Care instructions

Care Instructions

Handmade furniture ages well when it is looked after. This page sets out how to care for each material we use, what to do about spills, and the habits that make the biggest difference over the life of a piece.

Everyday habits that matter most

• Rotate and plump cushions weekly. Even use keeps foam and filling from compressing unevenly.
• Keep pieces out of direct sunlight. Sustained sun exposure fades every upholstery material and dries out leather. Fading from sunlight is not covered by warranty.
• Keep pieces away from direct heat. Radiators, fireplaces and heating vents dry and crack leather and shrink natural fibres.
• Vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment on low suction. Dust and grit act as an abrasive within the weave.
• Act on spills immediately. Blot, never rub. Rubbing pushes the liquid into the fibre and distorts the pile.

Bouclé

Vacuum weekly on low suction with a soft brush attachment, never a beater bar. Blot spills immediately with a clean dry cloth, working from the outside of the mark inwards.

If a loop is pulled, do not cut it and do not pull it further. Ease it back into the weave with a blunt needle or the tip of a pen.

Avoid: Water-based cleaning products applied directly, steam cleaning, and stiff brushes. For anything beyond a light surface mark, use a professional upholstery cleaner.

Velvet

Vacuum weekly on low suction. Brush the pile in a single direction with a soft clothes brush to keep it lying evenly.

Blot spills immediately with a clean dry cloth, pressing straight down rather than wiping. Once dry, brush the area to restore the pile direction.

Pile shading, meaning lighter and darker patches where the pile has been pressed in different directions, is a characteristic of velvet, not a fault. It evens out with normal use and brushing.

Avoid: Rubbing, water applied directly, and ironing.

Corduroy

Vacuum weekly, following the direction of the ribs. Blot spills with a clean dry cloth, then with a cloth barely dampened with cool water if needed. Allow to air dry away from heat.

Corduroy is one of our most forgiving materials and tolerates routine cleaning well.

Avoid: Saturating the fabric, and hot water.

Chenille

Vacuum weekly on low suction with a soft brush attachment. Blot spills immediately with a clean dry cloth. Once dry, brush lightly to restore the pile.

Avoid: Hooks, zips and velcro, which catch the pile. Do not rub marks.

Suede and microsuede

Vacuum weekly. Brush the nap with a soft dry brush to keep it uniform. Directional marks from pressure are characteristic of the material and brush out.

For dry marks, use a soft brush or a clean pencil eraser with light pressure. For liquid spills, blot immediately and let the area dry fully before brushing the nap back.

Avoid: Water applied directly, soap, and solvent cleaners.

Genuine leather

Dust weekly with a soft dry cloth. Every one to two months, wipe with a soft cloth barely dampened with clean water, then dry immediately with a second cloth.

Condition with a leather conditioner suited to upholstery hide every 6 to 12 months, more often in dry climates or heated rooms. Test any product on a hidden area first.

Blot spills immediately. Let leather dry naturally, never with a hairdryer or near a radiator.

Natural marks, scars, grain variation and the patina that develops with use are inherent to genuine hide and are not defects.

Avoid: Soap, detergent, alcohol, solvents, baby wipes, and saddle soap. Keep sharp objects and pet claws away from the surface.

Technical leather

Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with clean water, and dry with a second cloth. For heavier marks, use a small amount of mild soap dissolved in water, then wipe the residue away with clean water and dry.

Technical leather requires no conditioning.

Avoid: Solvents, bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, and abrasive sponges, all of which damage the surface layer permanently.

Wood frames and shells

Dust with a soft dry cloth. For marks, wipe with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately.

Keep wood away from direct sunlight, which bleaches the finish, and away from humidity extremes, which cause movement in the timber.

Avoid: Silicone polishes, ammonia-based cleaners, and standing water.

Metal bases and legs

Wipe with a soft dry or barely damp cloth and dry immediately to prevent water marks. Check and tighten fixings every six months.

Fit felt pads under legs on hard floors to prevent scratching.

Avoid: Abrasive pads and acidic cleaners on powder-coated and polished finishes.

Travertine and marble

Both are porous natural stones and stain readily. Wipe spills immediately, particularly wine, coffee, citrus, oil and anything acidic.

Clean with a soft cloth and clean water, or a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Dry immediately.

Use coasters and mats under drinks and hot dishes. Consider applying a stone sealer suited to your slab, reapplied periodically according to the product instructions.

Avoid: Vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia, general-purpose cleaners, and abrasive pads. All etch the surface permanently.

When to call a professional

For deep stains, odours, extensive marks or structural concerns, use a professional upholstery cleaner rather than attempting an aggressive home treatment. Improper cleaning is one of the most common causes of irreversible damage, and it is not covered by warranty.

Questions

Tell us which material you have and what you are dealing with, and we will advise. Email Contact@dreamoa.com or message +33 7 80 02 55 10. We reply within 48 hours.