YOUR FURNITURE AND YOUR FLOORS

Even the most finely finished floors can be damaged if not protected. We therefore highly recommend that you attach felt disc pads (available at your local hardware store) to the bottom of each leg on all furniture you plan to place on hardwood or wood laminate flooring.

HOW TO MINIMIZE WEAR AND TEAR

As no finish is fully unscratchable, and everyday items like keyboards, mice, alarm clocks and lamps can damage your furniture's finish, it's also smart to put the same kind of felt discs on the bottom of items in regular contact with your new furniture. And speaking of your furniture's finish, remember some of the chemicals in common products can soften your furniture's finish coat and cause dents and discolorations. So read all labels before using any chemical cleaners.

MAINTAINING YOUR NEW UPHOLSTERY

All upholstered furniture needs some regular maintenance. So if you want to keep that "showroom" look, plan to flip and rotate any loose seat and back cushions at least once a week. And remember, while most casual pieces will conform to one's shape over time, you can minimize this effect by regularly fluffing the fiber filling and redistributing it more evenly. Also, do remember that while some of your cushions may feel very firm on their day of delivery, they will soften and settle with time.

To maintain the beauty of your furniture's fabric, we recommend you vacuum it regularly. But be sure to use the right brush attachment and ensure it's lint-free before you make contact with the furniture.

Another good idea is to place furniture cups under all legs to protect your carpet and pad and ensure skirted furniture stays off the floor.

UPHOLSTERY ACCIDENTS AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

If an accident occurs and you purchased the Guardsman Protection Plan through Boston Interiors:

Notify Guardsman within five business days of a stain or damage occurance. Contact Guardsman at 1-800-253-3957 to request service for the stain or damage. Have your furniture sales receipt and the protection plan number ready.

If an accident occurs and you did not purchase the Guardsman Protection Plan, we recommend you have it professionally cleaned. But whether you hire a professional or you do it yourself, be sure to follow industry standard cleaning methods or your furniture could be ruined. This means not using water to clean spills or stains unless it is indicated as "safe" on the fabric code usually found on the law tag under the seat cushions. These codes are explained here:

W: Use water-based cleaning agents (distilled water) or foam but never tap water as its minerals may cause rings or fading.

S: Only mild, water-free cleaning solvents should be used. Never use water. Do not dry clean in parts.

SW: Use water-based cleaning agents, foam or mild water-free cleaning solvents but never tap water as its minerals may cause rings or fading.

X: Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing to remove overall soil. Never use water, foam or liquid cleaning agents.

Always pre-test cleaning agents in a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. And remember, when cleaning a spill, blot immediately to remove spilled material, use a clean white cloth,work from the outside to the middle of the affected area to prevent rings, and never rub or use strong chemicals or detergents.

SLIPCOVERS

When washing slipcovers it is very important to follow the washing instructions. For specific details about how to wash your furniture, check the manufacturer's website or bostoninteriors.com.

FADING

All fabrics fade over time. But how fast they do so is largely determined by your fabric, its color, and most importantly, the amount of direct sunlight your piece is exposed to. Cotton and primary colors show fading the fastest. Since fading is not covered by manufacturers' warranties and you want your fabric to look great for as long as possible, always avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight.

PILLING

Fabric pilling is absolutely normal. But it can be easily controlled with a fabric shaver (available at most fabric and notion shops). What's more, consistent use of a fabric shaver will actually cause the fabric to stop pilling and do so withiout affecting the fabric's performance or longevity.

CHARACTERISTICS OF REAL WOOD FURNITURE

Every piece of real wood furniture has its own characteristics. It expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. Its drawers tighten in summer and loosen in winter. Its grain and color are just different enough to be unlike any other piece in the world. In short, every piece of real wood furniture is one-of-a-kind and more beautiful because of it.So relax and enjoy the one piece that is yours.

WOOD CARE

Heat and spills can damage the finish coat on a table. So, as a general rule, use tablecloths or placemats when dining, use coasters under drinks, place well made trivets under all serving dishes (especially hot ones) and always wipe up spills immediately.

WOOD CLEANING

We recommend cleaning your wood furniture with a clean, lint-free, damp cloth. Of course, tough, sticky spots may require a bit of hand or dish soap. But always end up with a clean rinse with a damp cloth.

WOOD MAINTENANCE

You can apply a good quality furniture polish 2 to 3 times a year but always read the label before using any polish to ensure the product is OK with your finish (painted furniture can be damaged by polishes) Also, store all table leaves flat as they can warp if placed on their sides.

RUGS

To get the most of your rug, use a rug pad, and turn your carpet 180 degrees once or twice a year to ensure even wear. Vacuum it regularly but avoid damaging any fringe. Never use a beater bar on a hooked rug. All spills should be blotted immediately with a white cloth and soda water. Do not rub. Shedding is normal and can continue up to 6 months. Longer yarns commonly work loose from a hooked rug's backing and should be trimmed with a pair of sharp scissors.

BEDDING

Our mattresses do not require any rotation or flipping. All are one sided products. Some do have a head end and a foot end. This is indicated by the lack of quilt buttons on the head end. Body indentations are normal and are more evident on mattresses with plush or pillow tops. Do not bend your mattress more than 20 degrees or you may cause harm to the spring unit which is not covered under warranty. Mattress pads are a good idea for any product that lacks a zip on/zip off topper.