Fine Wood Furniture

Removing scratches          Caring for wood

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UPHOLSTERY AND CARPETS

Stain Removal

Alcoholic beverages   Blood     Chocolate, fruit juices and soft drinks

Grease, oil, water and mystery stains   Cosmetics, furniture polish, ink and shoe polish

Ice cream and milk   Wine   Coffee and tea   Candle wax and crayons

Most stains that are allowed to dry overnight will become more difficult to remove. This especially applies to hot drinks like tea and  coffee, as the stain can set-in with the heat. 

So whenever possible deal with any stains as soon as they happen.

Things You Should Do

• Act immediately before the spills or stain spreads too far or penetrates the fibres.
• Scrape up as much as possible with a spoon or palette knife (i.e. a blunt edge).
• Always work towards the centre of the spillage to avoid spreading.
• Blot up liquids with a clean cloth, towel or kitchen paper.

Things You Should Not Do

• Lift the carpets or roll them up.
• Rub the stain. Always try to blot it up.
• Try to dry out by applying heat.

 

 

 

 

 

Alcoholic beverages:

• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

Blood:

• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

 

 

Candle wax and crayons:

• You'll start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

Chocolate, fruit juices and soft drinks:

• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
• Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

Coffee and Tea:

• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

Cosmetics, furniture polish, ink and shoe polish:

• Start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

Ice cream and milk:

• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
• Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

Wine:

• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

Grease, oil, water and mystery stains:

• Start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colourless dish detergent.
• Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
• Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
• Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
• Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid over wetting the area.
• Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
• If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

 

 

Caring For Fine Wood Furniture:

Caring for furniture is easy. Follow a few simple guidelines will help extend the life of your furniture.

• Always dust with a polish moistened cloth. Polish cushions the cloth, eliminating the scratching that occurs with dry dusting. Dust will scratch the furniture surface if not removed properly.
• Use a soft, clean cloth that won't scratch the surface. Avoid coarse or scratchy materials or fabrics.
• Never use soap and water on furniture. Water can penetrate the finish and raise the grain on wood, causing damage.

The Enemies Of Wood:

Many common problems in furniture care are caused by the elements. If you are aware of these troublemakers, the resulting damage can easily can be avoided.

• Sunlight's ultraviolet rays can damage wood finishes. Arrange furniture out of direct sunlight; use sun screening drapes during intense sunlight hours; rotate furniture in place and in room arrangements.
• Liquid spills will damage furniture if not removed promptly. Use coasters under beverage glasses and saucers under cups and flower pots. If a spill occurs, immediately blot it gently without rubbing the surface.
• Heat creates a chemical change in the furniture finish which can result in a white spot. Use protective pads under hot dishes, utensils or cooking appliances.
• High humidity causes wood to swell. Low humidity causes wood to lose moisture and shrink. Extreme changes cause warping, splitting and cracking.
• Try to keep humidity as constant as possible.

 

 

Removing Scratches From Fine Wood Furniture:

No matter how careful people are, they are bound to scratch furniture. Most of these mishaps are minor and can easily be be erased or hidden before they become eyesores. However, no matter how minor the blemish, you may not want to remove it yourself if your furniture is a valuable antique.

Wood surfaces can easily be cleaned with solvent, but be careful because some solvents can remove or damage the finish. Alcohol, for example, can dissolve a shellac finish. Mineral spirits work well and are harmless to all finishes; still, it's a good practice to test any solvent in an inconspicuous spot before working on a prominent area.

Also keep in mind that all solvents are flammable and toxic. Read the directions carefully and take all precautions to prevent fire and personal injury.

To clean furniture of wax and dirt build-up, wet a coarse, clean rag with mineral spirits and wipe across the surface. Turn the rag over to expose a clean side and wipe again. Continue this procedure until the rag no longer picks up dirt.

This technique works well with the large open surfaces, but it may not remove the dirt that collects in the grooves and crevices of carved areas. Clean these places with a cotton swab dipped in mineral spirits.

Scratches that are in the finish but do not cut into the wood below can be removed with very fine steel wool (0000) and Danish oil. Pour some oil into a pad of steel wool and rub with the grain. Keep the pad saturated with oil and rub with a light touch; you only want to remove the scratches in the finish without damaging the stain underneath.

Work cautiously near the edges or corners -- they can easily wear through.

When the scratches are removed, wipe with a rag and mineral spirits. Go over the area several times, opening the cloth frequently to uncover clean fabric. You must remove all traces of the Danish oil or it will repel the new finish.

Allow the surface to dry thoroughly, at least 24 hours, then spray it with a coat of clear lacquer. Hold the can at a 45-degree angle about eight inches from the furniture surface. Press the spray button and move the can in a continuous motion in line with the grain.

 

Disclaimer of Liability:

We (Lawrence Upholstery Services) do not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process on this page.  The use of any information within this page is entirely at your own risk.