GUIDANCE FOR PRESERVING THE FINISH, FUNCTION, AND VALUE OF YOUR CHARTER FURNITURE

GENERAL

—   Handle furniture with care during delivery, installation, and relocation. Dropping, dragging, or stacking can loosen joints, break legs, and scratch or chip wood surfaces, or damage upholstery.

—   Keep furniture out of direct sunlight, which causes fading, deterioration, and hairline cracking in wood finishes. Extreme room heat or humidity can also damage furniture or cause it to warp.

UPHOLSTERY

—   For spills, spots, or soiled areas, use the cleaning method recommended by your C.O.M. (Customer's Own Material), fabric, vinyl, or leather supplier. Test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area first. A complete overall cleaning should only be performed by a professional cleaner.

—   Instruct housekeeping staff to avoid striking furniture legs or upholstery with vacuum cleaners, and to avoid bleach-based detergents on wood or upholstery.

—   Vacuum or lightly brush upholstery weekly to remove dust and surface grit. Never use a stiff-fiber or metal brush, as this will damage the fibers. Rotate cushions and fluff back pillows regularly. Dust leather surfaces often with a dry or slightly dampened soft cloth, and avoid saddle soap or other leather cleaners.

WOOD

—   Most Charter wood-finished pieces have a protective polyurethane and/or lacquer finish and typically require only dusting and light water-based cleaning, as described below.

—   At least once a month, wipe wood surfaces with a slightly dampened soft cloth and a water-soluble wood finish cleaner to remove buildup, grease, and grime, taking care not to apply it to upholstered surfaces. Wipe away any moisture on the surface or in joints immediately. Do not aggressively rub the finish during cleaning or waxing.

—   If polishing or waxing is desired, use a professional-quality paste wax suited to the furniture and finish type, and follow the manufacturer's application instructions. Always test in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid silicone waxes, lemon oil, or other oily polishes. Do not wax or polish low-sheen finishes, as this will raise their sheen.

—   Extreme changes in heat or humidity can cause wood to expand or contract, placing stress on joints. Take care to avoid exposing furniture to these conditions.

METAL

—   Clean stainless steel and other metal surfaces with a mild water-based cleaner, such as Windex, and wipe with a soft, clean cloth, taking care not to apply it to upholstered surfaces. Do not use any cleaning product containing abrasives on polished or satin-finished metal.