MATERIAL CARE

Care and maintenance

Every material ages in its own way. A little attention keeps each piece as it was meant to be seen. For guidance on a specific piece, write to studio@faroutfab.com.

I. Upholstery and leather

Fabric and velvet
  • Spills: Blot right away with a clean, damp, lint-free cloth and lukewarm water. Never scrub. Let it air dry.
  • Light: Keep upholstery out of direct sunlight to protect its color. Vacuum seams and rotate cushions regularly.
  • Evenness: When cleaning, treat every cushion and panel at once so the tone stays consistent. For deep stains, call a professional upholstery cleaner.
Leather
  • Spills: Blot right away with a soft white cloth lightly dampened with distilled water. Let it air dry; never use a hair dryer or heater.
  • Oil and grease: Blot the excess with a dry cloth and do not add water. The mark will soften into the leather over time.
  • Everyday: Keep leather away from heating vents and direct sun so it stays supple. Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
Vinyl and faux leather
  • Everyday: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth.
  • Marks: Use a gentle cleaner made for vinyl. Avoid anything abrasive.

II. Wood and stone

Wood and veneer
  • Climate: Keep wood out of direct sun and away from sudden changes in heat and humidity, which can cause warping and cracking.
  • Surfaces: Use coasters, felt pads or mats under hot dishes, glasses and anything that could mark the finish. Lift objects rather than sliding them.
  • Cleaning: Blot spills right away and dust with a dry microfiber cloth. Avoid paper towels, wax, silicone polish and household soap, which dull the finish.
Marble and natural stone
  • Acids: Stone is porous. Wine, coffee, citrus and vinegar can etch the surface, so wipe them up immediately.
  • Spills: Blot, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth and dry.
  • Protection: Use coasters and runners under hot or hard objects. Never use chemical cleaners, scouring powders or furniture sprays. Dust often with a dry cloth.
Concrete, faux stone and faux wood
  • Cleaning: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and a little mild soap if needed. Wipe spills right away so they don't leave a residue.
  • Avoid: Harsh acids, bleach and abrasive pads.

III. Metal and glass

Steel and iron
  • Everyday: Wipe up liquids right away. Clean with a soft, damp cloth and dry completely to prevent spotting.
  • Avoid: Abrasive pads, solvents, strong detergents and bleach. For stainless steel, use a non-abrasive metal cleaner.
  • Patina: On raw or distressed iron, oxidation is part of the character. Keep it dry and dust it gently.
Brass, gold and gilded finishes
  • Everyday: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Fingerprints lift with a barely damp cloth, dried right away.
  • Avoid: Metal polish on lacquered, plated or gilded finishes, which can strip them. Never use abrasive pads or ammonia.
  • Aging: Unlacquered brass deepens and darkens over time. Let it, or polish it gently with a brass cleaner if you prefer it bright.
Glass
  • Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and standard glass cleaner, sprayed onto the cloth, not the glass, so it never reaches surrounding metal or wood.
  • Avoid: Abrasive cleaners and pads, which scratch.

IV. Lighting and mirrors

Chandeliers and lamps
  • Safety first: Always switch off and unplug or cut power, and let bulbs cool before cleaning.
  • Dusting: Dust frames, arms and crystals with a soft, dry cloth or brush. Clean crystal or glass elements one at a time with a soft cloth.
  • Shades: Use a lint roller or soft brush on fabric shades. Never wet them.
  • Bulbs: Use bulbs within the wattage noted on the fixture.
Mirrors
  • Cleaning: Spray glass cleaner onto a soft cloth, never directly onto the mirror, so moisture can't seep behind the glass and spoil the silvering.
  • Frames: Care for the frame according to its material above.
  • Hanging: Hang heavy mirrors from wall studs or anchors rated for their weight.

V. Rugs and objects

Rugs
  • Everyday: Vacuum regularly without a beater bar, and rotate the rug every few months so it wears and fades evenly.
  • Spills: Blot from the outside in with a clean, damp cloth. Never rub.
  • Deep cleaning: Leave it to a professional rug cleaner.
  • Loose threads: Trim them level with scissors; never pull.
Ceramics, vases and sculpture
  • Dusting: Dust with a soft, dry cloth or brush.
  • Vases: If a vase is not marked watertight, use a glass liner for fresh flowers.
  • Avoid: Chemical cleaners and soaking, especially on raw, matte or hand-finished surfaces.

VI. Outdoor

General care
  • Everyday: Dust with a soft, dry cloth and wipe up spills right away.
  • Weather: During long stretches of bad weather or the off-season, make sure the piece is completely dry, then cover it with a breathable outdoor cover so moisture can't get trapped.
Woven wicker and rope
  • Cleaning: Wash regularly so dirt doesn't build up. Wipe with a damp cloth or warm water, and use mild, pH-neutral soap for stubborn spots.
Teak and acacia
  • Aging: Left untreated, these woods weather to a soft silver-grey.
  • Restoring: To bring back the warm tone, scrub gently along the grain with a soft brush and warm, soapy water. A teak cleaner and oil will restore the luster.
Metal and mesh frames
  • Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water, rinse well and dry.
  • Storage: Before covering or storing, make sure no water is trapped inside the frame.
Outdoor cushions
  • Everyday: Shake or rinse cushions often to keep them free of leaves and dirt.
  • Deep cleaning: Hose down with cold water and spot-clean with mild soap. Never machine wash, tumble dry or use chlorine bleach.
  • Drying: Stand cushions on end in the sun until completely dry. Never store damp cushions in plastic, which invites mildew.
Concrete and recycled poly-wood
  • Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water, rinse and dry. For oily spots or rings on poly-wood, use a mild citrus degreaser and wipe dry.
  • Avoid: Harsh acids and stripping agents.