Care Guide

Your Carlton Furniture / Vintage Sofa Company product is crafted to the highest standards; with the correct care your purchase will provide years of comfort and style. Please use this guide to help you keep your purchase in the best possible condition for longer.

Leather

Leather is a natural product which means every hide is different. ‘Corrected grain’ leathers have most of the natural features covered with a uniform surface finish, markings and scars will be hidden under the leather top coating. Carlton Furniture & Vintage Sofa Company use natural aniline leather, the most natural-looking leather type, coloured with soluble aniline dyes. Because it doesn't have a pigment based surface finish, aniline leather is a porous, smooth leather. The natural texture of the skin is clearly visible and so aniline leather is usually classed as high-grade, with a price to match its quality. The lack of a pigmented colour layer on the surface means that aniline leather feels natural, soft and warm to the touch.

Aniline leathers generally bear the marks of their natural origin, from scars and wrinkles to insect bites and goad marks. These will all be more visible on the smooth surface of aniline leather. Fold marks in the leather could also be visible, though these will fade and disappear with use.

Texture and colour will vary from piece to piece as no two hides are the same. Your leather will develop a more individual character as it ages, more so on the most used areas such as seat cushions. Fading is commonly seen in semi-aniline and aniline leathers. The heat of sunlight causes the moisture in the leather's natural oils to slowly evaporate, and eventually it will dry, stiffen and crack. To prevent premature ware, aniline cream should be applied to the leather after proper leather cleaning has taken place. Always test first on a hidden area for any changes. Wet a soft, lint-free cloth slightly with the aniline cream and apply on the leather surface evenly, from seam to seam, in a circular motion.

As leather wares in with age, your upholstery will become even more unique and personal to you. It should also be considered that dye transfer can occur between products such as denim or other high colour fabrics. Please speak to the retailer where your purchase was made regarding leather care creams and care kits.

Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed is made from 100% pure virgin wool and hand woven by islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides. Harris Tweed is the only fabric cloth to be protected by an act of Parliament. As the wool is hand woven, as governed by the act, Harris Tweed will have an “open structure” weave. This can result in fabric movement, especially where the fabric is pleated and folded. The pleated folds can lift and open. Open pleats are not a cause for concern, or complaint - they simply require the sofa, or other upholstered item, to be regularly “dressed” to keep the fold line inline.

Velvet and Chenille Fabrics

These are soft and luxurious fabrics which can crush, develop lines and bruise when used. These pile fabrics become more unique and personal over time. Due to their nature, these fabrics will display colour variation when viewed from different angles due to the lustrous fabric.

Natural Cotton and Linen Fabrics

Linens and linen blends have a casual lived-in look with natural creases that soften over time. Natural yarn blends can feature characteristic slub effects which enhances the textured look. Wool, high linen or cotton content fabrics contain fine natural yarns which can cause the surface to fuzz or 'pill' over time. This pilling is a natural characteristic which will not affect durability.

Our upholstered products are of the very highest level of craftsmanship. After a few weeks you may discover some creases and folds have appeared, particularly in the seating areas. This is known as 'puddling' and should be exactly what you would expect from a high-quality fabric as it matures over time.

When a repeat patterned fabric has been used for your furniture, every effort has been made to match the design where possible. In some designs the mismatch of fabrics is intentional.

Positioning Upholstery

It's very important to position your upholstery in the best place to keep it looking good for longer. Direct sunlight will always cause covers to fade and will weaken the fibres over time. For example, one should try to keep a sofa away from direct sunlight, if this not possible, close curtains and blinds. Direct heat from radiators, heaters and fires can also cause materials to change colour, so position your furniture away from any possible sources of heat.

We strongly recommend that flooring is protected from possible marking by feet or castors. Please ensure that your product sits on a level floor – this will avoid rocking and potential damage to the frame. Avoid dragging your upholstery and place furniture gently when moving it, as dropping or dragging may cause damage. We strongly advise that any furniture movement be carried out by a minimum of two persons.

Cushions

Most cushion fillings will lose up to 25% of their volume in the first six months. In order to maintain their shape, we recommend that you shake, plump and dress your upholstery daily. Where possible, cushions should also be rotated weekly to ensure even wear on seats and back covers.

All fillings will compress when used, much like a pillow. Cushion maintenance is extremely important and will keep your upholstery in good condition. To maintain its condition, as a weekly minimum, complete the following steps;

1. Place the cushion on its edge and beat the opposite edge of the cushion inwards with the palms of your hands.
2. Turn the cushion onto the next edge and repeat until all four sides have been beaten.
3. Give the cushion a shake and replace.
4. Dress the cover on the cushion.

The more often this is carried out, the better the filling will perform.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Gently vacuum upholstery weekly (no brush attachments).
• Use professional cleaning every 12–18 months.
• Attend to spills immediately; try plain water first.
• Do not place hot items on upholstery.
• Avoid chemicals such as hair products and lotions.
• Prevent sharp objects contacting fabric.
• Pets on upholstery may cause premature damage.
• Pilling is natural and can be removed with a de-fuzzer.
• Prescription medication and body oils may affect leather.

Helpful hints on everyday care for your furniture

Thank you for choosing to purchase from Carlton Furniture. We hope these hints help you get the most out of it.

Your furniture is made of natural timbers and will respond to humidity, temperature and light. Over time it will settle into your home environment and develop its own character.

Recommended conditions: temperature 18–22°C and humidity 50–60%. Outside these limits you may see slight expansion or contraction.

Position away from direct heat and sunlight. Ensure furniture is level so doors and drawers operate smoothly.

Dust weekly with a soft cloth. Beeswax may be used for a silkier appearance. High-use table tops (Holcot, Tambour, Gibson) may be treated with clear furniture oil.

Caring for your timber furniture

• Extra products may alter the finish — seek advice first.
• Use waterproof mats under vases and hot items.
• Use coasters and placemats.
• Do not use silicone or abrasive cleaners.
• Use a damp cloth for daily cleaning.
• Keep away from heat sources.
• Do not cover wood with airtight materials.

Oil treatment

Use matching oil, apply thinly with a soft sponge in the direction of the grain. Treat monthly for the first 6 months, then 2–4 times yearly.

Wood cleaning

Use wood cleaner on stubborn spots and always follow with oil treatment.

How do I clean my oak furniture?

Oak is porous and can stain quickly, especially from red wine or coffee. Blot spills immediately with a soft damp cloth. For long-standing stains contact a professional restorer.

View the full range at www.carltonfurniture.co.uk or email sales@carltonfurniture.co.uk.

Lastly, above all else, enjoy your furniture.