Care Guide
Objects to live with.
Furniture changes through light, touch, movement and everyday use.
Everyday principles
Use protection
Use coasters, placemats, desk mats and trivets where appropriate.
Do not place hot cookware, wet vessels, candles, plant pots, sharp objects or strongly coloured materials directly on furniture surfaces.
Respond to spills immediately
Blot liquid with a clean, absorbent cloth. Do not scrub or spread the liquid across the surface.
Some materials can stain, swell, mark or etch quickly. A delayed response may result in permanent change.
Avoid harsh cleaning
Do not use abrasive pads, scouring powders, bleach, strong solvents, acetone, concentrated alcohol, acidic household cleaners or furniture products that have not been approved for the particular finish.
Apply cleaning products to the cloth rather than directly to the furniture.
Control light and heat
Prolonged direct sunlight may change the colour of timber, fabrics, paint and other finishes.
Maintain distance from heaters, fireplaces, radiators, strong air-conditioning outlets and other sources of concentrated heat or rapid temperature change.
Manage moisture
Do not allow water to remain on a surface or collect around joins, edges, hardware or the base of furniture.
Maintain a reasonably stable indoor environment. Excessive humidity, dryness or rapid environmental change may affect natural materials.
Painted, powder-coated and lacquered finishes
Dust with a clean, soft cloth.
For light cleaning, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with clean water, followed immediately by a dry cloth.
Avoid:
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Solvents and acetone
- Strong alcohol-based cleaners
- Repeated contact with water
- Adhesive tape applied directly to the finish
- Rubber, vinyl or dark-dyed objects left in prolonged contact
- Hot or wet objects placed directly on the surface
Micro-scratching and changes in sheen may develop through normal use, particularly on high-gloss or dark finishes.
Timber and timber veneer
Timber is responsive to light, temperature and humidity.
Dust along the grain. For light marks, use a barely damp soft cloth and dry immediately.
Avoid saturating the surface or allowing water to enter joins and edges.
Variation in grain, knots, tone and figure is natural. Timber may become lighter, darker or warmer over time depending on species, finish and exposure to light.
Do not place solid timber furniture directly against strong heat sources or in persistently damp areas.
Natural stone
Stone may contain veins, pores, colour variation, small fissures and mineral markings. These are inherent characteristics rather than evidence of uniform industrial production.
Many stones are porous and may absorb liquids.
Use coasters and placemats. Blot spills immediately, particularly:
- Citrus
- Wine
- Coffee
- Oils
- Sauces
- Vinegar
- Cosmetics
- Strongly coloured liquids
Avoid acidic or alkaline household cleaners. Use only a cleaner suitable for the specific stone and finish.
Do not sit or stand on stone surfaces. Avoid impact near edges and unsupported areas.
Metal
Dust with a soft cloth. Where necessary, use a slightly damp cloth and dry the metal completely.
Avoid acids, abrasives and metal polishes unless approved for the particular finish.
Powder-coated and painted metal should be treated in the same way as other coated surfaces.
Unsealed brass, bronze, copper and other living finishes may develop a patina through air, moisture and touch. This is a natural material response.
Glass and mirror
Use a soft, lint-free cloth.
Apply a suitable glass cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying directly onto joins, frames, backing materials or adjacent finishes.
Avoid impact, dragging hard objects across the surface and sudden temperature changes.
Do not place extreme heat directly on glass.
Upholstery and textiles
Vacuum regularly using low suction and an appropriate upholstery attachment.
Rotate removable cushions where suitable to encourage more even wear.
Protect textiles from prolonged sunlight and unnecessary moisture.
For spills:
- Remove excess material carefully.
- Blot with a clean, absorbent cloth.
- Do not rub.
- Follow the fabric-specific care instructions.
- Arrange professional cleaning where required.
Do not use a general upholstery cleaner without confirming that it is suitable for the particular fibre, dye and finish.
Pilling, creasing, compression and gradual softening may occur through ordinary use and depend on the textile and construction.
Rugs
Vacuum using a setting suitable for the rug construction.
Rotate the rug periodically to distribute light exposure and traffic.
Attend to spills immediately and follow the product-specific instructions. Specialist cleaning may be required for wool, viscose, silk and other sensitive fibres.
Use an appropriate underlay where recommended.
Moving furniture
Do not drag furniture.
Lift with sufficient assistance and support the piece from structurally appropriate points. Remove loose shelves, drawers or components where instructed.
Large, heavy or fragile pieces should be moved by professional furniture handlers.
Dragging can damage the furniture, floor, fixings and structural joints.
Hardware and fixings
Check accessible fixings periodically, particularly after delivery or relocation.
Do not repeatedly tighten fittings beyond what is necessary, as over-tightening may damage threads or materials.
If a piece becomes unstable, stop using it and contact us before attempting a repair.
Cleaning products
Before using any product:
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions
- Confirm compatibility with the material
- Test in a hidden area
- Use the minimum amount required
- Remove residue
- Dry the surface appropriately
CHROMA & CHORA is not responsible for damage caused by unsuitable third-party cleaning products or methods, subject to applicable law.
Natural ageing and normal wear
Natural ageing may include:
- Timber changing tone
- Metal developing patina
- Stone acquiring use marks
- Fabrics softening or creasing
- Painted finishes developing fine surface marks
- Upholstery compressing through use
- Colour changing through exposure to light
These changes should be distinguished from a defect in materials, construction or workmanship.
When to contact us
Contact us if you notice:
- Structural movement
- Instability
- A failed joint or fixing
- Unexpected coating failure
- Damage present at delivery
- A problem that materially affects normal use
Provide the product name, order number, photographs and a clear explanation.
CHROMA & CHORA
hello@chromachora.com.au