Care & Maintenance
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Maintenance and Care of Furnishings, Wall & Floor Coverings
CARPET CARE
A carpet maintenance program is as important a decision as carpet selection. If proper maintenance is neglected the carpet's appearance will suffer, shortening its life and raising long-term costs.
Walk-off mats can greatly reduce the amount of soil entering a facility. There are two types: those designed to remove trap soil and those intended to absorb water. Both types need to be cleaned regularly.
Carpet should be frequently vacuumed to avoid dust and grime build-up. Proper vacuuming is of great importance to the life of carpet. Concentrate extra effort on key traffic areas:
• High Traffic Areas - Daily or as indicated by inspection
• Medium Traffic Areas - Twice weekly, more as indicated
• Light Traffic Areas - Once or twice weekly as indicated
Spots and spills present the greatest challenge to carpet fiber. Treat them immediately. The longer the spill is allowed to set, the more difficult it will be to remove. Please refer to "Spot and Spill Removal.”
A routine cleaning program is recommended as all carpets will eventually accumulate a built-up layer of soil. If this soil is allowed to remain, it will cause matting and show up as soiled traffic lanes. Don't wait until the carpet looks badly soiled.
WALL COVERINGS
Wall coverings fall into three main categories: paper, vinyl, and fabric. Commercial usage is primarily that of vinyl and fabric. Of those, most wall coverings have a built-in soil-resistant factor. Regardless of materials, routine care and maintenance is important. All should be kept free of surface dust and dirt. If spot cleaning is required, vinyl surfaces can be cleaned by using a moist (not soaking wet) sponge or cloth frequently rinsed in clean, warm water. More resistant stains can be removed by using a non-abrasive cleaner such as Formula 409. Special care should be taken for spot cleaning all other wall coverings. Professional advice is recommended.
Many upholstery fabrics have been treated with a protective agent such as Scotchguard. Regardless, a routine cleaning program should be established to maintain the beauty and life expectancy of the fabric. As with carpets, spots and spills should be removed as quickly as possible. For more difficult stains, professional advise is recommended. In the meantime, you may want to remove with the following step-by-step techniques:
1. BLOOD STAINS
Very carefully blot up liquid on surface of fabric, but do not work into material.
Allow to dry completely.
Brush vigorously with a soft bristle brush to remove the dried residue from the surface and from between the yarns.
Vacuum thoroughly.
Follow with a MILD SHAMPOO WASH, HOT WATER RINSE and DRY.
Most blood stains will be removed in this fashion. If a stain remains, treat it as described below in number 6: PROTEIN STAINS.
2. CHEWING GUM
Use ice to harden the gum then scrape away as much as possible.
Use small amount of smooth peanut butter on the remaining gum to loosen from fibers.
Scrape off all peanut butter possible.
Rub gently with clean cloth.
Follow with a MILD SHAMPOO WASH, HOT WATER RINSE and DRY.
3. WAX
There are two methods available for removal of wax from fibers. Both methods must be used with extreme caution to avoid damage to olefin type materials. First, scrape off as much wax as possible and then use one of these two methods:
Pour boiling water onto the wax, a little at a time, and wet-vacuum dry.
Place a towel over the wax and place an iron with the "steam" setting activated, over the towel.
4. WATER BASED STAINS - CLEAN IMMEDIATELY
Use a clean, absorbent cloth. Blot to remove as much of the spill as possible. Do not rub in.
With a soft bristle brush, brush the area to remove particles from within the fabric.
Vacuum the area thoroughly.
Apply a small amount of a neutral pH shampoo (not just suds) to a clean cloth and lightly rub the fabric.
5. HOT WATER RINSE and DRY.5. OIL BASED STAINS
Follow steps listed above for WATER BASED STAINS. This will remove any dirt particles which the oil based substance has attracted and will improve the working power of the spot remover.
Use a reliable petroleum based spot remover. Never apply a solvent directly to a fabric. Apply spot remover to a clean cloth and test in a hidden area to be sure color is not removed.
Agitate with a soft bristle brush - do not scrub or apply heavy pressure which might force soil deeper into the fabric.
Hot Water Rinse and Dry.
6. PROTEIN STAINS - SPOT CLEANING
When cleaning upholstery located in an eating establishment or where there is food, an enzyme pre-spray is recommended.
Thoroughly vacuum the upholstery.
Mix pre-spray, such as Chem Spec Formula 90, according to the label and spray onto fabric.
Let stand for approximately five minutes.
Follow with MILD SHAMPOO WASH, HOT WATER RINSE and DRY.
Note: Some stubborn stains will require two or more cleanings to remove all residue. If the stain cannot be removed by the above methods or for any assistance, call Fixtures Furniture Customer Service at (800) 821-3500 or (816) 241-4500. Write for our free article on Fabric Maintenance and Specification.
Though most manufacturers take special care with the finishing process to provide surfaces that are durable, particular attention needs to be paid to liquids and glasses or cups. Coasters should be provided and used. The plastic or rubber cups on the bottom of such things as telephones, calculators, computers and other machines should be covered with felt pads. Some rubber cups can cause permanent damage to wood furniture, actually penetrating the finish and causing a black ring in the wood. Should any damage occur to your furniture, call a professional refinisher. A routine maintenance program is recommended for all wood finishes, touching up small problems on a regular basis will prolong the health and appearance of your furniture. We will be happy to recommend on site furniture services.
CATALYTIC LACQUER FINISH
Most office furniture is finished using a multi-step process. Both the sealer and final coats are usually fully catalyzed for a very durable and lasting finish. Maintenance of a catalyzed lacquer finish is very simple - periodic cleaning with a damp, soft cloth is all that is required.
If a high glossy look is desired, you may want to apply a small amount of lemon oil with a soft cloth.
OIL FINISH
Furniture that has an oil finish requires additional treatment of lemon oil. If left uncared for, the veneers may dry out and can, in extreme cases, split and chip.
Depending upon the climatic conditions, you may want to wipe down all the wood surfaces, inside and out, with lemon oil 3 or 4 times a year.
DO NOT USE ANY SILICONE BASE, WAX CLEANER OR SPRAY. Silicone makes the surface shine, but builds up on the surface, eventually interfering with the beauty and maintenance of the furniture. Silicones eventually work their way into the finish and actually dry out the wood.
Remember that:
1. Exposing stained wood to sunlight or fluorescent or incandescent lighting will cause the finish to change color. Periodically, move desk accessories or other objects to ensure even aging.
2. Prolonged contact with vinyl on plastic coated items such as binders or desk pads can cause the finish to soften.
3. Wood needs to breath. If you use a protective glass top, insert felt pads or spacers to create an air space.
Leathers improve with age if properly cared for.
Top-coated leathers, including those aniline-dyed, are most easily cleaned with a mild soap and warm water. Rinse and dry with a soft towel. You can also use a conditioner on aniline leathers. To avoid spotting, treat the entire area.
Sueded leathers should be brushed with a high quality suede brush frequently and cleaned with a suede cleaner.
Kroupana suedes have a miracle finish and require a special cleaning kit.
DO NOT USE saddle soap, polish or oils which may attack the leather's protective coating.
DO NOT USE ANY DETERGENTS. Use castille, ivory or any other mild soap.
Simply wipe the laminate with a clean damp cloth or sponge using a mild soap or detergent. General purpose cleaners such as PineSol and Lestoil are also effective. Ammoniated cleaners are best for cleaning surfaces soiled by grease. Abrasive cleaners / powders and metal or abrasive-coated scouring pads should not be used since they will permanently dull and scratch the laminate and make it more susceptible to staining. A periodic application of a non-oil based, self cleaning wax will help to minimize stains.
Stains: a thorough cleaning using a mild household cleaner / detergent and a short soft bristle nylon brush is effective for removing superficial food stains such as tea, coffee or fruit drinks. Ink stains can transfer to the laminate surface and could become permanent. Remove such stains as quickly as possible using full strength detergent or a household spray cleaner. Allow cleaner to remain on the stain for several minutes, blot with a damp cloth, then rinse. Proper cleaning will keep the laminate looking fresh and clean for years.
Using the marker pens and erasers sold by porcelain board manufacturers is recommended. Periodic cleaning with a soft cloth and a solution of 1 part ammonia to one part water is also recommended.
A porcelain / white board cleaner can be ordered for you.
If that does not remove the stain, carefully, in a small area, spray Easy-Off oven cleaner to remove the stain.
The best way to maintain the appearance of marble is to wipe up stains immediately and wash surfaces periodically. Marble can be cleaned with a mild detergent, lukewarm water, rinsed with clean water and wiped with a clean cloth. Applying a white or non-yellowing wax can inhibit staining and etching. It is important to distinguish between etch marks and stains. Please follow the instructions enclosed for care and maintenance of marble.
