probably the most frequent cause of sticky finishes.
Rule #3 Furniture polishes, oils or waxes should not be used for dusting. Frequent dusting should be accomplished by means of water and a cloth to dry. Put distilled water into a spray mister, mist the water directly on the furniture and wipe dry with a clean cloth (never a sponge). Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain not a circular motion. Water will not harm wood finishes when used like this. You would have to leave the water in place for a long time for any deterioration of the finish to occur.
Allow 30 days for your product to cure. Avoid using materials that can scratch the surface of your furniture until the varnish has fully cured, forming a hard, protective finish that's resistant to water and alcohol.
Use a damp cloth for normal cleaning. If additional polishing is required, avoid products with silicone, wax, solvents or abrasives. For best results, we highly recommend Guardsman Polish With Sunscreen, You may purchase this from us.
Wipe up any spills promptly. While your varnish is spill-resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture may cause damage.
Avoid exposure to heat sources. Prolonged exposure to a direct heart source, such as a register, can cause cracking or warping. Objects left on top of your furniture in direct sunlight may also cause uneven aging of the wood's surface.
Do not place hot items like pots and pans on the surface without protection. Enough said.
Maintain the level of relative humidity in your home around 35%. Low humidity may cause your furniture to dry or crack, while high levels can result in swelling or warping. Either way, restoring optimum humidity levels will often correct the problem. Humidity gauges are available at most hardware stores and provide an easy way to improve the comfort of your home and extend the life of your wood furniture.
