Fabrics
GENERAL FABRIC CARE
Michael Amini / AICO uses only the best fabrics on upholstered products. Vacuum your upholstery once a
week with a brush attachment. Turn and plump all seat cushions and accent pillows on a regular basis
for long term use. Keep upholstery away from direct heat sources and moisture.
Never expose upholstery to direct sunlight as fabric fading, discolorations and disintegration may occur.
Professionally clean your upholstery once a year.
IMPORTANT CARE NOTICE ON FAUX FUR FABRICS:
Faux Fur fabrics have a long nap with high pile yarns. Some of these yarns will loosen from the base cloth and “shed” when you first receive and use your Faux Fur upholstery / pillows. This is normal and common. Lightly vacuum or brush your Faux Fur to remove loose fibers during the first several weeks of ownership.
CARE OF NAP / HIGH PILE YARNS
Some fabrics have a nap, or high pile yarns, that require maintenance. Velvet, Chenille, Suede Fabrics, and Faux Furs are common upholstery fabrics that have a nap or high pile yarns. Nap or high pile yarn fabrics disperse light differently depending on where the fabric is located on your piece. As a result of light dispersion, your fabric may appear lighter or darker in color on different parts of the upholstery.
Michael Amini / AICO may use Velvet and Chenille fabrics that are specially manufactured to achieve a slightly distressed or “vintage” appearance. This antique or vintage look is achieved by stone washing and finishing the fabric. The fabrics include intentional markings made by the washing and finishing process; these markings are not defects of any kind.
High pile yarns may get compressed during shipment by the packaging materials used. If this happens, the fabric may appear shaded, matted, or marked, but it is not damaged or harmed in any way.
To “bloom” or “plump” pile yarns to their original state from the compression of packaging materials during shipment, please follow the directions below.
NOTE: When brushing your hand with the grain of a nap or pile fabric, the fabric will feel smooth; when brushing your hand against the grain of a pile fabric, the fabric will feel rough.
- Using an upholstery brush with soft, flexible bristles, brush the fabric against the grain, to lift the pile yarns up and away from the fabric base; depending on the fabric and yarn type, a second brushing may be required.
- If you own a small hand-held, or commercial steamer, next gently steam the affected areas of the fabric, using small bursts of steam that will “bloom” or plump the pile and yarns. Never touch the steamer directly to the fabric.
- If your steamer has a brush attachment, follow the step above by brushing against the grain of the fabric with the bristle side of the brush attachment to lift the pile and yarns.
FABRIC-LEATHER CLEANING CODES
"S" RECOMMENDED CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended. Spot clean using a mild, water-free solvent or dry cleaning product. Clean only in a well ventilated room and avoid any product containing Carbon Tetrachoride or other toxic materials. Pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. Avoid over-wetting the fabric with cleaning fluid so as not to damage the underlying materials. Cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service only is recommended.
"W" RECOMMENDED CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended. Spot clean, using the foam only, from a water-based cleaning agent such as a mild detergent or a non-solvent upholstery shampoo. Apply foam with a soft clean white cloth or brush in a gentle circular motion. Avoid over-wetting the fabric with water so as not to damage the underlying materials. Vaccum when dry. Always pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding.
"WS" RECOMMENDED CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended. Fabrics with a "WS" cleaning code may be cleaned with either water-based or solvent-based cleaning solutions and may be cleaned with any conventional upholstery cleaning system. Avoid over-wetting the fabric with cleaning fluid or water so as not to damage underlying materials. Always pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding.
"DC" RECOMMENDED CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Dry Clean only; use a professional furniture cleaning service only.
"A/P" RECOMMENDED CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Wipe your leather with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Fully clean your furniture with a leather protection cream every 4-6 months to remove dirt and grime as well as gradual accumulation of body oils. For oil based stains use a leather degreaser. Do not use any products not recommended for leather as they may damage the surface of the leather. The application of a leather protective cream will improve the leather's resistence to soiling and staining, especially on seats, arms and backs.
CAUTION
Never remove cushion covers for separate dry cleaning or washing, even if they have zipper casings. Do not use bleach at any time. The use of steam or water based cleaners may cause excessive shrinking or staining of the fabric. Do not use any tumble method cleaning service as this may destroy the backing of the fabric, or shrink or otherwise damage the upholstery fabric. Keep all upholstery away from direct sunlight and heating systems.
CONSUMER ALERT
Keep your furniture and family safe from fires caused by careless smoking. Do not smoke when drowsy. Immediately remove any glowing ember or lighted cigarette that falls on furniture. SMOLDERING SMOKING MATERIALS CAN CAUSE UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE FIRES.
LEATHER
AICO®, Amini Innovation Corp., uses only full top grain aniline and semi-aniline leathers.
Your fine leather furniture may contain variances of shading, color, and texture giving leathers their unique personalities, and are not considered as imperfections.
Aniline and Semi-Aniline (Protected) Leathers Cleaning Code A and P Areas of a leather hide absorb dyes differently, so some color variation is normal. Scars and branding
marks are natural markings and are not considered flaws.
Do not place your furniture directly next to a heating source. Do not place your furniture directly next to a window, under a skylight, or in a sunroom.
All leathers are subject to fading over time; aniline leathers are especially sensitive to direct sunlight.
The application of a leather protection cream will improve the leather's resistance to staining and soiling, especially on seats,
arms and backs.
Wipe your leather with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Fully clean your furniture with a soft cleaner and re-protect with a protection cream every six months to
remove dirt and grime as well as gradual accumulation of body oils. For oil-based stains, use a leather de-greaser.
Do not use any other products not recommended for leather as they may damage the leather's surface.
VINYL
- DECORATIVE VINYL FIBER CONTENT 100% polyurethane face.
- CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS Dust vinyl, wood and metal surfaces regularly with a soft, clean, dry white cloth. Clean vinyl, wood and metal surfaces with a clean, (water) damp white cloth. Clean glass surfaces with water or glass cleaner applied to a clean cloth; to prevent overspray, do not spray liquid directly onto the furniture. Do not use chemical solvents on any of the finishes or surfaces.
- CARE AND MAINTENANCE Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Use coasters under all cups and glasses. Do not place hot items directly on the furniture top surfaces; use trivets or mats to absorb heat.
- PRECAUTION Keep furniture out of direct sunlight to avoid sun damage and color bleaching.
Keep furniture away from direct heating, cooling, and humidity control sources as they may affect the integrity of the embossed polyurethane wraps, and the moisture contents of the wood.
Material
WOOD
Because each piece of wood is unique and handcrafted and carved, expect variation in wood grain appearance,
finish stain coloration, and carvings that are not considered imperfections or defects.
Keep furniture out of direct sunlight to avoid sun and light damage and color bleaching.
Keep furniture away from direct heating and cooling sources as they affect the moisture content of the wood.
Clean wood with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Use a wood cleaner/protection agent to remove dirt and grime and restore the sheen to the wood finish, being careful not to transfer the cleaning agent to your upholstered fabrics.
MARBLE TOPS
The natural stone you have purchased as part of your home or office furniture is an investment that will give you many years of service.
Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful. Here are some recommendations for routine care and cleaning:
Precautions:
- Use coasters under all glass, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
- Blot up spills immediately.
- Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
Cleaning Procedures and Recommendations:
- Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores), or a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water.
- Use a clean, soft cloth for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
- Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids, on marble.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently.
- Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
- A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.
The Elements
HEAT, HUMIDITY AND DRY AIR
Did you know that up to half the weight of freshly sawn wood is water? Furniture is crafted from wood that is carefully dried, retaining just enough moisture for the furniture to properly acclimate to the relative humidity in your home. The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air, shrinking and expanding in response to changes in relative humidity.
Like your own skin, solid hardwood furniture's natural response to extremely dry air is to lose moisture and to shrink slightly. The halves of an extension table may part slightly, or a few tiny openings may appear on a solid wood surface. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises, and the wood absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly.
On the other hand, if you don't have an air conditioner or dehumidifier, your home's relative humidity may get too high. Parts of your wood furniture may absorb excess moisture from the air and expand, perhaps causing drawers to stick. Once again, this will correct itself as your home's relative humidity decreases. The furniture's quality and sturdiness are not affected by these natural changes.
Here are some ways to ensure your solid hardwood furniture's longevity:
- For your comfort, as well as to protect your furniture, use a humidifier in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer to keep the relative humidity at 25 to 35 percent.
- Avoid placing furniture directly in front of radiators, heat runs or fireplaces.
- Don't expose hardwood furniture to continuous direct sunlight. Draw the curtains occasionally.
- Store table leaves as close as possible to the table. Keep them in an upstairs closet rather than in a damp basement, so that the table leaves are adjusting to the same relative humidity.
Repairs
REPAIRS MADE SIMPLE
Minor damage to solid hardwood furniture can be repaired quickly and effectively with the right materials, a bit of elbow grease, and some careful attention to detail. More complex repair or refinishing jobs are best left to professionals, especially if the piece has one of today's "super finishes".
STAIN REMOVAL
Today's high-performance finishes demand special and careful attention when it comes to stain removal. While there are countless remedies for stains,
some may damage the furniture's finish. If you're at all unsure, you should call a professional refinisher.
These common stains often can be treated with do-it-yourself furniture first aid. But bear in mind: always test your remedy on a small area to see if it removes the stain without disturbing or damaging the finish.
STAIN TREATMENT:
- Water Marks & Rings:
Often, rings are in the wax, not the finish. Cover the stain with a clean, thick blotter, press down with a warm iron, and repeat. Or rub with salad oil, mayonnaise or white toothpaste. Wipe dry and wax or polish.
- White Marks:
Rub with a cloth dipped in a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice or salad oil. Or rub with a cloth dipped in lighter fluid, followed by a mixture of rottenstone and salad oil. Wipe dry and wax or polish.
- Milk or Alcohol:
Use your fingers to rub liquid or paste wax into the stain. Or rub in a paste of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone with the grain, substituting pumice for dull finishes. Or rub with ammonia on a dampened cloth. Wipe dry and wax or polish.