Product Care & Maintenance

 

Leather Furniture

Whilst leather is durable it does need care to help prevent damage from drying out and fading. Most leathers used on upholstered furniture have a clear topcoat sealer which helps protect the colour and stops the leather from drying out. If dirt, grime, and perspiration are left to build up on the surface of furniture, this protective topcoat can wear away, severely reducing the life of your leather.

The following tips can help you care for your leather furniture and add years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • Regularly clean and moisturise leather upholstery to maintain its appearance. In extreme climates you need to moisturise leather more often. There are many products on the market suitable to care for your leather, we like Gilly’s Leather Care.
  • Blot up water spills straight away, don’t rub or let it soak in. Leather is porous and unattended water-based stains will leave a mark.
  • Clean up food spills straight away. Food oils can permanently bond with the leather.
  • Vacuum regularly with a soft upholstery attachment.
  • Dirt and grime can act as abrasives on leather. Wipe over the leather with a soft, damp, clean cloth weekly followed by a second soft cloth to dry any remaining moisture. Leather wipes are also a convenient option to clean, condition and protect your leather furniture, and can be purchased from retailers such as Bunnings, or your local large grocery store.
  • If appropriate, rotate cushions to even out the wear.
  • Don’t place leather furniture near direct sunlight or heaters as they can fade, damage, and dry out the leather.
  • Try not to get body oils on the leather as they can oxidise and change the colour of the leather. Be aware that some medications (specifically heart, blood pressure, chemotherapy, and diabetes medications) can be excreted through the pores and may damage the surface coating of your leather.
  • Be sure to keep sharp objects aware from your leather, including pet claws. Sharp items can rip/tear the leather.

We would expect to see movement, creases, and wrinkles occur with use and over time for any of our Leather and high-quality PU Leather products. All products are hand finished and will be made with varying degrees of tautness when manufactured. Because of this hand finishing you may see variation in the way products of the same design will wear. Such signs of use are considered a normal response of the material as they are used and loved in your home or business.

 

Timber and Veneer Furniture

Natural timber provides wonderful warmth and depth to any home or commercial space. The natural beauty of timber means that each item is unique. Each piece will vary in their natural qualities including knots, woodgrains, colour variation and surface markings. The colour tones of solid timber will vary from piece to piece, and with time will darken as the timber ages.

The following tips can help you care for your timber furniture and add years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • Regular dusting with a soft cloth or a light feather duster will avoid a build-up of grime, which will dull the surface finish.
  • Occasionally gently buff the surface in the direction of the wood grain with a soft lint-free cloth. A light application of a non-silicone polish is recommended from time to time. There are many products on the market suitable to care for your timber, we like Gilly’s Carnauba Polish.
  • All spillages, particularly alcohol or acidic beverages should be cleaned immediately. Water or any moisture should never be allowed to remain on a timber or veneer surface as it may cause the timber damage, to swell or the veneer to lift.
  • Do not place timber furniture in a position of harsh exposure to direct sunlight, near radiators, air conditioning vents, humidifiers, or a fireplace.
  • Under no circumstance should an abrasive, acidic or silicone cleaner be used.
  • To protect the natural timber finish, use coasters or mats under cold, hot, or damp objects.
  • Avoid direct alcohol or beverage contact with the surface. Glasses or bottles left directly on the table may cause permanent damage to the timber surface.
  • Placemats, décor objects, or anything left permanently on the timber surface may cause shadows or marks on the timber as both natural and artificial lighting can alter the tone of exposed surfaces over time. Rotate regularly to ensure even colour change.
  • To prevent scratching to the timber surface avoid placing objects with hard or sharp edges/corners.

 

Marble Furniture

Marble is a natural product and must be treated with care. Our marble furniture is lightly polished with a polyurethane application to ensure the natural beauty of the stone is not diminished. Due to its porous nature, it is essential that marble is cared for and attended to swiftly should a spill occur.

The following tips can help you care for your marble furniture and add years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • For regular cleaning use a dry soft cloth or feather duster to wipe over all surfaces, this will help remove dirt and dust build up.
  • Do not place marble furniture in a position of harsh exposure to direct sunlight, near radiators, air conditioning vents, humidifiers, or a fireplace.
  • In the case of a spill, clean immediately with a damp soft cloth and if necessary natural soap. Do not use the following: detergent, chemical, abrasive, acidic or vinegar-based cleaners. Marble is porous and all these cleaners can destroy your marble surface.
  • To protect your marble, use coasters or mats under cold, hot, or damp objects. Be careful to avoid condensation under coasters or drinks used on your marble furniture. Liquid that sits on the surface of your marble can destroy the surface.
  • Avoid direct alcohol or beverage contact with the surface. Glasses or bottles left directly on the marble may cause permanent damage to the surface.
  • Placemats, décor objects, or anything left permanently on the marble surface should be regularly moved and rotated to ensure the marble surface is not affected.
  • Use felt pads or mats under vases or décor items to ensure the marble surface does not scratch.
  • Take care when consuming acidic beverages near your marble furniture. This includes fruit juice, specifically orange or lemon, soft drinks, and wine. Clean any spills immediately and do not allow them to sit on the surface of your marble furniture.
  • A marble cleaner is recommended for maintenance. There are many products on the market suitable to care for your marble, such as Hillmark's Stone Cleaner.

 

Glass Furniture

Glass offers a wonderful modern edge to many different furniture pieces. As to be expected, glass must be handled with care.

The following tips can help you care for your furniture with any glass elements and add years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • Dust glass frequently with a soft dry cloth to avoid build up of dust and dirt. Use a feather or soft bristle brush to get into the corners, crevice’s or joins of your glass furniture to ensure dust, dirt and grime do not build up.
  • Use a glass cleaner following the listed instructions with a soft cloth. Be sure to apply the glass cleaner to the glass only, not any other surrounding materials i.e., timber etc.
  • To protect your glass, use coasters or mats under cold, hot, or damp objects.
  • Use felt pads or mats under vases or décor items to ensure the glass surface does not scratch. Be careful not to drag sharp objects over the surface of the glass.
  • Avoid overloading your glass furniture with weight to avoid breakages.
  • When cleaning glass furniture, avoid wearing rings, bracelets, and watches, as they can also cause scratches on the glass surface.

 

Fibreglass Furniture

Fibreglass is a durable and sleek material used in many modern furniture pieces. To ensure longevity of your item fibreglass surfaces need to be cared for properly when cleaning. Using cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals may damage fibreglass surfaces.

The following tips can help you care for your fibreglass adding years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • Regularly clean the fibreglass surface with mild soap and a soft, clean cloth.
  • To protect your fibreglass, use coasters or mats under cold, hot, or damp objects.
    • Coasters will help absorb sweating by beverage glasses or cups and prevent hot mugs or cups from leaving a ring.
    • Placemats will catch spills and prevent dishes from scratching the table.
    • When placing hot food dishes on a fibreglass tabletop always use a mat or hot pad.
    • When cleaning glass furniture, avoid wearing rings, bracelets, and watches, as they can also cause scratches on the fibreglass surface.
  • It is recommended that objects are not left on the fibreglass surface in the same spot for extended periods of time. Keep your table free of objects or move them around the table regularly.

 

Outdoor Furniture

Selecting furniture suitable for your outdoor space means considering the material construct and whether it is suitable to withstand the Australian elements. Some of the materials that Replica Furniture use for outdoor furniture include Aluminium, UV Stabilised Polypropylene, and HPL Compact Laminate. Replica Furniture have a designated grouping of Outdoor Suitable Furniture on the website to ensure ease of purchase.

The following tips can help you care for your outdoor furniture adding years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • Where possible store in an undercover, dry outdoor area out of direct sunlight.
  • Clean your outdoor furniture regularly to prevent the build up of dirt and grime. Use a soft bristle brush or cloth, and a mild soap and water. Rinse with a low-pressure hose.
  • A cover can be used over your outdoor furniture to prevent excess exposure to environmental elements
  • Do not let water sit on your outdoor furniture for extended periods of time. Sitting water can cause oxidisation on your outdoor furniture surfaces, particularly aluminium. Be sure to wipe dry after rain or cleaning. A product such as Gilly’s Carnauba Polish can assist with protecting and maintaining your outdoor furniture 
  • For a more thorough clean there are many products on the market suitable to care for your outdoor furniture, we like Gumption Paste available at various stores 

 

Furniture with Natural Cord

Paper cord is a strong natural material that is popular for chair and stool seats. It is naturally cool, comfortable, and durable, requiring minimal care.

The following tips can help you care for your cord furniture adding years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • Regularly wipe down your cord seat with a dry soft cloth, this will help prevent dirt and dust building up on or between the cord. Where required you can vacuum your cord seat but do so with care and without the brush attachment, so the cord does not catch.
  • Paper cord generally has a protective wax, however where you can limit cleaning of your cord seat with water as the cord will absorb the moisture.
  • Attend to spills immediately. Should water be required to clean a spill, do so with a soft damp cloth in the direction of the cord.
  • Do not rub liquids or spills into the cord, always blot clean.
  • It is not recommended to use liquid detergent when cleaning natural cord.
  • For extra protection, use seat cushions when the chairs are in use, particularly for children.
  • Be careful not to have sharp objects or pets’ claws near the cords as this can cause fraying, tears or loosening of the cord.

 

Linen or Fabric Furniture

Purchasing furniture with a fabric component is a wonderful way to add colour and texture to your space. As well as being comfortable, fabric is easy to keep clean and suitable to use in a multitude of settings.

The following tips can help you care for your fabric furniture adding years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • Before use, we encourage you to protect your fabric furniture by applying an appropriate upholstery protector. There are many products available on the market, we like Scotchguard Fabric and Upholstery Protector or Nanoman Fabric + Textile Protective Coating.
  • Regularly clean your fabric furniture, this includes wiping away any dust with a soft, clean cloth. Fabric furniture can be gently vacuumed to perform a deeper clean of dust or dirt that may have embedded into the fabric or foam.
  • Where a spill or stain occurs be sure to attend to it immediately. Never rub the fabric to clean, always use a damp clean cloth and a blotting action.
  • Where the stain or spill requires more than water, be sure to use an appropriate fabric cleaner. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area first. Always follow instructions on the manufacturers packaging.
  • To avoid water marks, never over wet an area that is being cleaned.
  • If you spot clean an area, be sure to re-apply your upholstery protector again.
  • Be aware that body oils, perspiration and some medications can seep into the fabric and stain or create an odour.
  • Avoid having your fabric furniture in direct sunlight as this may cause fading. Do not position your furniture too close to heaters, fireplaces, or air conditioners.
  • Sharp objects including pet claws may cause fabric to pull, tear or fray.
  • Pilling may occur as part of everyday use and is considered a normal occurrence with fabric furniture. De-pilling can be achieved with a small battery-operated Lint removing tool available from a range of stores including Bunnings.

 

Steel Furniture

Steel is a wonderfully versatile material used to construct furniture, that is hard wearing, easy to clean and offers a trendy industrial edge to your styling. All steel furniture supplied by Replica Furniture are a high-quality material, with a powder coat paint finish.

The following tips can help you care for your steel furniture adding years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • It is important that steel furniture is regularly cleaned to ensure dirt and grime do not build up on the surface causing damage to the powder coating. Do so with a soft, clean damp cloth. If necessary, use a mild detergent and soft bristle brush. Rinse clean immediately after cleaning, and dry with a separate soft, clean cloth.
  • Never use harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool to clean your steel furniture. Doing so may scratch and damage your powder coating.
  • Steel furniture not recommended for outdoor use and may spot rust when exposed to the elements.

 

MDF & Polyurethane Furniture

Polyurethane and MDF are popular finishes, seen in many kitchens Australia wide. Such materials incorporated in furniture design offer a sleek and luxurious feel, that is hard wearing and affordable.

The following tips can help you care for your Polyurethane/MDF furniture adding years of life, whilst enjoying it every day:

  • Dust your furniture regularly to ensure dirt and grime do not build up on the furniture surfaces. Where necessary use a soft, clean damp cloth and a mild detergent.
  • Always clean spills immediately to ensure the surface lacquer does not damaged or stain.
  • Do not use abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners, or a steel wool to clean your furniture.
  • To protect your polyurethane/MDF furniture, use coasters or mats under cold, hot, or damp objects.
    • Coasters will help absorb sweating by beverage glasses or cups and prevent hot mugs or cups from leaving a ring.
    • Placemats will catch spills and prevent dishes from scratching the table.
    • When placing hot food dishes on a fibreglass tabletop always use a mat or hot pad.

     

Lighting

Lighting is a subtle and effective way to add warmth and emanate a mood within a space. At Replica Furniture we have a beautiful collection of lighting that is sure to transform any space.

The following tips can help you best care for your lighting:

  • Always ensure you are using the correct manufacturer recommended bulb for your light. This information will be available online, and if you are unsure, please contact the showroom for advice.
  • Always use new bulbs in your lamps or pendants.
  • When assembling your lighting, take care with the cord insulation to ensure this does not get knicked or cut when drawing this cord through stems, arches, or base of your lamp.
  • Where possible plug your lamp directly into a power socket rather than using a power board or extension lead.
  • For ceiling pendants always outsource installation to an appropriately qualified electrician.
  • Regularly dust your light with a soft, clean dry cloth to ensure dust and dirt do not build up.
  • Where necessary use a mild detergent and damp cloth to clean your lamp. Rinse with a clean damp cloth before drying with a soft cloth. Take care and ensure your lamp is cool and not connected to power before cleaning with any liquids.
  • The use of a feather duster will help to keep ceiling pendants clean and free from dust.
  • Be sure not to use any harsh or abrasive chemical cleaners on your lamp or pendant as this may damage the finish.

 

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