Maintaining Your Design

Our products are designed to last a lifetime, hopefully lifetimes, but longevity has a lot to do with how well they are cared for. Below we offer some general guidelines based on material types but your product may have unique requirements. All maintenance methods mentioned below should be tested in inconspicuous areas, performed with caution and are at your own discretion as we can not guarantee results.

When in doubt consult a professional or contact us as we may be able to provide the service or connect you with someone who can help. For damages, deficiencies or clarification of the instructions below, our team can be contacted directly at info@manofparts.com

Metal Surfaces

Antique Bronze can be maintained with warm water using a soft cloth and pat dry immediately. If required, use a non-abrasive detergent diluted with warm water and dry immediately as well.

Polished Bronze can be maintained with warm water using a soft cloth and pat dry immediately. If required, use a non-abrasive detergent diluted with warm water and dry immediately. Routine maintenance help to retain the desired appearance. Any darkening or black spotting is a natural occurrence of oxidization.

Brass should be dusted regularly with a soft cloth. After dusting, soak a cotton cloth in diluted warm water and non-abrasive household dish detergent. Wring it well, to the point of barely moist, and gently clean the surface. Once clean, take another clean, slightly damp cloth to remove residual soap. Dry your piece well. Regular maintenance is required to maintain its lustre.

Copper needs to be maintained with a soft, dry cloth. When coming into contact with heat or moisture, like fingerprints, it can cause stains if not wiped immediately. It is meant to slowly and naturally develop an attractive patina and regular polishing will prevent this if original lustre is preferred.

Wood Surfaces

Waxed Wood can be dusted or wiped with water and vegetable soap using a damp, white cotton cloth. After drying, polish with a lint-free cloth. Avoid usage of microfiber cloths and fat-dissolving cleaning agents. Always immediately remove any liquid. For heavy soiling, apply wax balsam cleaner with a polishing fleece and rub off. Reconditioning of the waxed finish can be done at your discretion as well with beeswax care emulsion.

Matte Varnished Wood should be wiped with a dry cloth as the varnish layer protects the wood against minor stains, moisture and heat. Spilled liquids need to be removed within 25-30 minutes from the surface with a dry cotton cloth. Stains or grease need to be removed with a cloth and light soap suds but ensure to wipe the surface dry using a cotton cloth. All methods above, when used, must be worked in the direction of the wood grain. Never use wax, wax-containing agents or abrasive agents.

Both sides of the cane should be regularly wiped off with a damp cloth in order to preserve its elasticity – this is particularly important in dry or air-conditioned rooms. Loose fibers can be reattached with glue. Soiled areas can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap.

For all wood products here are a few reminders:

Direct sunlight will affect the color of the wood. If possible, expose the piece to light in a uniform manner. Do not leave objects such as books or trays on a surface that is exposed to the sun for too long as it may produce undesired patterns and outlines.

Too much heat can dry the wood and cause the it to crack. Do not place too close to a heat source. Do not operate laptops and desktop computers on the surface on a continuous basis. It is advisable to use an insulating mat. Constant atmospheric humidity (50 to 60 percent) and a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius is beneficial and especially important for solid wood. A humidifier helps with ambient air that is too dry especially during winter. Be cautious of the temperature and humidity, whether too low or high, as it will cause shrinkage or expansion.

Upholstery

Leather can be cleaned with a soft cloth to dust and if needed, vacuum with a soft brush attachment only.

Liquids should be removed immediately with a damp, lint free cloth. A mild soap can be used on very soiled areas and wiped dry with a wool cloth. If applying water as a mixture, ensure to use cooled boiled or distilled water as tap water can cause markings. During application, do not apply excessive force on the affected area but gently pat down instead.

If you choose to use a leather care product of your choice, please use sparingly and no more than twice a year as overuse can cause damage. Never use detergents, ether, shoe cream, alkaline, strong solution or chemical cleaning products.

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight as it can dry out the leather. Be weary of dye transfer onto the surface while wearing dark wash clothing or jeans. Be cautious of sharp objects (ie. Bracelets, rings, wristwatches, buckles, belts, zips and rivets) as well as the claws and beaks of pets. It is preferable to maintain a humidity level of 45 to 55 percent with temperature levels between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius to avoid drying out the leather or causing the foam to alter.

Wool can be maintained with a vacuum at half-power and a soft brush attachment. Though it is water-repellent, water should nonetheless be removed without delay. Take care to never saturate the wool. Most spots can be removed with a cloth, warm water with mild soap if necessary. The fibers will slightly rise when moist and the area will appear as a darker stain. It is possible to prevent discoloration by spraying water lightly over the entire piece and continued use at normal humidity levels will allow the fibers to rise and potential stains to be less visible.

Velour should be brushed with a soft brush and/or vacuumed with the nozzle but always in the direction of the nap. To treat pressure marks, place a damp cloth on the area or spray with clean water lightly until the surface is moist but not wet. When moist, brush with a soft brush for the nap to rise again to its original state and let it dry over night and only where needed, it can be dried with a hair dryer from different directions. In order to avoid shading, treat the entire surface accordingly.

Velvet can maintain its velvet aspect by gently brushing the surface with a dry sponge in circular motions to keep the fibrous structure open. For any stubborn fibers, a vacuum at reduced power with a soft brush attachment can be used.

Cotton can be maintained with a vacuum at half-power and a soft brush attachment. It is more high-maintenance as liquids penetrate easily and is also vulnerable to dirt. Regular maintenance and cleaning removes dirt before it settles into the fabric damaging the fibers. Most spots can be removed with a cloth, warm water and mild soap if necessary.

Please follow the following to prevent stain formation or in case of spills: First, scrape off any liquids or hardened residues with a spoon or a scoop. Any loose particles must be vacuum cleaned before further cleaning. Liquids must be absorbed with an absorbent napkin or cloth. Remove non-greasy stains by carefully dabbing with a lint-free cloth or sponge wrung out in warm water. Edge marks can be avoided by dabbing gently in circular motions towards the centre of the stain. Make sure to dry the fabric fully before use. It may also be necessary to use a hairdryer to avoid leaving edge marks (this applies especially to microfiber textiles).

For all fabrics, here are a few reminders:

Never use any undiluted cleaning agents, bleaching agents, ammonia or soap. Never place furniture in direct sunlight as this can cause discoloration. Avoid strong rubbing during application as it can cause friction marks. Be weary of dye transfer onto the surface while wearing dark wash clothing or jeans.

Stone Surfaces

Marble Limestone & Sandstone should be cleaned using a cotton cloth with diluted lukewarm water and alcohol. Do not use steel wool or iron under any circumstances as it can develop rust or other stains on the surface.

If marble is stained with acid (ie. lemon juice, wine, vinegar), it will eat into the marble and make the stain matte. Ensure to clean the stain quickly with a slightly moist cloth.

Darker stones and rocks are susceptible to scratches and stains while spots of sunlight can cause affected areas to develop white spots.

Lighter stones and rocks, when in prolonged contact with a wet surface, can produce a phenomenon of efflorescence caused by evaporating water. The formed crystals tend to disappear once the floor is dry but the drying process can take months. In this case, please avoid exposure to a wet surface as much as possible.