CARE AND UPKEEP
At Sister, we take pride in offering only the highest quality furnishings made from the finest fabrics and materials. But, as with anything in life, proper care and maintenance are key to preserving your new purchase and enjoying it for years to come.
Here are a few tips to help you take care of your furniture:
Location matters: Avoid placing furniture where it can touch an external wall as this can create moisture build-up or too close to radiators as this can increase the risk of scorching damage or discoloration.
Upholstery
Protect your furniture by avoiding direct sunlight and rotating reversible cushions at regular intervals. To keep your sofa cushions in good shape, vacuum them weekly on a low suction setting to remove any dust particles that may damage the structure of the fabric.
Most of the velvets we carry are made from natural cotton, which means they can be prone to marking from pressure during transit or use. But no need to worry! You can easily remove most marks by gently smoothing the velvet with a soft brush and/or using gentle steaming. However, some natural velvets have a characteristic crushing that can’t be removed.
If you happen to spill a liquid on your furniture, don’t panic! Simply dab it gently with a dry cloth, but avoid rubbing the spot as it can cause further damage. We suggest using a professional furniture dry cleaning service for both fixed and loose cushion covers where appropriate. This will help maintain the quality and longevity of your furniture.
Marble
Clean your marble tops regularly using a marble and granite cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth. Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice, or any cleaning products containing acid on your marble tops. And, remember to clean up any spills immediately to prevent staining.
Clean your marble tops regularly using a marble and granite cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth. Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice, or any cleaning products containing acid on your marble tops. And, remember to clean up any spills immediately to prevent staining.
Wood
To keep your wooden furniture looking good, remember to use insulated placemats to protect your surfaces and avoid using rubber protective covers. And be careful with sharp objects like cutlery and pens, and try not to drag crockery across the surface, as they can leave unsightly marks. If you spill something, don’t panic – just grab a clean cloth and quickly clean it up. But avoid using cream cleaners, vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleaners, as they can actually harm your furniture. And be sure to choose the right furniture polish for your surface, or you may end up doing more harm than good!
Metal
Taking care of your metal furniture is pretty simple. Just grab a cloth or sponge and clean it with some mild soap and water. Make sure to use a non-detergent soap though! After cleaning, dry it off with a towel to avoid any rust-inducing moisture. Whatever you do, don’t use abrasive scrubbers or cleaners as they can scratch the finish and damage your metal furniture.
Rugs
To keep your rug looking its best, it’s important to take proper care of it. A key aspect of this is rotating the rug every 4 months, especially if it’s in a high-traffic area. This will help to maintain the quality of the rug and prevent discolouration or fading from direct sunlight.
After your rug has been delivered and unpacked, it’s normal to notice some indents and folds. These will typically flatten out on their own within 3-4 weeks, but in some cases, you may need to roll the rug in the opposite direction to get rid of any creases.
Using an underlay or anti-slip mat is also highly recommended, as this will prevent the rug from moving around and becoming a safety hazard. Regular vacuuming is essential to remove any dirt or debris that could accumulate and damage the rug over time.
In the event of spills, it’s important to act quickly and blot the area with a dry, absorbent white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the affected area, as this could cause the stain to spread and make it more difficult to remove.
Finally, to keep your rug looking its best for years to come, we recommend having it professionally cleaned once a year by a trusted expert in rug cleaning.
INSTALLATION
To ensure a seamless experience when ordering furniture from us, it’s important to take accurate measurements of the area where you want to install your new piece. We offer bespoke sizes, so keep in mind that measurements can be adjusted to suit your specific needs.
If you’re unsure whether a particular furniture item will fit into your desired space, don’t worry – we’re here to help! Simply send us a floor plan of your home or the area where you plan to install the furniture, and our bespoke furniture designer will confirm whether your selection is a good fit. We may even suggest alternative measurements that would work better for your space.
It’s also important to consider the logistics of delivery and installation. Take the time to check all entry points and determine the best route for bringing in your new furniture, whether it’s through the front door, back door, side doors, garage, or even a window.
If you live in an apartment building and require the use of a lift, be sure to measure the height and depth of the lift space, as well as the maximum weight allowance. And if you have stairs, measure the width of the staircase and the distance between the stairs and the ceiling.
Before your bespoke item is delivered, we recommend clearing the pathway to avoid any potential damage to your existing decor or special items. This includes rugs, decorative accessories, and artworks. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free installation experience.
For any questions, email us at sister@studioashby.com.
We’re always here to help!