CARING FOR YOUR FURNITURE
Furniture is an important investment for your home. To help protect and prolong the life of your FABB new purchase, please read our care guide as well as any manufacturing care instructions supplied with your furniture.
GENERAL ADVICE
- Do not place your furniture too close to a heat source or air conditioning units.
- Always leave a gap between any heat source and your furniture to allow air to circulate.
- Do not sit or stand on the arms of your sofa/chair or the front edge of the seats.
- Do not put pressure on side panels of upholstery i.e. outside arms and back panels.
- Protect your furniture from strong or prolonged sunlight.
- Carefully lift your furniture, don’t be tempted to drag it.
- Avoid marking your furniture with sharp objects.
- Always follow manufacturer’s fitting instructions and regularly check fixtures and fittings.
- Uneven floors can make furniture pieces such as wardrobes out of alignment.
CUSHION CARE
Foam filled cushions are firm from brand new but will soften within the first few months; this is normal and not a fault.
- Switch seats regularly to ensure all cushions receive equal use.
- Smooth out creases on fixed cushions and arm pads daily.
- Keep cushions plumped to maintain their look and shape.
Fibre filled cushions have a more luxurious feel.
- Plump and smooth daily to maintain their shape.
- Turn and smooth reversible cushions at least once a week as this will improve resilience and promote even wear.
COVER CARE
Unless specifically advised in the manufacturer’s guide, do not remove the covers or attempt to wash them.
CREASES AND SHADING
Luxury fabrics with a raised pile, such as chenille, can look a different shade when the pile is brushed in one direction or another. This is a normal characteristic of this type of fabric.
- To limit creases and pile flattening, gently apply a clean, damp cloth to raise the pile. Follow this by brushing the pile in the direction of its ‘lay’ when dry.
- Do not soak the fabric as this may cause the cotton backing to shrink.
REGULAR CLEANING
- Regular cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your furniture.
- Lightly vacuum your furniture once a week to limit dirt and dust which can increase fabric wear and dull the colour of your furniture.
- Vacuum with a soft brush attachment, paying particular attention to the areas where your arms and head rest.
- Furniture covers often have a high cotton content and may ‘pill’ or ‘bobble’ during the first few months of use. This is due to excess fibres working loose in a similar way to wool on a new carpet. Don’t worry, they will break off through regular use.
- In order to keep your furniture in tip top condition, we advise you use a professional cleaning service every 12 months or sooner if required.
- Always follow your manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
SPILLAGES
- Pay immediate attention to spillages.
- Use kitchen roll or a clean towel to soak up as much of the spillage as possible, by dabbing the area, not rubbing.
- Refer to your manufacturer’s care guide or your furniture protection plan paperwork if necessary.
SCRATCHES
- Scratches will need to be assessed. Get in touch with our customer care team for advice and support.
GENERAL LEATHER CARE
- Dust regularly (we recommend weekly) to keep the pores on your leather furniture free from dust.
- Immediately remove any spills with a damp cloth.
- Clean high contact areas such as head supports, and arm rests regularly - at least once a month using our approved cleaning kits.
- Do not use aerosol sprays, polishes, solvents, detergents, stain removes, baby wipes, petrol or any other over the counter leather cleaners unless supplied and recommended by us.
- Denim or other non-colour-fast fabrics may transfer dye to your furniture, particularly on light leather covers. Care should be taken to avoid this as we cannot be held responsible for dye transfer as the problem lies with the non colour-fast fabric.
All leather stretches, creases and wrinkles in the first few weeks of use. This is a natural characteristic of leather which enhances its look and authenticity. Leather will also have grain variations, insect bites, healed scars, wrinkles and veins, which are all part of the natural look of the furniture.
ANILINE LEATHER
Due to the way it has been tanned and dyed, aniline leather (see example below) will have several natural markings. To maintain a natural look and feel, it receives very little coating or surface finish. Aniline leather is known to adopt a ‘lived in’ look within a short time of use which is part of its appeal.
You may notice shading variation between panels as this is a very natural, untreated leather. Please be aware that the shading may even vary from the original colour swatch that you made your purchase from.
CORRECTED GRAIN LEATHER
This is the most durable of leathers and is suitable for heavier domestic use - and will stand up to the test of children and pets.
The surface (see right) is fully pigmented to remove the majority of imperfections before being sprayed with a clear, protective sealant. A decorative grain pattern is then imprinted into the surface.
As with all types of genuine leather, care should be taken to ensure it retains its appearance and that the protective sealant is protected from breaking down.
HIDE / HIDE MATCH
Some of our sofa collections have seating and facing areas tailored from the corrected grain hide with side and rear panels tailored in leather look man-made fibre, allowing even greater value without compromising on quality. For more information contact our sales team on 0800 254 0900.
RECLINERS
Recliners are pre-set during manufacture. Adjustment may be required after delivery but this is rare. If this is the case, please contact our customer care team on 01733 336222 and we will arrange to resolve this issue at no extra charge.
Our recliners have been designed to accommodate every day, normal use. However, please always read the manufacturer’s instructions.
RECLINER DOs AND DON’Ts
- When opening and closing reclining furniture ensure children and animals are kept at a safe distance.
- Don’t leave your chair in the reclined position when not in use.
- When operating the reclining action on a chair or sofa please make sure you sit right back.
- To avoid twisting the frame, never sit or lean over the arms.
- Unless supervised by a responsible adult, children must not be allowed to operate motion furniture.
- Ensure the space underneath the footrest is kept clear when in an open position; objects will prevent the recliner from closing and could cause damage.
- Motion furniture will have gaps between the sections to ensure clear movement and stitching won’t always line up.
- Power recliners have additional leads; make sure that these are kept clear of the mechanism. If leads do become trapped during operation it may prevent the motor from working. It is the customer’s responsibility to make sure all leads are managed so they do not become trip hazards.
- USB charging ports must be used safely and carefully to avoid any damage to the internals. Do not leave devices plugged in without supervision. If any issues occur with the port, cable or device, immediately unplug from the mains.
CABINET CARE
Your cabinet/dining furniture is likely to be made from one or more of the following materials. In order to prolong the life of your furniture, and to keep it looking in great condition, we always advise you mop up spills immediately and follow our guidelines below:
SOLID WOOD & VENEER
- Clean as necessary with a soft, lint free cloth.
- Use a mild detergent or soap and warm water and dry surfaces immediately.
- Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge, because it could contain remnants of grease or detergents.
- Do not use products with bleach, ammonia or abrasive additives.
- Never use scouring pads, steel wool or powdered cleaners.
- Avoid placing very hot items on the surface and avoid cutting directly on to the surface.
- Avoid draping damp clothes or dishtowels over cabinet doors - excessive moisture can cause permanent damage.
All wood products will have natural characteristics including knots, grain and colour variations. These imperfections are to be expected in a natural product and are not detrimental to the furniture nor a manufacturing fault.
Solid wood and veneers will continue to age in your home and colours may mellow and change over time.
Allow for small gaps between joints to compensate for the expansion and contraction of wood.
MAN-MADE FOIL
A man-made foil is specially treated material with a photographic finish which is laminated onto MDF board. This covering creates a hard wearing, easy-to-maintain surface which is ideal for modern day products. Follow the same care guidelines as for solid wood.
HIGH GLOSS
These products are made with highly polished polyurethane finish, usually laminated onto MDF or fibre board. They are sensitive to heat and care must be taken to avoid scratching. Wipe with damp microfibre cloth and follow our wood care guidelines.
CONCRETE
Follow the same general wood care guidelines. However, we recommend rewaxing the surface with a paraffin-based stone floor wax every 3 to 6 months. And use coasters/place mats to prevent marks or stains.
MARBLE
Each piece of marble is unique and is individually hand crafted according to its variation in pattern, colour and texture. It is a porous stone so always use table mats/coasters to prevent stains. Wipe off spills immediately, and occasionally wipe surfaces with lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth. Small markings and indentations are normal.
GLASS & CERAMIC
Swirl marks will develop over time on glass, high gloss and marble tables. Use coasters/place mats to reduce marks and avoid putting heavy items on to the glass. Regularly use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to wipe the surface. Buff the surface with a dry cotton cloth. Mix baking soda and white vinegar with warm water to remove grime.
GENERAL BED CARE
You may find that your new bed feels strange when first used. This is perfectly normal and this will be because you have been used to the fillings in your old bed. You need to allow time for your body to adjust to your new bed and for the fillings to settle.
It is important to note that the introduction of generous layers of upholstery and other fillings used in the manufacturing processes today will cause you to notice indentations in your mattress. This is not a fault and is due to the fillings being compressed in the areas you are sleeping and moulding to your shape. This is perfectly normal.
Drawer options in the bed base provide useful storage and do not weaken the base in any way. However, avoid putting excessive weight in these as this can damage the drawers and runners.
MATTRESS CARE
To ensure years of trouble-free service from your mattress always use a mattress protector to prolong the life of your mattress and follow our care guidelines. Failure to use a protector could result in invalidating your guarantee if staining to your mattress has occurred.
REGULARLY
- Air your mattress. This is especially important on first unwrapping as this will help get rid of any manufacturing aromas.
- Turn and rotate your mattress - rotate foot to head, as well as turn over.
Please note for non-turn mattresses rotate foot to head only.
NEVER
- Bend or roll your mattress. Sprung mattresses are not designed to be bent. Bending may damage the springs and fillings and affect the overall strength and durability.
- Use as a seat. Your mattress is designed to distribute your weight evenly over the full sleeping surface. Sitting on the edge of the bed will distort the springs and cause the fillings to settle and mattress to dip.
BED BASES
If you purchase a mattress on its own it is important that it is placed on a suitable base:
Divan base:
If you are putting your mattress on a divan base it should offer the mattress adequate support.
Bed frame:
If you are using a bed frame, the slats should be no more than 7cm apart. Larger gaps can cause damage to the springs and fillings within the mattress. Using an unsuitable base can dramatically affect the performance of your mattress and shorten its lifespan.
SOFA BED CARE
Sofa beds are designed and intended for occasional use only. Continuous use may cause premature wear to the mattress and frame.
Although the sofa bed action is manufactured to a stringent specification, do not sit on the edge of the bed once opened as doing so may lead to the frame bending.
FABB FURNITURE CARE PLAN
For additional peace of mind, we offer a comprehensive FABB Furniture Care Plan, available on all our upholstery, beds and cabinet products.
The plan protects against accidental staining and accidental damage for 5 years.
If you did not order this care plan at the point of purchase, you can still add it to your order before your furniture has been delivered.
BENEFITS
- 5 years’ peace of mind
- Original value replacements
- National network of professional technicians
- No excess charges
- One call for advice and service
STAINS COVERED WITHIN YOUR CARE PLAN
- Acids
- Cosmetics
- Shoe polish
- Ink
- Bleaches
- Caustics
- Corrosives
- Paints
- Super glue
- Hot drinks
- Sauces
- Soft Drinks
- Foods
- Human & animal marks
- Dye transfer from print or clothing
(Staining must result from a sudden and unforeseen event. This policy does not provide cover for an accumulation or build up over a period of time.)
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE COVERED
- Rips
- Burns
- Scuffs
- Punctures
- Scratches
- Breakage, dents or chips
- Water, liquid or heat marks
- Pet damage
(Accidental damage must result from a sudden and unforeseen event. This policy does not provide cover an accumulation or build up over a period of time.)
CONTACT US
Your furniture should arrive in an immaculate condition. In the unlikely event that it does not, please do not hesitate to contact our customer care team and we will arrange for a specialist furniture technician to visit. This service is intended to rectify the problem on the first visit, failing that we will arrange to return if additional parts are required.
All our furniture is designed to allow easy replacement of parts within customer’s homes. This minimises any inconvenience caused by full replacement orders. However, if a full replacement is deemed necessary we will be happy to arrange this.
If you have any further queries, please contact us on 01733 336222 or email customercareteam@fabbfurniture.com
LIFETIME GUARANTEE
We pride ourselves on being able to offer excellent quality furniture sourced from the most popular brands and highly respected furniture manufacturers. That’s why FABB furniture products are covered for the lifetime of the product on key components. Other parts are covered for a minimum of 1 year against manufacturing defects.
This guarantee does not include usual wear and tear, misuse, improper care or accidental damage. We recommend additional accidental damage warranty cover which is available to purchase in-store. Just ask a member of staff for details.
Our lifetime warranty is only valid whilst the furniture is with the original purchaser.
UPHOLSTERY
- Lifetime cover for frames, springs, webbing, recliner mechanisms and motors.
- 2 year cover for covers and stitching.
BEDS
- Lifetime cover for divan bases, bed frames, mattress springs, adjustable divan mechanisms, motors and electrics.
- 1 year cover for mattress fillings, divan drawers and ottoman divan mechanisms.
CABINET
- Lifetime cover for handles, hinges, interior fittings, drawer runners and table extension mechanisms.
- 1 year cover for timbers, veneers, structural stability and joints.
HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM
To make a claim contact our customer care team on 01733 336222 or email: customercareteam@fabbfurniture.com. We will arrange for one of our specialist technicians to inspect the furniture and, if the fault is deemed to be a manufacturing defect, the technician will complete the necessary repairs. You may be requested to provide photographic evidence prior to the visit which will help us to resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If a repair cannot be completed on the first visit, our technician will order the necessary parts and return at a later date to complete the repair. Any repairs or parts that are required will be provided free of charge. When a repair is not possible, Fabb Furniture will look to make an alternative offer to try and resolve the issue. All offers are made at the discretion of Fabb Furniture and may be subject to a usage fee. You will be required to provide your sales invoice number to make a claim.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Your guarantee will commence from the date of delivery and will cover the period of time you have the furniture, or for 21 years, whichever expires first.
- Our lifetime peace of mind cover only applies to orders placed on or after 15th May 2020.
- Many of our furniture manufacturers offer their own guarantees or warranties on branded items. In this instance the manufacturer will be responsible for resolving any issues/ manufacturing defects in line with their own terms and conditions for the initial term.Following this period, Fabb Furniture will be responsible for any issues outlined in these terms and conditions up to a lifetime from the date of delivery. Separate terms and conditions for manufacturers’ guarantees or warranties will be provided upon delivery.
- Upon making a claim you, the customer, will be liable for a non-refundable call-out labour cost of £60 plus VAT after the first year unless a manufacturing guarantee is in place for longer than this period. If this is the case, separate manufacturers’ terms and conditions will apply.
- Payment must be made before a technician visit can be booked.
- Cover does not include accidental or deliberate damage, normal wear and tear, misuse, neglect or abuse of furniture.
- Natural settlement is to be expected in all mattress products and is not classed as a manufacturing defect and therefore not covered.
- Dismantling and rebuilding furniture items is not recommended. Any stability issues which may arise as a result is not classed as a manufacturing defect and therefore not covered.
- The cover does not apply to items not sold as new, for example ex-display items, where a 1 year manufacturing guarantee will apply.
- Cover applies to indoor furniture items only.
- Lifetime cover is only available to the individual named on the original order. If you sell or transfer the product to someone else, the guarantee period will be void.
- Cover applies to mainland UK only.
- Fabb Furniture reserves the right to make changes to these terms and conditions at any time. This does not affect your statutory rights.