Use and Care Manual

5© Dansk Møbelkontrol 2002
TREATMENT OF OTHER
FURNITURE SURFACES
METAL FURNITURE
The most common metals used in furniture
production today are aluminium and chromium-
plated, lacquered or stainless steel. All these
surfaces are resistant to dirt as well as liquids.
However, water can stain aluminium and stain-
less steel as well as cause damaged chromium-
plated and lacquered steel surfaces to rust.
General maintenance: Wipe with a cloth wrung
out in water and washing-up liquid (see Clean-
ing Solutions).
Thorough cleaning: Aluminium, chromium-plat-
ed and stainless steel can be wiped with a cloth
moistened with methylated spirits. Caution –
fire risk! Provide ventilation! Clean lacquered
metal in the same manner as lacquered wood
surfaces.
PLASTIC FURNITURE
Plastic surfaces on furniture are usually
melamine (e.g. plastic laminate), various types
of foils, surface-coatings on metals and plastic
coverings on upholstered parts. Upholstery
covers are usually made from PVC, polypropy-
lene (PP) or polyurethane (PUR). These can
have either a glossy, matt or leather structure
surface.
General maintenance: Wipe with a cloth wrung
out in hot water with washing-up liquid (see
Cleaning Solutions). Soap flakes are not suit-
able because they leave a film on the surface.
Thorough cleaning: Melamine surfaces (e.g.
plastic laminate) can be cleaned with a cloth
moistened with methylated spirits.
LINOLEUM
Linoleum is manufactured from oxidised linseed
oil mixed with fillings and dyes. To maintain the
appearance and performance of linoleum, nev-
er apply oil or lacquer.
General maintenance: Wipe with a clean dry
cloth or a cloth wrung out in clean water and
wipe off immediately with a clean dry cloth.
Wipe soiled surfaces with a cloth wrung out in
soap solution (see Cleaning Solutions) or with a
cleaning agent especially made for cleaning
linoleum. Wipe the surface dry immediately us-
ing a clean dry cloth. Stains can usually be re-
moved by carefully wiping with white spirit. Cau-
tion – fire risk! Provide ventilation!
Thorough cleaning: Clean very dirty linoleum
surfaces with linoleum cleaner and linoleum
maintenance treatment agents. Always follow
the instructions. Once a year, or twice at the
most, linoleum surfaces may be treated with a
very thin layer of liquid wax. Wipe off thorough-
ly after 15 minutes. This can leave the surface
glossier, but it is also more resistant to dirt.
Aggressive cleaning agents such as strong
cleaners, soft soap and washing-up liquid
should never be used.
STONE
(E.G. GRANITE, MARBLE, SLATE)
Stone is not resistant to acids, e.g., lemon
juice. Wine, lemon juice and similar stains can
be virtually impossible to remove. Polished
stone and plastic-coated stone can be dam-
aged by abrasive cleaning agents.
General maintenance: Wipe with a cloth wrung
out in hot water with washing-up liquid (see
Cleaning Solutions).
Thorough cleaning: Because of the many differ-
ent types of stone surfaces, it is recommended
that the furniture manufacturer’s instructions
be followed in each individual case.
FURNITURE TEXTILES
Natural fibres, synthetic fibres and mixtures of
these are all used for textiles. Many different
weaving methods are also used, which results
in a great diversity with regard to wear resist-
ance, colour fastness, shrinkage, resistance to
dirt, flammability etc. The retailer can advise
on these matters on the basis of the informa-
tion supplied by the manufacturer with each
piece of furniture.
Wool is one of the best materials for furni-
ture textiles because of its elasticity, wearabili-
ty and resistance to dirt. For example, a ciga-
rette ember that is quickly removed will only
leave a small mark that can easily be brushed
or sanded away.
Cotton is hardwearing, but is not as elastic
as wool. It is also easily soiled, and is therefore
often impregnated to increase resistance to
dirt. A cigarette ember that is quickly removed
usually leaves a small hole. Brushed cotton
should only be used for furniture that is subject
to a minimum of wear and tear.
Flax used on firm upholstery is very hard-
wearing, whereas wrinkling that can eventually
cause cracking can occur on soft upholstered