Products’ Characteristics and Maintenance Instructions
Α. Product characteristics and maintenance instructions for furniture with upholstery fabric
FABRIC CHARACTERISTICS
The fabrics used in homad upholstered furniture have been selected by the best companies/houses in Europe and are representative of all modern trends, both for their style, composition and ways of maintenance and cleaning.
Fabrics, depending on their composition and processing, have specific characteristics, which must be taken into account before choosing.
i. Fabrics made of linen or viscose have fibres which, following the use of the fabric, create a “patina” on the surface of the fabric.
ii. The fabrics made of velvet have a pile that creates small or larger glosses that change upon sitting.
iii. Thinner fabrics and fabrics with a high content of linen are easier to wrinkle.
iv. Cotton fabrics tend to stretch out with use.
v. Polyester fabrics have great durability and many of them offer the possibility for on-site cleaning without removing the fabric covers (easy clean).
vi. Regardless of their composition and direct or indirect contact or reflection, all fabrics are sensitive to light and UV radiation and their exposure to radiation fades out the colours.
vii. If your sofa is exposed to UV radiation there are special fabrics (usually 100 % acrylic) with high resistance to special tests (UV resistance). These fabrics must definitely be used in outdoor furniture or even indoors, if the furniture is exposed to the sun.
viii. Waterproofing (which is a different treatment from easy clean) is an additional process that has a tendency to fade after 2 or 3 years. However, you can repeat the waterproofing process, by contacting specialised companies.
ix. Leatherettes are depolymerised over time (3-6 years) and their surface wears out. You can contact homad stores for the process and the cost of changing fabric covers.
x. In most (but not all) upholstered furniture the upholstery is removed for cleaning. Fabrics are cleaned always respecting their specifications.
Fabrics, depending on their composition and processing, have specific characteristics, which must be taken into account before choosing.
i. Fabrics made of linen or viscose have fibres which, following the use of the fabric, create a “patina” on the surface of the fabric.
ii. The fabrics made of velvet have a pile that creates small or larger glosses that change upon sitting.
iii. Thinner fabrics and fabrics with a high content of linen are easier to wrinkle.
iv. Cotton fabrics tend to stretch out with use.
v. Polyester fabrics have great durability and many of them offer the possibility for on-site cleaning without removing the fabric covers (easy clean).
vi. Regardless of their composition and direct or indirect contact or reflection, all fabrics are sensitive to light and UV radiation and their exposure to radiation fades out the colours.
vii. If your sofa is exposed to UV radiation there are special fabrics (usually 100 % acrylic) with high resistance to special tests (UV resistance). These fabrics must definitely be used in outdoor furniture or even indoors, if the furniture is exposed to the sun.
viii. Waterproofing (which is a different treatment from easy clean) is an additional process that has a tendency to fade after 2 or 3 years. However, you can repeat the waterproofing process, by contacting specialised companies.
ix. Leatherettes are depolymerised over time (3-6 years) and their surface wears out. You can contact homad stores for the process and the cost of changing fabric covers.
x. In most (but not all) upholstered furniture the upholstery is removed for cleaning. Fabrics are cleaned always respecting their specifications.
CUSHION CHARACTERISTICS
The back cushions usually contain a mixture of feather with comforels inside chambers of specially processed cotton fabric.
These cushions are soft and very “relaxed” for the body.
The seat cushions are made, either from a combination of polyurethane foam in various densities (hard, soft) or -in addition to polyurethane foam- there is a coating from a mixture of feather with comforel, in chambers of specially processed cotton fabric.
Seat and back cushions containing feather are more comfortable but have the characteristic that they get the form of the body and do not strictly keep their original shape.
The seat cushions made of polyurethane foam keep their shape, offering a more “firm” seating.
These cushions are soft and very “relaxed” for the body.
The seat cushions are made, either from a combination of polyurethane foam in various densities (hard, soft) or -in addition to polyurethane foam- there is a coating from a mixture of feather with comforel, in chambers of specially processed cotton fabric.
Seat and back cushions containing feather are more comfortable but have the characteristic that they get the form of the body and do not strictly keep their original shape.
The seat cushions made of polyurethane foam keep their shape, offering a more “firm” seating.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND MAINTENCE OF CUSHIONS
The seat and back cushions containing feather need an extra care by the user to maintain their condition and the wonderful seating sensation they provide.
If allowed by the sofa design, their position should regularly change, so that they are used evenly.
The cushions must be regularly shaken in order to distribute the feather evenly, to the extent possible.
At regular intervals, the fabric covers must be restored to their original position, as the removable soft cushion fabric covers tend to slide forward, under the weight and movement of the body.
In the seat or back cushions, although they are lined with a special inner cotton fabric, sometimes there may be some feathers extruding the protective “shell” and the fabric. This is a typical characteristic of these cushions and all you need to do is to just remove the feather.
Seat and back cushions containing feather, depending on their use, may need to be filed in or renewed over time. You can contact homad stores to find out about the process and the maintenance cost of your furniture.
Cushions with a tilting mechanism have a specific mode of operation which must not be violated (e.g. never be pressed in the reverse direction). Special attention is needed if the mechanism is used by visitors or children who are unaware of the way of operation. Misuse of the mechanism can render it obsolete or cause damage to the frame of the sofa.
If allowed by the sofa design, their position should regularly change, so that they are used evenly.
The cushions must be regularly shaken in order to distribute the feather evenly, to the extent possible.
At regular intervals, the fabric covers must be restored to their original position, as the removable soft cushion fabric covers tend to slide forward, under the weight and movement of the body.
In the seat or back cushions, although they are lined with a special inner cotton fabric, sometimes there may be some feathers extruding the protective “shell” and the fabric. This is a typical characteristic of these cushions and all you need to do is to just remove the feather.
Seat and back cushions containing feather, depending on their use, may need to be filed in or renewed over time. You can contact homad stores to find out about the process and the maintenance cost of your furniture.
Cushions with a tilting mechanism have a specific mode of operation which must not be violated (e.g. never be pressed in the reverse direction). Special attention is needed if the mechanism is used by visitors or children who are unaware of the way of operation. Misuse of the mechanism can render it obsolete or cause damage to the frame of the sofa.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING FABRICS
The fabric covers of sofas, armchairs, etc. are usually removable for cleaning or renewal. In all cases, you should know the cleaning specifications of the fabric and follow them carefully, while there are some precautions to be taken for each type of fabric, regardless of the composition and treatment it has undergone.
Stains are not cleaned on site, by rubbing the fabric with any liquid (not even with water), and this applies also for easy clean/water resistant/stain resistant fabrics. There is a risk of alteration of the weaving or colour of the fabric.
Liquids are not removed by sweeping or rubbing the fabric. They are simply absorbed using a clean dry cloth.
Any method of cleaning must be carried out following in detail the specifications of the fabric. If it is confirmed that hand washing is permitted, cold water is recommended, with a dissolved liquid detergent for delicate fabrics.
If it is confirmed that dry cleaning is allowed, contact a reliable dry cleaner. Keep in mind that most fabrics and especially those containing cotton shall shrink more or less after washing even if the cleaning instructions for hand washing or dry cleaning are followed.
In any case you can clean your entire sofa with on-site cleaning, without taking off your fabric covers, by contacting a specialised company.
Waterproofing of water resistant fabrics is an external treatment, which loses its effectiveness due to the use and washing. You can renew it by contacting specialised companies. You can anyway waterproof any fabric in the same way, regardless of its composition.
For fabrics that have the easy clean/stain resistant specification there is the possibility of on-site cleaning by spraying the fabric with water or with -water diluted- soft cleaner and then dabbing with a soft cloth. This procedure may need to be repeated several times until the stain is removed.
Stains are not cleaned on site, by rubbing the fabric with any liquid (not even with water), and this applies also for easy clean/water resistant/stain resistant fabrics. There is a risk of alteration of the weaving or colour of the fabric.
Liquids are not removed by sweeping or rubbing the fabric. They are simply absorbed using a clean dry cloth.
Any method of cleaning must be carried out following in detail the specifications of the fabric. If it is confirmed that hand washing is permitted, cold water is recommended, with a dissolved liquid detergent for delicate fabrics.
If it is confirmed that dry cleaning is allowed, contact a reliable dry cleaner. Keep in mind that most fabrics and especially those containing cotton shall shrink more or less after washing even if the cleaning instructions for hand washing or dry cleaning are followed.
In any case you can clean your entire sofa with on-site cleaning, without taking off your fabric covers, by contacting a specialised company.
Waterproofing of water resistant fabrics is an external treatment, which loses its effectiveness due to the use and washing. You can renew it by contacting specialised companies. You can anyway waterproof any fabric in the same way, regardless of its composition.
For fabrics that have the easy clean/stain resistant specification there is the possibility of on-site cleaning by spraying the fabric with water or with -water diluted- soft cleaner and then dabbing with a soft cloth. This procedure may need to be repeated several times until the stain is removed.
B. Product characteristics and maintenance instructions for furniture with wood, metal, ceramic, e.tc.
FEATURES OF FURNITURE WITH WOOD, METAL, CERAMIC
Natural wood grains in veneers differ from each other and are unique for each piece of furniture. This is the case regardless of whether it is veneer (to a lesser extent), solid wood or irregular veneer (more so) and concerns the shape of the wood’s grain, possible small knots and tint variations. Do not forget that this is a 100 % natural product that may not be mechanically and uniformly reproduced, nor is there a choice available.
This uniqueness of natural wood (veneer or solid wood) also affects the tint of the wooden surfaces when these are painted or polished. While paint is stable (as a product of standardised chemical treatment) when applied on the furniture, it is influenced by the substrate of the natural wood, making the final tint to have small variations from one piece of furniture to another.
American walnut in any form (veneer or solid wood) has wide variations from one piece of furniture to another, both in the shape and colour tone of the grain. In addition, depending on its exposure to light, its colour tone changes and becomes lighter and warmer. In practice, this means that when the walnut furniture is delivered to you it is dark and over time the tone becomes lighter and lighter.
Solid wood (oak or walnut) despite strict standards followed in its drying and processing, remains alive and sensitive to weather conditions and changes. Even when the conditions are ideal, small cracks are likely to occur. This is considered normal and does not pose a risk to the solid surface, since these are protected with special varnishes and are reinforced with metal bars from their underside.
Ceramic surfaces differ from one another and are unique each time, while there is no possibility of selection.
Metal surfaces have electrostatic paint treatment of excellent strength and durability.
This uniqueness of natural wood (veneer or solid wood) also affects the tint of the wooden surfaces when these are painted or polished. While paint is stable (as a product of standardised chemical treatment) when applied on the furniture, it is influenced by the substrate of the natural wood, making the final tint to have small variations from one piece of furniture to another.
American walnut in any form (veneer or solid wood) has wide variations from one piece of furniture to another, both in the shape and colour tone of the grain. In addition, depending on its exposure to light, its colour tone changes and becomes lighter and warmer. In practice, this means that when the walnut furniture is delivered to you it is dark and over time the tone becomes lighter and lighter.
Solid wood (oak or walnut) despite strict standards followed in its drying and processing, remains alive and sensitive to weather conditions and changes. Even when the conditions are ideal, small cracks are likely to occur. This is considered normal and does not pose a risk to the solid surface, since these are protected with special varnishes and are reinforced with metal bars from their underside.
Ceramic surfaces differ from one another and are unique each time, while there is no possibility of selection.
Metal surfaces have electrostatic paint treatment of excellent strength and durability.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND MAINTENANCE OF FURNITURE WITH WOOD, METAL, CERAMIC
All furniture is intended for indoor use, except from those having particular outdoor specifications.
When you get your wooden furniture, there may be some smell from the protective varnishes that have been used. Leave open the windows of the room in which the furniture was installed. If your furniture has doors, leave them also open. The smells will gradually disappear.
If you're going to move your furniture, lift it up. If you drag it, there is a risk of damaging your floor or the furniture itself.
You can protect the floor from damage by sticking pads at the points where your furniture touches the floor. The pads can be purchased from the market and be replaced when necessary.
The maintenance of your furniture must be done with a damp well-wrung out cotton cloth. Do not use commercial products for the maintenance of wooden surfaces because you may not be able to varnish your furniture again or alter its processing.
Any repair must be carried out by the qualified homad team. In any other case the guarantee of the company shall be forfeited.
Especially on wall-mounted furniture, any repositioning of such furniture must be carried out by the qualified homad team. In any other case the guarantee of the company shall be forfeited.
Do not overload the shelves of your furniture beyond the limit/strength of their material. If you have any doubts about how much weight they can accommodate, please contact homad stores.
Do not leave wooden furniture exposed to the sun, high temperatures or high humidity. Their prolonged exposure to similar conditions poses risks to your furniture.
Especially regarding furniture in American walnut in any form, and particularly in the first few months, do not leave on the wooden surfaces objects in a stable position, in order to avoid local colour alterations on the surface exposed to sunlight. If, however, an object leaves a colour trace, remove it and over time sunlight will correct the alteration.
Solid wood (oak or walnut) in particular, must not be placed in places that have high humidity or high temperatures or are exposed to prolonged sunlight. In the above conditions, and given that solid wood is a living organism, it shall try to adapt to the environment, resulting in skews or cracks.
Do not place objects that have high temperatures directly on wooden surfaces, because there is a risk of spoiling or even destroying them.
Dusting and cleaning must be done in the direction of wood grains.
No objects should be dragged on surfaces of any material (wood, lacquer, crystal and even shiny ceramic surfaces). Often these objects have uneven surfaces at the bottom and may injure the surfaces on which they are dragged.
Lacquered furniture must be protected from the small blows and damage of everyday use, since these are particularly visible on the lacquered surface (the same damage is unnoticed on the wooden surfaces).
Ceramic surfaces, although they are harder than any other surface used in furniture, are sensitive to breakage, especially in case of a falling object. Also, ceramic surfaces are sensitive to heat, so they should be protected and not come into direct contact with warm objects (e.g. hot cookware, hot cups, etc.).
When you get your wooden furniture, there may be some smell from the protective varnishes that have been used. Leave open the windows of the room in which the furniture was installed. If your furniture has doors, leave them also open. The smells will gradually disappear.
If you're going to move your furniture, lift it up. If you drag it, there is a risk of damaging your floor or the furniture itself.
You can protect the floor from damage by sticking pads at the points where your furniture touches the floor. The pads can be purchased from the market and be replaced when necessary.
The maintenance of your furniture must be done with a damp well-wrung out cotton cloth. Do not use commercial products for the maintenance of wooden surfaces because you may not be able to varnish your furniture again or alter its processing.
Any repair must be carried out by the qualified homad team. In any other case the guarantee of the company shall be forfeited.
Especially on wall-mounted furniture, any repositioning of such furniture must be carried out by the qualified homad team. In any other case the guarantee of the company shall be forfeited.
Do not overload the shelves of your furniture beyond the limit/strength of their material. If you have any doubts about how much weight they can accommodate, please contact homad stores.
Do not leave wooden furniture exposed to the sun, high temperatures or high humidity. Their prolonged exposure to similar conditions poses risks to your furniture.
Especially regarding furniture in American walnut in any form, and particularly in the first few months, do not leave on the wooden surfaces objects in a stable position, in order to avoid local colour alterations on the surface exposed to sunlight. If, however, an object leaves a colour trace, remove it and over time sunlight will correct the alteration.
Solid wood (oak or walnut) in particular, must not be placed in places that have high humidity or high temperatures or are exposed to prolonged sunlight. In the above conditions, and given that solid wood is a living organism, it shall try to adapt to the environment, resulting in skews or cracks.
Do not place objects that have high temperatures directly on wooden surfaces, because there is a risk of spoiling or even destroying them.
Dusting and cleaning must be done in the direction of wood grains.
No objects should be dragged on surfaces of any material (wood, lacquer, crystal and even shiny ceramic surfaces). Often these objects have uneven surfaces at the bottom and may injure the surfaces on which they are dragged.
Lacquered furniture must be protected from the small blows and damage of everyday use, since these are particularly visible on the lacquered surface (the same damage is unnoticed on the wooden surfaces).
Ceramic surfaces, although they are harder than any other surface used in furniture, are sensitive to breakage, especially in case of a falling object. Also, ceramic surfaces are sensitive to heat, so they should be protected and not come into direct contact with warm objects (e.g. hot cookware, hot cups, etc.).
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING FURNITURE OF WOOD, METAL, CERAMIC
• All surfaces made of wood, metal or ceramic can be cleaned with a well-wrung out cotton cloth.
• If liquids fall on the surfaces make sure to remove them immediately with a dry cloth or paper, and do the same if water spills on the floor in order to protect the legs of the furniture. Their prolonged exposure to liquids that are not removed may affect the interior structure and surface of the wooden furniture.
• If liquids fall on the surfaces make sure to remove them immediately with a dry cloth or paper, and do the same if water spills on the floor in order to protect the legs of the furniture. Their prolonged exposure to liquids that are not removed may affect the interior structure and surface of the wooden furniture.
C. Product characteristics and maintenance instructions for outdoor furniture
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND MAINTENANCE FOR OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Special fabrics are recommended for homad outdoor furniture, which, in addition to their advanced waterproof composition, have an additional coating of elastic waterproofing film.
They also have maximum resistance to sunlight exposure, while they can be cleaned on site with water and a soft brush.
Despite their proven strength, when they are not to be used for some time, it is recommended to cover them with their special waterproof covers even during the spring/summer period. For the rest of the time, these must be stored in a covered area and must remain protected from severe weather events.
The condition and operation of outdoor furniture depends entirely on how we protect them during periods that we do not use them.
In particular, wooden furniture must be protected with special waterproof covers in a covered area and each year its varnish needs to be refreshed, depending on its material TEAK, IROKO etc. (homad stores shall provide you with the relevant information).
They also have maximum resistance to sunlight exposure, while they can be cleaned on site with water and a soft brush.
Despite their proven strength, when they are not to be used for some time, it is recommended to cover them with their special waterproof covers even during the spring/summer period. For the rest of the time, these must be stored in a covered area and must remain protected from severe weather events.
The condition and operation of outdoor furniture depends entirely on how we protect them during periods that we do not use them.
In particular, wooden furniture must be protected with special waterproof covers in a covered area and each year its varnish needs to be refreshed, depending on its material TEAK, IROKO etc. (homad stores shall provide you with the relevant information).