Furniture Care Guide
Proper care and regular maintenance can help keep your Stowhaven furniture comfortable, attractive, and functional for years to come. The following guidelines provide general recommendations for caring for common furniture materials and styles.
Always follow the product-specific care instructions provided with your furniture when they differ from these general recommendations.
General Furniture Care
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Dust furniture regularly with a soft, clean cloth.
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Clean spills as soon as possible to reduce the risk of stains or permanent damage.
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Avoid excessive moisture and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
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Keep furniture away from strong heat sources whenever possible.
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Use cleaning products specifically suitable for the material being cleaned.
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Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and rough cleaning tools unless specifically recommended.
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Do not drag heavy furniture across the floor. Lift the furniture or use suitable moving equipment when repositioning it.
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Periodically check screws, bolts, legs, and other hardware and tighten them when necessary.
Sofas & Upholstered Furniture
Regularly vacuum sofas, sectionals, accent chairs, and other upholstered furniture using a suitable upholstery attachment. This can help remove dust, crumbs, pet hair, and other debris.
For spills:
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Blot the affected area gently with a clean, dry cloth.
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Avoid rubbing the spill, as this may push liquid deeper into the fabric.
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Use a mild cleaning solution appropriate for the upholstery material if additional cleaning is necessary.
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Test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first.
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Allow the area to dry completely before using the furniture.
Avoid placing sharp objects, rough materials, or items that may snag the upholstery on or near the furniture.
Fabric Furniture
Fabric upholstery may require different cleaning methods depending on the material.
Before cleaning, check the product's care label or specific cleaning instructions. When using a cleaning solution, test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Do not saturate upholstered furniture with water or cleaning solution. Excessive moisture may damage certain fabrics, padding, internal materials, or wooden components.
Leather & Faux Leather Furniture
Wipe leather or faux leather surfaces regularly with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.
Avoid excessive water, bleach, abrasive cleaners, strong solvents, and alcohol-based products unless specifically approved for the material.
Keep leather and faux leather furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight and excessive heat, which may contribute to fading, drying, cracking, or other surface changes.
Wood Furniture
Dust wooden furniture regularly with a soft, dry or lightly damp cloth.
Wipe spills promptly and do not allow water or other liquids to remain on the surface.
Use coasters, placemats, and protective pads when appropriate to help protect the surface from moisture, heat, scratches, and stains.
Do not place hot cookware directly on wooden furniture.
Natural wood and wood-look materials may have variations in grain, color, texture, and finish. These variations can be normal characteristics of the material.
Tables & Dining Furniture
Use coasters, placemats, table pads, or other suitable protection to help prevent scratches, heat marks, stains, and moisture damage.
Clean the surface with a soft cloth and a cleaner appropriate for the material.
Do not stand or sit on a table unless the product is specifically designed to support such use.
Beds & Bed Frames
Regularly inspect bed frames, legs, support systems, screws, bolts, and other hardware.
Tighten loose hardware when necessary and follow the assembly instructions supplied with the product.
Do not exceed the stated weight capacity. Avoid jumping on the bed or using the frame in a way that is inconsistent with its intended purpose.
For upholstered headboards and fabric surfaces, use gentle vacuuming and spot-cleaning methods appropriate for the material.
Mattresses & Box Springs
Follow the product-specific care instructions supplied with your mattress or box spring.
Use a compatible bed frame or foundation that provides appropriate support.
A mattress protector may help protect the mattress from spills, stains, and everyday wear.
Avoid excessive moisture and do not fold, bend, or handle a mattress in a way that conflicts with the manufacturer's instructions.
Cushions & Removable Covers
If your furniture includes removable cushions or covers, check the care label before washing or cleaning them.
Use only the recommended cleaning method for the specific material.
Allow cushions and covers to dry completely before putting them back on the furniture.
Where appropriate, periodically rotate or reposition cushions to help distribute everyday use more evenly.
Protecting Your Furniture
To help maintain your furniture:
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Keep furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight.
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Avoid placing furniture next to radiators, heaters, fireplaces, or other strong heat sources.
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Keep indoor areas reasonably dry and well ventilated.
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Keep pets' claws trimmed to help reduce scratches and fabric damage.
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Use protective pads under decorative objects or items that may scratch surfaces.
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Avoid placing excessive weight on shelves, tables, chairs, or storage components.
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Keep children from climbing on furniture that is not designed for such use.
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Avoid moving furniture by pulling on cushions, arms, backs, or other non-structural components.
Cleaning Products
Always check the product's care instructions before using a cleaning product.
When using a new cleaner, test it on a small, hidden area first.
Avoid bleach, strong solvents, abrasive cleaners, and unapproved chemicals that may damage upholstery, wood finishes, metal, leather, faux leather, or other materials.
If the manufacturer's care instructions differ from this general guide, follow the product-specific instructions.
Assembly & Safety
Furniture should be assembled according to the instructions provided with the product.
Make sure all required components and hardware are properly installed before using the furniture.
For large furniture, make sure the item is placed on a stable and suitable surface. If anti-tip hardware or other safety components are included, install and use them according to the provided instructions.
Do not modify structural components or use furniture for purposes other than its intended use.
Normal Wear & Material Variations
Furniture may naturally develop minor changes through regular use.
Cushions may soften, fabric may develop changes in texture, and wood or other materials may show variations in color, grain, or appearance over time.
These characteristics can be normal results of everyday use and do not necessarily indicate a product defect.
Need Help?
If you have questions about caring for a Stowhaven product or need product-specific care information, please contact us:
Email: info@stowhaven.us
Phone: +1 (603) 867-5051
Address: 216 Smyth Rd, Straw-Smyth, Manchester, NH 03104-3464, United States