Furniture Care
Area Rugs and Padding
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Care and Maintenance
Helpful tips on cleaning and vacuuming different types of rugs.
- Professional cleaning is recommended when rugs are soiled.
- Rugs should be vacuumed at least once a week to clean any dirt or debris will keep the rug looking its best, as well as help to remove any excess fibers that are shedding.
- It is NOT recommended to use a beater bar on any area rug, as the rotating brushes can potentially cause snags, pulls and other contact damage. Most vacuums have a button or switch where the beater bar can be turned off, or a bare floor setting. The vacuum only needs suction to remove debris and excess fibers from the area rug.
- Avoid vacuuming fringe and serged edges as they can get caught in the vacuum and become shredded or torn away from the body of the rug.
- Hooked rugs and braided rugs should always be vacuumed using the "bare floor" setting on the vacuum to prevent damage. Using a beater bar can snag loose fibers and cause pulls and runs in the surface.
- Rotating rugs 180 degrees annually will alternate wear patterns.
- The use of furniture cups under extra-heavy furniture helps prevent permanent damage to rug fibers.
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Rug Padding
A quality rug pad is essential for ensuring support, protecting floors, and to prevent skidding.
- Solid surface rug pads (not thin or waffled mesh pads) will protect the surface of the floor underneath, minimizing scratching and damage to floor finishes. They will also prevent dye transfer from the area rug to floors underneath-- including wall-to-wall carpet.
- Rug pads with anti-slip rubber bottoms keep rugs from slipping and moving and wrinkling under furniture legs. They also prevent rugs from being stretched out of shape.
- A rug pad with a rubber bottom layer prevents moisture stains from seeping through the rug, and damaging floors - great for homes with pets!
- Thin vinyl rug pads (non-skid or waffle) can stick to the floor over time, or create excess heat build-up under rugs, damaging floors. Rubber pads are recommended as they "breathe" and are less likely to stick or affect hard surfaces.
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Surface Pilling, Shedding, Sprouts and Pulls
Useful guidelines on caring for and maintaining high-pile rug types.
- New area rugs can shed excess yarns through pilling and shedding. Certain types of rugs, such as tufted rugs, are more prone to shedding. Frequent, thorough vacuuming can reduce shedding over time. Customers with allergies might consider machine woven and hand knotted rugs instead, as these rug types are less likely to shed fibers.
- Yarns that extend up from the surface of the rug pile-"sprouts and pulls"- should be cut with sharp scissors as needed. Pulling on sprouted yarns in a hooked rug can result in permanent damage.
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Dye Variations
In many rug types, especially handmade rugs, horizontal dye variations are to be expected. Known as abrash, it sometimes appears to have a "striped" look. Due to the natural variations in the dyes, as found in hand knotted rugs, or intentionally woven into the pile, abrash adds to the wonderfully rustic appearance of the rug.
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Odors: That "New Rug" Smell
Ways to handle the harmless "new smell “of your rug.
- Most new furniture, including rugs, often has an odor. The odor is not harmful and will dissipate in a short amount of time.
- Air out the room by opening doors and windows if possible, to reduce the smell of the new rug.
- Using dryer sheets, or coffee grinds in an open container, near the rug can help neutralize any odors.
Leather and Cushions
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Caring for Leather Furniture
Helpful guidelines for cleaning, conditioning, and maintaining leather furniture
- Cleaning and conditioning leather using the Peace of Mind leather products helps keep surfaces clean, soft and supple. It is recommended to clean and condition leather at least four times a year, and more often in dry and/or sunny rooms, homes with pets and high- use rooms.
- Bonded leather and bi-cast leather do not need to be maintained using cleaning and protection products.
- Avoid allowing caustic substances to come in contact with leather furniture. Some examples of caustic substances would be chlorine from swimming pools, salts, ammonia, bleach, hair products, and animal flea and tick treatments. Caustic substances can cause fading, cracking, peeling and discoloration.
- Leather surfaces can stretch over time, resulting in a relaxed appearance on seat cushions and the backs of seating surfaces.
- Sit on the cushions, not the backs and arms of sofas, chairs, etc. Sitting on backs and arms can cause structural damage.
- Ottomans, recliner footrests, and the end of an opened sleep sofa are not designed to hold body weight; if sat on, these pieces can break.
- Sit on the cushions, not the backs and arms of sofas, chairs, etc. Sitting on backs and arms can cause structural damage.
- If a (fifth) center support leg is included with a sofa, screw it into place (the middle) to maintain the structural integrity of the frame. Often, the center support leg is suspended ½" above the floor, making contact with the floor as weight is applied to the sofa.
- Maintain screw-in legs by tightening when needed. Do not over-tighten!
- Move leather furniture by lifting it. Dragging or pushing furniture can damage furniture and floors.
- We recommend applying protective felt pads to the legs of your furniture to prevent damage, especially if it’s on hardwood flooring.
- To reduce the movement of upholstery and sectional pieces on hardwood floors, place furniture cups with rubber bottoms under the legs.
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Cushion Care and Expectations
Tips on flipping, rotating, and redistributing the fill on leather cushions.
- New seat cushions can feel 'firmer’. To accelerate the softening process, carefully walk barefoot on the cushions on a hardwood floor.
- In time, as they are used, cushions will soften, and can become compressed. Regular flipping and rotating the seat cushions will help maintain their appearance, plus maximize performance and comfort.
- Like rotating tires on a car, rotating the placement of seat cushions will extend the life of the cushions.
- Redistribute the fill in back cushions to help maintain the shape and improve comfort.
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Understanding and Maintaining the Appearance of Leather
Learn about leather's unique characteristics, and how to best maintain its beauty and durability.
- As leather is a natural product, differences in color, texture and unique characteristics are to be expected. Scarring, insect bites and wrinkles can be visible on all leather furniture.
- Cleaning and conditioning leather using the Peace of Mind leather products helps keep surfaces clean, soft and supple. The Peace of Mind conditioner, when used in tandem with the cleaner, re-moisturizes surfaces and helps keep them looking their best. Regular cleaning and conditioning with the Peace of Mind products can reduce damage from surface spills, body and hair oil, and cosmetic creams and lotions.
- It is recommended to clean and condition leather four times a year, more often in dry and/or sunny rooms, homes with pet sand high-use rooms.
- Leather is not stain-proof. Quickly blotting spills from leather surfaces helps prevent stains from setting.
- Care should be taken to avoid caustic substances from coming in contact with leather furniture. Caustic substances can cause fading, cracking, peeling and discoloration. Some examples of caustic substances would be chlorine from swimming pools, salts, ammonia, bleach, hair products, and animal flea and tick treatments.
- Body and hair oil from people and pets can discolor and stain leather. In addition, hand cream and hair styling products can be absorbed by leather surfaces, also causing stains.
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Odors: That "Leather Smell"
Ways to handle the harmless "new smell" of your leather furniture.
- New leather furniture often has a unique odor. A variety of oils and waxes are used in processing leather that adds to the "leather smell:' The odor is not harmful and will dissipate in a short amount of time.
- Air out the room by opening doors and windows if possible, to reduce the smell of the new furniture.
- Using dryer sheets, or coffee grinds in an open container, near the furniture can help neutralize any odors.
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Pets and Leather Furniture: Maintenance is Key!
Steps you should take to help prevent leather damage caused by pets.
- Regular cleaning and conditioning with the Peace of Mind leather care products is especially important in homes with pets. Please keep in mind that damage caused by pets is not covered by either the manufacturer or the Peace of Mind warranties.
- Without care, animal skin and hair oil can roughen and discolor leather surfaces. Regular use of the Peace of Mind leather products will help maintain the appearance of leather.
- If pets are allowed to lie on leather surfaces, wiping the cushions as soon as possible with a damp (not wet!) cloth can help remove caustic oils.
- Unfortunately, some cats will claw leather furniture, just as they claw fabric furniture. Cats can be attracted by the smell of the oils used in leather furniture production.
- Cats and dogs can puncture leather with claws as they jump off, leaving small holes in the surface.
Maintain Your Investment
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Upholstery Furniture
- Annually, have your furniture cleaned by a professional upholstery cleaner
- Weekly, vacuum your upholstery
- Do not vacuum Feather or Down cushions
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Leather Furniture
- Leather will crack or peel if you don't clean and condition it at least four times a year.
- Avoid caustic substances
- Bonded or Bi-Cast should never be conditioned
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Wood Furniture
- Clean or polish the wood at least four times a year
- Weekly, dust the wood with soft, lint-free cloth
- Periodically, tighten the screws and bolts
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Area Rug or Pad
- Keep your rugs clean
- Invest in a quality Rug Pad
- Rotate area rugs annually
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Mattresses
- Unless directed otherwise, rotate your mattress every two weeks for the first three months, and every 3 months thereafter.
- For Dual sided mattresses, rotate every two weeks and also be sure to flip it every other time.
For more detailed information, click below to download the PDF
Outdoor Furniture
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All-Weather Resin Wicker: Cape May, Scancom
All-weather resin wicker is durable, resistant to sun fading, and impervious to the effects of water and humidity, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Clean with a mild soap and water solution, wipe dry.
- Remove debris-like trapped leaves-from getting caught in the weave. Decomposing leaves can cause discoloration.
- Avoid proximity to intense heat. Therefore, do not place resin furniture too close to a grill or a fire.
- Store in a sheltered spot over the winter months.
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Ipé Wood: Jensen Leisure
Ipé is naturally a uniform brown color. Keep in mind that all outdoor wood furniture will turn gray when exposed to sunlight and the elements. This occurs as ultraviolet (UV) light bleaches the wood.
To preserve the original color of lpe, we recommend using the lpe Aftercare Kit. Please note: the lpe Aftercare Kit should only be used after the original finish begins to lighten in color (after approximately 2-3 months of outdoor exposure depending on your local weather conditions).
Step 1: Apply Penofin Pro Tech Brightener
- Before using any Penofin product, eye protection and rubber gloves should be worn.
- Cover the ground under your work area before starting.
- Empty the packet of Penofin Brightener into one gallon of clean water and mix.
- Wet the surface with a garden hose and sprayer. Using a plastic pump garden sprayer or brush, apply the solution liberally. Do NOT allow the solution to dry on the surface. Mist occasionally and agitate with non-metallic stiff brush for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
Step 2: Apply Penofin Verde Oil Finish
- Apply one coat and wait 15-20 minutes, then thoroughly wipe the entire surface with a nap-free cloth until the wood feels dry to the touch. Please note that any excess oil left on the surface will congeal and result in a tacky finish.
- Following this treatment, apply Penofin Verde once per season (tabletops and other horizontal surfaces may require a second application).
- Remember that the wood surface needs to be clean and completely dry before applying the Penofin Verde. Depending on weather conditions, a single application of Penofin Verde should be dry to touch and ready to use within 24-48 hours.
- Please note that outdoor cushions or other fabrics should not be allowed to remain in direct contact with the recently finished surface during wet weather, until the finish has been allowed to completely dry and set (approximately 1-2 weeks depending on local weather conditions).
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Teak: Scancom
Teak is one of the hardest of all wood types, resistant to rotting and the effects of weather. The natural color of teak is honey-brown with a polished look that comes from its built-in reservoir of teak oil. Within 6 -12 months of exposure to the elements, if left untreated, teak will age to a silvery-gray color.
- Jordan's teak maintenance kit provides products for cleaning and maintaining teak furniture.
- Atmospheric changes and changes in humidity can cause "checking" on teak furniture. Checking is characteristic fine cracks in the wood's surface. Checking will not negatively affect the use or the lifespan of the furniture.
- Teak can be covered, which will reduce stains from tree sap, etc. but the covers should be breathable. If not, mold and mildew can grow.
- Teak can also be stored in an unheated space. Care should be taken not to move teak from outdoors to a heated area as the drastic change in temperature and humidity can cause damage
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Envirowood: Seaside Casual
Made from recycled plastic, Seaside Casual employs their patented "Envirowood" for all their outdoor furniture. This high-performance material does not require sealing, will not splinter, and resists fading.
- For regular cleaning, wash with a mild soap and water solution.
- Do not pressure wash.
- To maintain the stainless-steel hardware, especially in direct coastal areas or when exposed to saltwater, regular rinsing with plain water is recommended.
- Use of caustic cleaners and harsh chemicals is not recommended.
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Cast Aluminum Furniture
Cast aluminum furniture is lightweight, repels rust, and stays cooler to the touch. Powder-coated painted surfaces are scratch and fade resistant.
- Frames should be cleaned with a sponge and a non-abrasive soap. Dish detergent should be avoided as it can leave an oily residue.
- Spills should be wiped with a damp cloth, using a mild soap and water solution. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
- Cushions should be stored in a dry area.
- Keeping furniture covered when not in use helps keep it cleaner (think birds flying overhead, or messy trees). Be sure furniture is dry before covering.
- Store cast aluminum frames in a sheltered area for the winter. If the furniture has foot caps, remove them to drain excess water before storing. Be sure that all cast aluminum furniture is dry before storing to prevent damage from trapped water freezing and expanding.
- Do not store cast aluminum frames upside down, as many frames are designed to drain excess moisture in the upright position.
- In coastal areas, salt may accumulate leading to corrosion. If used in an indoor pool area, chlorides may accumulate. Regular cleaning as described above will remove the deposits and protect the finish.
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Outdoor Umbrellas: Treasure Garden, Tuuci
Helpful tips on cleaning, storing, and maintaining stability and safety of your outdoor umbrella.
- In windy conditions, umbrellas should be closed, or removed from their base, and stored, or laid horizontally. This will reduce the risk of damage to your umbrella, furniture, and other property.
- Fabric canopies can be cleaned by brushing away loose dirt and debris, hosing off with water, and cleaning with a mild soap and lukewarm water solution (water should not exceed 100° F). Rinse thoroughly to remove soap; air dry.
- Be sure that the parasol pole is firmly attached before opening parasol.
- Remove all packing materials-exterior and interior- before assembly.
- Umbrella ribs must be separated by hand at least 6" out from the pole before opening the parasol.
- Check bolts on base plates (Tuuci) regularly to ensure they are fully tightened.
- All umbrella bases are for use on flat, stable surfaces.
- To ensure stability of your umbrella, please observe proper placement, and use sufficient weight (base).
- Steel or cast-iron bases should be kept clean. Remove dirt by cleaning with mild soap and water.
- Never leave bases standing in water.
- To keep your bases looking their best, you may wish to store them indoors when not in use for an extended period of time.
Upholstery Fabric and Cushions
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Overall Maintenance
These helpful tips will help your upholstered furniture perform and look beautiful for years to come.
- Professional cleaning is recommended.
- Using the brush attachment, vacuum fabric surfaces regularly to remove debris. A lint-roller can be used as well.
- Use a whisk broom or soft brush on feather and down cushions; do not vacuum.
- Sit on the cushions, not the backs and arms of sofas, chairs, etc. Sitting on backs and arms can cause structural damage.
- Ottomans, recliner footrests, and the end of an opened sleep sofa are not designed to hold body weight; if sat on, these pieces can break.
- If a (fifth) center support leg is included with a sofa, screw it into place (the middle) to maintain the structural integrity of the frame. Often, the center support leg is suspended ½" above the floor, making contact with the floor as weight is applied to the sofa.
- Maintain screw -in legs by tightening when needed. Do not over-tighten!
- Move upholstered furniture by lifting it. Dragging or pushing furniture can damage furniture and floors.
- We recommend applying protective felt pads to the legs of your furniture to prevent damage, especially if it’s on hardwood flooring.
- To reduce the movement of upholstery and sectional pieces on hardwood floors, place furniture cups with rubber bottoms under the legs.
- Cleaning codes are used as a guide when having upholstery professionally cleaned. Please click the link below for more information on cleaning codes:
- Click here for more information on Stain Removal and Fabric Cleaning Products.
- For more information on how to care for and clean your Sunbrella Fabric, please click here.
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Cushion Care and Expectations
Maintain optimal comfort for your cushions by flipping, rotating, and redistributing cushion fill.
- New seat cushions can feel 'firmer: To accelerate the softening process, carefully walk barefoot on the cushions on a hardwood floor.
- In time, as they are used, cushions will soften, and can become compressed. Regular flipping and rotating the seat cushions will help maintain their appearance, plus maximize performance and comfort.
- Like rotating tires on a car, rotating the placement of seat cushions will extend the life of the cushions.
- Redistribute the fill in back cushions to help maintain the shape and improve comfort.
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Color Change and Fading
Avoid placing certain fabrics in direct sunlight to minimize fading and color changes.
- Fabrics can fade or change color when exposed to direct or indirect sunlight. Natural fabrics- cotton, linen, and silk- are most susceptible to color loss.
- Synthetic fabrics-polyester and acrylic-are less likely to fade.
- To minimize fading, avoid placing upholstery pieces in direct sunlight.
- Tinted window treatments can help reduce fading.
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Fabric Performance: Pilling, Shading, Stretching
Here are helpful ways to deal with pilling, fading and stretching.
- Many fabrics are prone to pilling when first exposed to friction. Pilling is the shedding of excess fibers, and is usually found in "high use" areas such as on seat cushions and seat backs.
- Pilling subsides in time. The use of a fabric shaver- such as the type that's used on clothing-controls pilling.
- Fabrics with a raised nap or smooth, shiny texture-like velvet or some chenille fabrics-often show shading. (Light and dark areas) Regular vacuuming with a brush attachment can help even-out the appearance of the fabric.
- Fabric can stretch. Most common in seating areas, this can result in a relaxed appearance called "puddling:' Flipping and turning seat cushions regularly can help minimize puddling.
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Odors
Ways to handle the harmless "new smell “of your upholstered furniture.
- New upholstery furniture often has an odor. The odor is not harmful, and will dissipate in a short amount of time.
- Air out the room by opening doors and windows if possible, to reduce the smell of the new furniture.
- Using dryer sheets, or coffee grinds in an open container, near the furniture can help neutralize any odors.
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Slipcover Care
Great tips on caring for washable and non-washable slipcovers, including a slipcover care handout.
- Before washing, contact our Customer Service Department (1-866-8-Jordans) for help.
- If your fabric is washable, click on the link for step -by-step laundering instructions: Slipcover care handout
- Non-washable slipcovers, or for customers who choose not to wash their slipcovers, should be cleaned by an upholstery cleaner in the home, on the frame.
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Stain Removal and Cleaning
Stain Removal
Accidents happen. Whatever your stain or soil scenario, the most important first step is identifying the type of fabric used on that piece of furniture.
Many furniture manufacturers place cleaning codes on upholstery, based on the type of fabric (cotton, wool, silk, etc.)- usually by hangtag or on the manufacturer's label itself. Jordan's Furniture recommends always using a professional cleaning service, ascertain products, even water, could alter the product. If you choose to attempt to clean on your own, we strongly suggest testing it first in an inconspicuous area.
Here are the most common furniture upholstery cleaning codes:
- Code "S"- A Solvent - based cleaner
- Code "W"- Water - based product could be moderately applied.
- Code "WS"- Either Water- based or a Solvent- based product may be used to clean its respective fabric type.
- Code "X' •o•: or "DC"- Dry cleaning by a professional cleaner is usually recommended, as neither water - based, nor solvent - based products should be used on fabrics coded with this letter.
Care and Cleaning Products
Jordan's Furniture always recommends having upholstered furniture professionally cleaned. However, we do offer several tried and tested care products that will help keep your furniture clean.
If you are going to use a cleaning product on your furniture, we recommend you follow the directions on the cleaning product closely. We also suggest you spot-test first, applying the cleanser to an inconspicuous part of the furniture and observing its effects before using it on a clearly visible surface.
We offer the following upholstery-cleaning package:
- Combination Care & Cleaning Kit - This kit is a collection of furniture care products. It is ideal for a household or office space that hosts a variety of furniture types. The kit contains an 8-ounce fabric and microfiber cleaner, an 8-ounce leather softener, a 4-ounce leather cream, a 4-ounce wood polish, three cloths, and two application sponges.
Wood Furniture
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Caring for Wood Furniture
Follow these guidelines for dusting, polishing and protecting all your wood furniture pieces.
- Polish wood furniture with the Peace of Mind polish at least four times a year to keep it moisturized and protected.
- Regular dusting with a soft clot h is recommended. Paper towels have a rough surface and can scratch wood surfaces.
- Surface scratches, burns and water marks are preventable. Using coasters, placemats, and tablecloths will help protect wood finishes. A quality heat-resistant table pad is recommended.
- It is recommended that you apply protective felt pads to the legs of your furniture to prevent damage, especially if it’s on hardwood flooring. We also suggest applying felt to the bottom of decorative objects and electronic equipment placed on your wood furniture to prevent scratching or damage to the wood.
- If a fifth center support leg is included with a new dresser, be sure that it is screwed in place to maintain structural integrity.
- Beds should be disassembled before moving. Lifting one side of the bed or dragging the bed to move it can break the rails, and/or the headboard and footboard.
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Understanding the Appearance of Wood Furniture
Learn about wood's natural characteristics, and how intentional distressing can enhance furniture appearance.
- Because wood is a natural product, color and grain variations, along with the appearance of natural characteristics is to be expected.
- Manufacturers often take great care to add "distressing “to a new piece of wood furniture. Common distressing techniques include filing down edges, adding nicks and holes to a surface, and rubbing paint finishes. Distressing lends a time- worn, aged look and great character to the piece. Often overlooked in the store, it's an intentional extra step taken to enhance the overall appearance.
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Color Change in Wood
Exposure to natural light affects the color of some wood types, which you can avoid with surface coverings.
- Exposure to natural light can cause wood surfaces to change color. Cherry will become noticeably darker; natural maple and birch will acquire a yellow patina.
- Some wood surfaces can fade in direct sunlight. If fading is a concern, covering the surface can help protect wood finishes.
- Tables and table leaves are an example of when color difference is most noticeable. If leaves are stored most of the year, and then inserted for holiday gatherings, it can be expected that the color of the table and the leaves will be different. This is because the table has been exposed to more light than the leaves.
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Odors: The "New Smell" of Wood
Ways to handle the harmless "new smell “of your wood furniture.
- Most new furniture often has an odor. The odor is not harmful and will dissipate in a short amount of time.
- Air out the room by opening doors and windows if possible, to reduce the smell of the new furniture.
- Using dryer sheets or coffee grinds in an open container near the furniture can help neutralize any odors.
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Expansion and Contraction of Wood Furniture
Learn how temperature and humidity levels affect wood performance.
- Wood furniture constantly reacts to the humidity level in the environment.
- Increased humidity causes wood to expand; colder drier air causes wood to contract. In humid months, drawers might "stick" and open with resistance.
- During dry winter weather, wood contracts. Consequently, furniture can show gaps, especially where a table leaf fits into a table top, or around dresser drawers. Both of these issues are temporary. When moisture levels in the home stabilize, wood furniture will return to its regular appearance and performance
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Leveling and Tightening Components
Helpful guidelines on furniture leveling and tightening of legs and hardware.
- As a house "settles", floors in the home can become uneven. This is mostly noticeable in hard surface flooring, like wood or tile.
- Armoires, TV cabinets and other wood furniture often have built-in leveling systems to help furniture stand securely. Look for leveling instructions that are included with the furniture, click hereto view our Leveling Procedures Booklet, or call Jordan's Customer Service Department (1-866-8-JORDANS) for assistance.
- Leveling procedures booklet
- With use, chair legs can loosen. Periodic tightening of the hardware will help keep chairs level.
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Table Leaves
Recommendations for storing table leaves.
- Unless a dining table has a fifth center support leg, leaving table leaves in place for long periods of time can cause the table to sag in the middle.
- When not in use, table leaves should be wrapped in a soft cloth or in a specially designed storage bag and stored horizontally. Storing leaves facedown and flat in a protected area, such as under a bed, is recommended.