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Clean and Care Instructions
Mercana Furniture and Décor
Introduction
At Mercana, our goal is to create pieces that stand the test of time and seamlessly become a part of your lifestyle. Whether you’re bingeing TV shows on one of our plush fabric sectionals or enjoying an intimate dinner with your loved ones on one of our solid wood dining tables – we want these experiences to last for years to come.
To ensure that our products stand the test of time, we use high quality materials and focus on quality control at every step of the way. This means that with just a few simple and regular efforts as mentioned in this quick guide, your new Mercana purchase should turn heads for years to come.
Disclaimer
Mercana has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided in this document labeled ‘Clean and Care Instructions’. However, the information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, or reliability of the information contained in this document.
Mercana Furniture and Décor shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any nature (direct, indirect, consequential or other) which may arise as a result of implementing any methods and practices or as a result of using any suggested products and treatments mentioned in this guide.
Any claims or returns based on the information provided within this document will be disregarded. Any claims for returns are subject to the clauses mentioned in the ‘Return Policy’, which can be found on the
Mercana Marketplace.
For more information on our terms and policies, please visit our website or reach out to an account manager.
Fabric
Fabric wrapped furniture is popular for more reasons than one can count. In addition to being cost effective, fabric wrapped furnishings can also be used to introduce texture and color in a room. A fabric wrap is versatile and works well with curvy designs as well as contemporary designs that flaunt clean
2 lines. In comparison to leather and solid wood, clean and care instructions for fabric are very different because fabric is a knitted material that soaks spills much faster than other materials. However, if fabric pieces are cared for periodically, they can last for years to come and be the center of attraction in your space.
Preventive Measures
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Rotate cushions and pillows weekly to distribute wear
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Vacuum upholstery weekly using the upholstery attachment and crevice tool of your vacuum to remove loose particles
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To prevent possible “bleeding” of ink onto fabric, do not leave newspapers or other printed materials lying on upholstery
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Always pretest cleaning agents in a small inconspicuous area. Never use strong chemicals or detergents
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If you’re the kind that loves to get food and drinks on your fabric couch, consider investing in a tray to reduce the chances of spills
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Avoid using nail polish removers, paints and other such staining materials on fabric furnishings
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Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight as fabric tends to fade when exposed to direct sunlight over prolonged periods
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Applying non-commercial scented fabric fresheners, neutralizers and fabric protectors is never recommended
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Take special care when spraying household chemicals and commercial products near upholstery
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A professional upholstery cleaning service is the only recommended cleaning method for your upholstery, including furniture base beneath slipcovers. Annual cleaning is suggested, but this may vary depending on use.
Spills and Spots
In some cases, spot cleaning can cause a ring or fading. It is best to have the entire piece or cushion casing cleaned by a professional upholstery cleaning service to ensure uniform results.
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Don’t Rub. Always blot the spill as soon as possible with a clean, absorbent cloth. Blot from the outside to the middle of the affected area to avoid rings.
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Do not dry the stain completely or it may set.
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The longer a stain remains on the fabric, the more difficult it is to remove.
Water-Based Stains
(Coffee, Soft Drinks, Juices)
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Use a cleaner specifically made for cleaning fabric or a solution comprising of mild soap and lukewarm water and blot the area with a micro-fiber cloth.
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Avoid scrubbing as this may cause the fabric to rip or tear.
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If the stain is spread over a large area, contact a professional cleaner at the earliest.
Stubborn Stains
(Oil, Grease, Food)
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Use a dry solvent cleaner with a damp micro-fiber cloth.
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Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to see if it causes any rings or fades the fabric at all.
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Begin with light strokes on the outside of the stain and work toward the center, being careful not to over-saturate the fabric.
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Do not apply excessive amounts of water or any other solution to the fabric as it may result in permanent damage to the material
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Once the stain has been removed, air- dry or pat dry the area with a dry cloth and vacuum the surface to clean up any residues.
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If the stain resists cleaning, contact a professional cleaner.
Leather
A highly durable, natural material created by tanning cattle hide and animal skins, leather is one of the most popular materials used in the production of several articles ranging from clothing and accessories to furniture and automobile interiors.
In addition to its slightly higher prices, leather is considered a premium material for its quality, color and the effort that goes into its production.
Leather products are usually easy to maintain if cared for regularly as the material is highly resistant to natural abrasion and wear. We recommend the following procedures when caring for your leather furniture.
Year-Round Maintenance
We strongly recommend the use of a leather conditioner of your choice at least once every three to four months. Although leather is a highly durable material that is resistant to dust and dirt, it is susceptible to cracking and soling overtime depending on their exposure to elements like sunlight, moisture, etc.
High-quality leather conditioners are recommended because:
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They clean dirt and grime that accumulates over time on the surface and beneath, since leather is a porous material
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Leather conditioners help retain the smooth and comfortable feel of leather which may naturally diminish over time if no measures are taken
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If your leather furnishings are exposed to sunlight and heat (which they normally are), they can change color abruptly and exhibit spotting. Using a conditioner ensures protection from UV rays and discoloration
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Leather can crack due to expansion and contraction due to exposure to heat and varying temperatures through seasons. The application of leather conditioners will help prevent this.
Day to Day Cleaning Tips
In addition to using conditioners to treat leather on a quarterly basis, it is important to clean furnishings regularly to keep dust and grime at bay. This strongly contributes to the longevity of the product. Here are some tips we recommend.
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When trying out new products to clean leather furnishings, try the product on a hidden spot first to notice any signs of discoloration or abrasion early on, without affecting the look of the piece
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Avoid exposing leather furnishings to excess heat and sunlight as it causes fading
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Any spills must be dealt with immediately. Blotting spills will prevent the affected area from staining heavily and most spills, if tended to early on, are easy to clean
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Frequent dusting and wiping with a damp cloth can prevent build up and contribute to the life of the furniture
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Vacuum the piece using the brush attachment and ensure all dirt is removed from crevices and cracks
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Any wiping and cleaning on leather is best done with a micro-fiber cloth
Stubborn Spots and Spills
Although leather is resistant to spills to a certain extent, there are sometimes when you’ll need a little extra effort. Here’s what we recommend doing in case of a spill or stubborn spot.
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Step 1 : Immediately blot the spill. This will make it much easier to get rid of or prevent any staining on the leather.
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Step 2 : Use a microfiber cloth to wipe any excess liquids from the surface.
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Step 3 : If further cleaning is necessary, we recommend using a damp microfiber soaked in lukewarm water to clean the surface. Avoid spot cleaning the leather surface and ensure that the entire surface covered in leather is cleaned in the same manner.
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Step 4 : Let it dry. Do not use hairdryers or other heat sources – air dry the leather surface.
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Step 5 : If staining occurs, repeat step 3 and 4. This time, we recommend using a non-abrasive leather cleaning agent or a mild soap instead of just water.
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Step 6 : If the stain persists, contact a professional cleaner.
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Faux-Leather
A popular choice of upholstery material today is faux leather which is an eco-friendly alternative to genuine leather. Although the two materials look similar, they’re quite different in terms of composition and characteristics. Bearing that in mind, it can be noted that caring for faux-leather furnishings is quite different from caring for leather furnishings.
Everyday Care
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An advantage of faux leather is that it is non-porous, so most spills stay on the surface. Blotting these as soon as possible will ensure that no harm is done.
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Faux leather tends to crack when it dries up. Thus, it is strongly recommended that faux-leather furnishings are kept away from direct sunlight.
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Avoid chemical cleaners or strong detergents that contain bleach because this can cause discoloration of the material or remove the surface coating resulting in stiffness.
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Watch for pigments from clothes and daily use leaving an impression on your faux-leather chair or sofa. If not wiped right away, these can stay on the surface forever.
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Vacuum the surface regularly using the brush attachment. This will prevent dust and mites from settling on the surface.
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Vacuum the crevices to remove dirt and dust particles.
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Wipe the surface regularly with a damp cloth soaked in water and mild soap. Once the surface is cleaned, use a dry cloth to wipe any remaining water. r
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If using dedicated cleaning products for faux leather, try these products on an inconspicuous spot first.
Solid Wood
For several years now, solid wood furnishings have dominated the industry and this material continues to grow in popularity even after the introduction of engineered woods and other synthetic replacements like plastic and acrylic.
Solid wood is a popular mainly because of its organic feel, strength and its durability. In addition to this, solid wood is preferred over other materials because it most certainly introduces warmth and organic charm to any room. If cared for regularly, a well-constructed solid wood article can last you a lifetime.
Moreover, solid wood furniture is now available in modern designs and finishes that make for timeless additions to any space. Caring for solid wood isn’t considered very difficult and regular care can reduce the amount of maintenance required to keep your furniture looking new for years to come.
Preventive Measures
Some general tips to keep in mind when using solid wood furniture can help prolong the life of the article by many years and keep it looking like new. Here are some practices we recommend.
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Wooden tables and other a rticles are highly susceptible to scratching. If you’re placing a sharp object on a wooden surface, a coaster or tablecloth is highly recommended to avoid scratching
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Solid wood may expand because of exposure to heat and contract if there is a drop in the temperature. If this happens often, it can cause cracking and uneven bumps in the surface. To prevent this, we recommend placing your wooden furniture in areas that are away from heat sources. For example, placing a wooden table close to the fireplace or heat vent, will almost certainly affect its durability.
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Exposure to moisture will negatively impact the longevity as well as quality of the wood and we recommend placing your furniture in areas of regulated humidity. Using wooden furniture outdoors is not recommended for the same reason.
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Liquids such as ink, thinner, nail polish and paints that tend to stain surfaces must be kept clear as they can penetrate deep into the cracks and pores in the wood making it difficult if not impossible to clean.
Everyday Care
Some simple every day measures can help you keep your wooden furniture looking new for years to come. Here’s what we recommend doing on a regular basis.
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Dusting the table as often as possible is highly recommended. This will keep dust from settling on the surface, ensuring that the finish is visible and fresh. A lamb's wool duster is recommended so you’re not just shooting dust into the air, but actually cleaning it off of the surface.
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Regularly wiping the surface of your solid wood furniture using a damp microfiber cloth soaked in mild soap water will ensure that the surface is kept clean and the shine is maintained.
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For tough stains or spills, a dedicated cleaning agent can be purchased. It is important to find one that is made for the type of wood your furniture is made of to avoid any discoloration or damage.
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We do not recommend using ammonia-based products or ones that contain silicone. If using polishes, limiting the use to once every few months is suggested.
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The use of coasters or placemats is highly recommended when placing hot vessels or plates on hardwood surfaces, as heat tends to cause damage.
Glass
Glass furnishings are great for spaces that need to look a little lighter and brighter since it has a reflective surface. Glass-top coffee tables, accent tables or dining tables look great in almost any space and are easier to clean and care for as some other alternatives in the market.
Modern glass-top furnishings are made from tempered glass which means the glass is resistant to scratches and is very unlikely to shatter. Because of the endless design possibilities and ease of use, glass top furnishings are popular today and with a few clean and care tips, they can last for a long time.
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Everyday Care
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Avoid putting heavy items on to the glass surface.
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Do not place hot vessels directly atop the glass surface as it can shatter due to expansion and contraction at times.
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Wipe the surface regularly with a damp cloth soaked and wrung in lukewarm water.
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Avoid scratching and damage from cutlery by using placemats, coasters and trivets.
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Use store bought glass cleaners or natural cleaners to remove smudge and greasy fingerprints.
Marble
Marble-top tables make for some of the most elegant furnishings in homes. This natural stone derived from calcium has a beautiful white tone with natural patterns on it which make it unique. In addition to its beauty, marble is also known for its durability and if cared for appropriately, it can last for years to come. Considered fairly easy to maintain, Marble surfaces can be cared for with these few easy steps.
Preventive Care
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Clean/Blot spills immediately as marble is porous and can be stained especially by acidic substances like coffee, fruit juices, wine etc.
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Clean regularly after use with a damp cloth soaked and wrung in clean water. Avoid using cleaning solutions daily.
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Marble is a soft stone and is subject to scratching and etching. Avoid placing cutlery, and sharp objects directly on the surface. We recommend using placemats, trivets and coasters at all times.
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Do not use store bought all-purpose cleaners that contain acidic or alkalic components. They tend to stain and cosmetically damage the marble. Instead, use a dedicated marble cleaner for your surface.
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We also recommend against the use of acidic natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon, ammonia or orange best cleaners. They’re very likely to stain your marble top.
Annual Sealing
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Once a year, it is recommended that you use a dedicated marble sealer. Since marble is porous, water and other liquids may seep through if the sealer coating ceases to exist. Thus, once a year it is recommended that you use a sealer coating to give your marble surface a protective layer.
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Slate
Tabletops made from slate are just as attractive as marble and make for an extravagant addition to any elegantly styled home. When teamed with antiqued metal components, slate top furnishings look gorgeous and thus, are a popular choice when it comes to accent and common room furnishings.
Preventive Care
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Slate tabletops are not heat or food safe, avoid placing hot vessels on these surfaces.
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Slate is subject to scratching and etching. Avoid placing cutlery, and sharp objects directly on the surface. We recommend using placemats, trivets and coasters at all times.
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Clean/Blot spills immediately as slate is porous and can be stained especially by acidic substances.
Metal Surfaces
A popular choice of surface material in spaces based on the Industrial design style, metal makes for an easy to care, low-maintenance surface that is durable and visually enticing. With regular dusting and wiping, most metal surfaces can remain clean, but it is important to consider some preventive measures to ensure the longevity of the furniture.
Preventive Care
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Metal tends to expand and contract when exposed to heat. We recommend using placemats and coasters that ensure hot vessels are not in direct contact with the metal surface.
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Clean/Blot spills with a dry cloth as metal can be stained especially by acidic substances like coffee, fruit juices, wine etc.
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Once the surface is dry, use a suitable store-bought surface cleaner to clean the tabletop.
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Do not chop/cut vegetables directly on a metal surface as most metal surfaces are not scratch resistant
Wool Blend / Cotton Blend Rugs and Poufs
Blended fabric poufs and rugs have become very popular in most homes these days and caring for them is slightly different than upholstered furnishings.
Wool/Cotton/Viscose Poufs and Rugs
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Use soft hand brush to clean regularly
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Light Vacuum clean regularly. Avoid using beater brush on rugs
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Remove spills immediately. Blot any liquid with a clean cloth or a paper napkin.
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Do not pull loose ends if any. Trim with scissors.
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Keep away from sharp objects, hot surfaces, open fireplaces and excess moisture.
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Initially, some shedding of material fiber may be observed. This is normal and will reduce with time & usage.
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Colors may fade slightly when placed in areas of direct sunlight. In this case, it is advisable to periodically rotate your rug to ensure this process is even .
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Deep colors may stain light surface especially if wet, please ensure dry usage and a rug underlay is recommended.
Eco-Friendly Polyester Poufs (PET & PETE)
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Use soft hand brush to clean regularly
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Light Vacuum clean regularly. Avoid using beater brush on Pouf
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PET Poufs are moisture tolerant and can be used outdoors but excess moisture or soaking can cause irreparable cosmetic damage.
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Keep away from sharp objects, hot surfaces, open fireplaces and excess moisture.
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Do not pull loose ends if any. Trim with scissors.
