Useful Information

General care information will be listed below:-

Furniture Care General Guidlines
Frequent dusting removes airborne deposits that build up and create a layer of dust that can scratch the surface.  When dusting use a clean, dry, soft cloths or feather dusters which will effectively remove this dust. Avoid scattering the dust into the air, where it floats until landing back on furniture surfaces, dampen the cloth very slightly.Never use all-purpose cleaning sprays because this will damage the surface although this may not been seen for several months or after several sprays. If your furniture has a plastic coating, such as the kind used on kitchen tables and children's furniture use of all purpose sprays will be okay.Sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water. Dip the cloth in mild soap or detergent dissolved in water, wring the cloth nearly dry, and wipe the area. Rinse and immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth. Do not clean with water on a regular basis as eventually this will swell the wood. Before applying anything other than a damp cloth please remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions otherwise you might invalidate your guarantees. Oil polishes, cleaners, and furniture oils protect wood by making the surface more slippery polishes however make the surfaces smear and show fingerprints, they do not offer a hard protective layer. Most commercial spray and liquid furniture polishes contain silicone oil, which provides some protection however, residues can interfere with refinishing and may need professional attention. Typically during manufacture, varnish, polyurethane, or shellac is applied to wood to protect the surface. Applying wax or polish protects the manufacturer's finish and helps to reduce surface scratches. Wax provides a hard finish and long-lasting protection, doesn't smear, and is more durable than sprays or polishes.

Upholstery Care
Your upholstery will require proper care and maintenance to help ensure that it retains its appearance and comfort. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regard to care and maintenance. The following guidelines are for general advice only:

Fabric Upholstery
Lightly vacuum upholstery at least once a week, and dust removal can be improved by pre-brushing with a soft brush. Untreated dirt will accelerate wear and dull colours. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and/or heat whether direct or indirect for long periods of time as this may result in fading or degradation and protect the furniture by drawing curtains and blinds whenever possible. To prevent excessive soiling and uneven wear regularly turn and interchange the positions of reversible cushions on constantly used upholstery. Where cushions are not interchangeable try to even the wear by using all the seats. Smooth out creases in the cushions to prevent them becoming permanent and causing early wear. Take care with Jewellery, buckles, zips/studs pet claws etc. as they are all potential hazards and can snag the upholstery. Pets are best kept off upholstery as animal coats can contain abrasive oils that accelerate fabric wear. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when dealing with spills and stains. If you have arranged a warranty that covers spills and stains contact them for further advice as most manufacturers will not guarantee stain guarding that has been applied after the manufacturing process. Avoid repetitious wear on small areas of the fabric such as arms and front edges of cushions. Most upholstery arm breakages are because they have been sat upon or jumped up and down upon by children. Sofas and chairs are not designed as to be used in this fashion and misuse is not covered under any guarantees.

Leather Upholstery
Vacuum and dust regularly with a soft cloth, preferably once a week, to keep the leather pores free from dust particles. Never place your leather furniture too near a radiator or similar source of heat. Make sure there is a minimum distance of 20-30cm between your furniture and a radiator or similar source of heat. Protect your leather furniture from direct sunlight by covering it with a throw or shutting your curtains. Clean the leather with a soft damp cloth, be careful to not to soak the leather. If necessary use a mild soap solution (not a detergent) and gently rub in a circular motion. Never use polishes, waxes or saddle soap unless the manufacturers cleaning instructions allow for usage. Definitely, avoid using detergents, bleach or other chemicals as they may damage the leather. Full Aniline leathers should always only be wiped down with a dry cloth. Keep pets away from the furniture as animal coats contain oils that may dull the leather. Take care with Jewellery, buckles, zips/studs pet claws etc. as they are all potential hazards and can puncture the leather. Avoid sitting on the edges of cushions or the arms which may cause permanent wear and distortion of the padding and leather.  Be careful when opening and closing recliner mechanisms. Please note, where recliners are present in sofas, it is normal to see gaps between them, as this allows free movement and avoids excessive abrasion. Human perspiration and hair gels react with leather and must be removed quickly, wiping area with a damp cloth and allowing drying otherwise you may damage the finish on your sofa. Please pay particular attention to vulnerable areas such as arm and back cushions. Please note that you will not be covered under any guarantee should the leather peel due to hair gel, spray or by any other chemicals.

Your new kitchen will require a certain amount of upkeep, to keep it looking as new, and hopefully the following notes will help you.

Your New Kitchen - A Few Do`s and Don`ts

Guarantees: Your furniture is guaranteed for 12 months from the time of installation, but please remember that manufacturers have conditions attached, so certain items have to be cared for.

Worktops: Can be a problem area, and it is imperative that water is not left on the surfaces, in particular near the joints and around the sink area. These areas should be kept dry, as if water penetrates the joints, they may well swell, and this would not be covered by the guarantee. Also, you must not place anything hot on the worktops, always use a trivet or pot stand, especially when taking anything from the oven or off of the hob. The worktops may well scorch or swell, and again this is not covered by the guarantee. DO NOT use the worktops to cut on, always use chopping boards. Failure to do this will cause damage, and will not be covered under the guarantee.

Make sure that kettles and toasters are not located beneath wall units, the steam generated can cause light pelmet joints to swell and part. Should this happen, they could be replaced, but not within the guarantee.

Do Not use the hob without pans above the ignited jets as the heat may cause glue failure on adjacent doors, which cannot be changed under the guarantee.

Always use the extractor when cooking on the hob, and if an integrated type make sure it is opened fully, as glue failure on doors can occur due to heat build up.

Appliances: All manufacturers offer guarantees with their appliances. These vary, but generally are 12 months parts and labour. You sometimes can extend these guarantees.In the event of a problem with an appliance, you must contact the manufacturer direct, to enable an engineer to call, inspect and repair. We can help with phone numbers etc.
Labour: All of our recommended fitters offer a 12 month guarantee on their work, so in the event of a problem, you should contact them, either direct or through our installation office. After the 12 months, should you have a problem, there would probably be a charge for fitters to call back.

Cleaning: Keeping your kitchen looking good is a fairly easy job these days. Melamines, laminates and PVC doors should be cleaned with a damp cloth, warm water and a mild detergent. DO NOT USE harsh scouring powders as they can damage the surfaces. For wood veneers and wooden doors, a wax polish will clean and protect each time the kitchen is cleaned. Water should not be used on wooden doors, as this can impair the finish if left wet.

Staining: Beware that some chemicals and strong dyes such as concentrated fruit juices, beetroot etc can cause damage and discolouration. If spillage occurs, wipe off immediately, rinse, and dry.