UPHOLSTERY CARE
FABRICS
The following care instructions apply to all of our upholstery fabrics, excluding our leathers and Manta Espinhada. Additional advice specific to velvet is available as a download at the bottom of this page.
REGULAR CARE
Regular cleaning is important in order to keep the upholstery textile looking its best and to prolong its life. Dust and dirt wear down the textile and also reduce its fire-retardant properties.
Vacuum frequently, ideally every week, at half power where appropriate. Wipe upholstery fabrics made from polyurethane with a dry or moist cloth. May also be vacuum cleaned with a soft brush.
STAIN REMOVAL
If you act quickly, it is not difficult to remove spills and prevent stains from forming. However, we cannot guarantee complete stain removal.
First, scrape off any liquids or hardened residues with a spoon or a scoop before you proceed. Any loose particles must be vacuum cleaned before further cleaning. Liquids must be soaked up with an absorbent napkin or cloth.
Remove non-greasy stains by carefully dabbing with a lint-free cloth or sponge wrung out in warm water. Edge marks can be avoided by dabbing gently in circular motions towards the centre of the stain with a clean lint-free cloth. Remove greasy stains by using appropriate detergents or solvents. In all cases, we recommend testing stain-removal agents on an inconspicuous area first, to see if there is any effect on the textile.
Make sure to dry the fabric fully before use. It may also be necessary to use a hairdryer to avoid leaving edge marks. This applies especially to microfibre textiles.
These tips are purely recommendations and cannot guarantee complete stain removal. In order to ensure satisfactory results, particularly for large stains, we recommend contacting a professional dry cleaner. It is important to state whether the stain has already undergone treatment.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Regular maintenance and cleaning removes dirt before it settles in the fabric and damages the fibres. Appropriate maintenance and regular cleaning can prolong the textile’s life cycle and reduce costs for renovation and repair, replacement and disposal.
It is usually recommended that upholstered furniture with normal commercial use should be cleaned 2–3 times a year. Upholstery in private households usually needs less frequent cleaning.
In order to ensure satisfying cleaning results, we recommend contacting a professional cleaning service. Employing pH- neutral carbon dioxide solutions for cleaning is recommended because this method avoids the use of soap. A professional cleaning service may also assist in working out maintenance schedules, which ensure that the fabrics are maintained properly so that a good indoor climate and a maximum duration of the upholstery are achieved.
IMPREGNATION
We do not recommend impregnation of woollen upholstery fabrics, as wool itself is dirt-repellent.
Impregnation of fabrics made from 100% Trevira CS should be avoided since it decreases the fabric’s permanent flame-retardant attributes.
NATURAL GRAIN LEATHER
Occasionally vacuum furniture upholstered in leather. To clean, wipe leather with a damp cloth and be careful to avoid soaking. Products designed to feed the leather produce a sticky surface that attracts dust and dirt from continued use so we do not recommend them. Avoid excessive heat and if possible direct sunlight as these will dry the leather.
High humidity, warm temperatures, poor ventilation, and soiling can cause mould to grow on leather. It is important to keep the leather clean and to control the environment where the leather products are kept to prevent mould formation. We recommend using a Hygrometer to monitor the Relative Humidity in your home, to ensure that the conditions are neither too humid, nor too dry. The ideal relative humidity is 50%.
Air conditioners or dehumidifiers can remove moisture from the air, and either should be used with windows and doors kept closed.
If mould does form, follow this procedure: Remove mould with a soft bristle brush (such as toothbrush), if possible outdoors to prevent scattering mildew spores in the home. Run a vacuum cleaner attachment over the surface of the leather to draw out more of the mould, being sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag outdoors. Dry the leather with an electric heater, fan, or sun and air. If necessary, sponge lightly with thick suds of mild soap and wipe with a clean damp cloth, being sure to avoid soaking the leather.
ELMORUSTICAL VIII
Aniline leather is very durable and will age naturally in response to its environment, the oils in the user’s skin and other factors resulting in a beautiful patina.
Never place leather furniture within 30cm of a radiator or in direct sunlight.
Vacuum often with a soft brush and, when necessary, clean any exposed surfaces, such as armrests and headrests. For stains that are water-soluble, dampen the area and dry using a paper towel.
For you to be able to take the best possible care of your leather furniture, Elmo has developed a water-based leather care programme with a cleaning (leather cleaner) and a protective (leather protection) component. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying. For more information visit www.elmoleather.com
FINISHED LEATHER
Occasionally vacuum furniture upholstered in leather. To clean, wipe leather with a damp cloth and, if needed, a mild soap, and be careful to avoid soaking. Products designed to feed the leather produce a sticky surface that attracts dust and dirt from continued use so we do not recommend them. Avoid excessive heat and if possible direct sunlight as these will dry the leather.
High humidity, warm temperatures, poor ventilation, and soiling can cause mould to grow on leather. It is important to keep the leather clean and to control the environment where the leather products are kept to prevent mould formation. We recommend using a Hygrometer to monitor the Relative Humidity in your home, to ensure that the conditions are neither too humid, nor too dry. The ideal relative humidity is 50%.
Air conditioners or dehumidifiers can remove moisture from the air, and either should be used with windows and doors kept closed.
If mould does form, follow this procedure: Remove mould with a soft bristle brush (such as toothbrush), if possible outdoors to prevent scattering mildew spores in the home. Run a vacuum cleaner attachment over the surface of the leather to draw out more of the mould, being sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag outdoors. Dry the leather with an electric heater, fan, or sun and air. If necessary, sponge lightly with thick suds of mild soap and wipe with a clean damp cloth, being sure to avoid soaking the leather.
SHEEPSKIN
Vacuum regularly, at half power, using an upholstery attachment. Spot clean with a sponge, lukewarm water and, if needed, a mild wool shampoo. Do not soak. Allow the wool to dry before use. The wool will regain its curliness when dry, but if necessary, rub the wool several times during the drying process to help restore it. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Avoid direct sunlight as this can cause colour changes.
MANTA ESPINHADA
REGULAR CARE
Regular cleaning is important in order to keep the upholstery textile looking its best and to prolong its life. Vacuum frequently, ideally every week, at half power, to remove dust and dirt.
STAIN REMOVAL
In the case of spillages, act quickly. First, scrape off any liquids or hardened residues with a spoon or a scoop before you proceed. Any loose particles must be vacuum cleaned before further cleaning. Liquids must be soaked up with an absorbent napkin or cloth.
Remove stains by carefully dabbing with a lint-free cloth or sponge wrung out in cold water. Edge marks can be avoided by dabbing gently in circular motions towards the centre of the stain with a clean lint-free cloth. If needed, a gentle wool detergent can be used, diluted with clean water and applied with a damp cloth. Do not soak the textile. Make sure to dry the textile fully before use.
In order to ensure satisfactory results, particularly for large stains, we recommend contacting a professional dry cleaner. It is important to state whether the stain has already undergone treatment.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
