Help
For advice and support contact the Ken Rand Partners office:
Telephone: 0844 357 8485
Post: Unit C6 Endeavour Business Park, Penner Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1QN
Natural Wood Veneer Finishes
Since veneers are a natural product, each piece of furniture will have its own characteristics and will react to changes in light intensity.
Natural wood veneers can be subject to surface cracking as a result of prolonged exposure to low levels of humidity and may suffer fading if left in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Use desk pads and coasters to protect the surface from dents, scratches, and moisture from hot or cold liquids.
If you choose to protect the surface with a glass top, use silicone bumpers or felt pads between the glass and wood surface.
Use felt or leather pads on the bottom of office equipment and accessories used on the surfaces of the units.
Do not use desk pads that have a plastic backing, as these can damage the surface.
To avoid scratching the surface when moving objects on the desk, lift the object up and gently set it back down. Do not pull or slide objects across the surface of the desk.
Reposition office equipment and accessories periodically on the surface of the desk to ensure even coloration as the unit ages.
The lacquers used for finishing are virtually maintenance free. Regular light dusting with a clean, lint free, cotton cloth is all that is required to keep the furniture looking its best, please wipe in the direction of the grain. Greasy marks can be removed with a damp cloth and a diluted solution of soapy water. On no account should silicone or wax based sprays or polishes be used, as these may damage the surface.
Laminates/Melamine Finishes
For everyday cleaning, wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge or use a mild soap or detergent. Wipe completely dry with a soft cloth using a straight line motion.
Laminate finishes may need occasional dusting depending on where they are being used. To keep the surface in good condition, use a non-oily furniture spray and remember to clean the spray off several times a year to prevent build-up.
Furniture polish can also help to hide fine scratches in the surface. Be sure to completely wipe the polish from the laminate surface. The oils in the polish cannot penetrate the laminate and any residual polish could subject the user?s hands and clothing to stains.
Difficult stains such as coffee or tea can be removed using a mild soap or detergent and a soft bristled brush. Repeat as necessary.
If a stain persists, use a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft bristle brush. Light scrubbing for 10 to 20 strokes should remove most stains. Although baking soda is a low abrasive, excessive scrubbing or exerting too much force could damage the decorative surface, especially if it has a gloss finish.
Stubborn stains that resist any of the above cleaning methods may require the use of undiluted household bleach or nail polish remover. Apply the bleach or nail polish remover to the stain and let stand no longer than two minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry. This step may be repeated if the stain appears to be going away and the colour of the laminate has not been affected.
WARNING: Prolonged exposure of the laminate surface with bleach will cause discoloration.
Always rinse laminate surfaces after cleaning. If a small amount of cleaning solution remains on the surface, moisture can reactivate it and result in permanently etched scars.
Stainless Steel Finishes
Stainless steel finishes will stain and discolour due to surface deposits and so cannot be assumed to be completely maintenance free. In order to achieve maximum corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, the surface of the stainless steel must be kept clean.
Surface contamination and the formation of deposits must be prevented. These deposits may be minute particles of iron or rust from the surrounding environment, even naturally occurring atmospheric conditions can produce deposits, which can be equally corrosive, e.g. salt deposits from marine conditions.
Working environments can also provide aggressive conditions such as heat and humidity. These conditions can result in surface discoloration of stainless steels and so maintenance on a more frequent basis may be required.
Proprietary solutions, when used in accordance with makers’ instructions, should be safe but if used incorrectly (e.g. warm or concentrated), may cause discolouration or corrosion on stainless steels.
Stainless steel is easy to clean. Washing with soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by a clear water rise is usually quite adequate.
Aluminium Finishes
For cleaning and care an occasional wipe with a soft cloth using lukewarm water and a little washing-up liquid is all that is needed.
Good cleaning results can also be achieved using standard glass cleaning agents. Never use abrasive cleaning agents and cleaners containing solvents, e.g. petrol, nitro-based thinners, acetone, nail varnish remover or spirit.
Fabric
Fabric coverings should be brushed or vacuumed clean on a regular basis. Stains can normally be removed using a solution of luke-warm water and neutral detergent or upholstery shampoo. Stubborn or ingrained stains may need to be removed by professional dry-cleaning.
Leather
Routine cleaning should include a regular wipe with a clean, damp cloth and allow to dry naturally. Additionally a water-based leather protector will help inhibit dirt and stains being absorbed. Avoid cleaning agents which are wax, silicone or oil based as these can leave residues which attract more dirt.
Glass
Under normal circumstances glass finishes need little maintenance apart from regular dusting with a soft cloth. An occasional clean with mild non-acid soap and warm water will remove most stains. Do not use any form of scouring agent as this may permanently damage the surface.
Please note that the assistance and advice given above is provided free of charge and is given in good faith but without assuming any responsibility.
