MAINTENANCE & CARE GUIDE

Effective date: August 17, 2026
Last updated: August 17, 2026

This Maintenance & Care Guide provides general guidance for preserving the appearance, performance, and longevity of GAROFANO furniture, rugs, and decorative objects. Different materials respond differently to use, light, temperature, moisture, cleaning products, and environmental conditions. Appropriate care should therefore reflect the material and finish of each product.

Where product-specific care information is provided on a product page, label, specification sheet, or other written GAROFANO documentation, that product-specific information takes precedence over the general guidance in this Policy.

This Policy forms part of (and is incorporated into) our Terms and Conditions.

1. General care principles

Furniture and decorative objects are affected over time by ordinary use and by their surrounding environment. Regular, appropriate maintenance helps preserve their original appearance and reduces premature wear.

As general principles:

• Dust should be removed regularly using a clean, soft, non-abrasive cloth or an appropriate soft-brush vacuum attachment.
• Liquid spills should be addressed promptly. Blotting is generally preferable to rubbing, which may spread a liquid or alter the surface or fibers.
• Excessive moisture should be avoided unless the material is expressly designed for wet or outdoor conditions.
• Direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause fading, discoloration, drying, or changes in tone in natural and synthetic materials.
• Furniture should be kept at a reasonable distance from strong heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, heating vents, and other sources of concentrated heat.
• Abrasive pads, scouring powders, aggressive household chemicals, and unsuitable solvents may permanently alter finishes and should not be used unless expressly approved for the relevant material.
• Cleaning products should be appropriate for the specific material and finish. When compatibility is uncertain, testing on a small, inconspicuous area is recommended before broader application.
• Hot, wet, sharp, abrasive, or heavily pigmented objects may mark furniture surfaces. Appropriate coasters, trivets, placemats, felt pads, or other protective barriers help reduce this risk.
• Furniture should be lifted rather than dragged when repositioned. Dragging can damage legs, frames, joints, flooring, and surface finishes.
• Cleaning substances should not be allowed to accumulate around joints, seams, hardware, veneers, stone fills, or interfaces between different materials.

For furniture incorporating several materials, each component should be maintained according to the guidance applicable to that material.

2. Marble, travertine, limestone, and other natural stone

Natural stone is one of the principal materials used in GAROFANO furniture. Marble, travertine, limestone, and other stones are naturally variable materials whose porosity, mineral composition, veining, hardness, and surface finish influence how they respond to everyday use.

Natural variations in veining, color, pores, fissures, mineral deposits, filled areas, and surface texture are addressed separately in our Material Variation Guide.

A. Routine maintenance

For ordinary maintenance, dust and loose particles should be removed with a clean, soft cloth.

Where wet cleaning is required, a soft cloth with clean water or a pH-neutral cleaner specifically suitable for natural stone is generally appropriate. A small quantity of mild neutral soap may also be suitable. Excess product should be removed and the surface dried with a clean, soft cloth to minimize residue and streaking.

Excessive concentrations of soap or cleaner may leave a film on the surface and should be avoided.

B. Acidic substances and etching

Marble, limestone, and travertine are calcareous stones and are particularly sensitive to acids.

Acidic cleaning products and descaling products are therefore unsuitable for these materials. Household products containing vinegar, lemon, citrus acids, or similar acidic ingredients may chemically react with the stone and alter its finish.

Acidic foods and beverages—including citrus, wine, certain soft drinks, vinegar-based products, and tomato-based substances—may also affect calcareous stone if left in contact with the surface.

This reaction can produce etching, which is different from staining. Etching is a chemical alteration of the stone surface and may appear as a dull, lighter, rougher, or differently reflective area, particularly on polished marble.

A sealed surface can still etch. Stone sealers are generally intended to reduce absorption and improve resistance to staining; they do not make marble or other natural stone impervious to chemical reactions, staining, or damage.

C. Spills and stains

Liquids should be blotted promptly with a clean, absorbent cloth rather than wiped across the surface.

Highly pigmented liquids, oils, cosmetics, coffee, wine, food products, inks, and similar substances may penetrate porous stone if left on the surface for an extended period.

After a spill has been absorbed, the affected area may be cleaned with water and an appropriate neutral stone cleaner and then dried thoroughly.

Persistent or deep stains may require a material-specific treatment or poultice. Because the appropriate treatment depends on both the stone and the substance causing the stain, aggressive household stain-removal methods may cause additional damage. Significant staining is best assessed by a professional stone specialist.

D. Cleaning products to avoid

Unless specifically confirmed as compatible with the particular stone and finish, natural stone should not be cleaned with:

• Vinegar, lemon juice, citric acid, or other acidic cleaners
• Bathroom descalers or lime-removal products
• Abrasive powders, abrasive creams, or scouring pads
• Oven cleaners or similarly aggressive degreasers
• Highly alkaline or strongly caustic cleaning agents
• Solvent-based products not specifically intended for the relevant stone
• General-purpose cleaners whose suitability for natural stone is unknown

Products marketed simply as “multi-surface” or “all-purpose” are not necessarily suitable for marble or other natural stone.

E. Surface protection

Although natural stone is durable, its finish can be scratched, chipped, stained, or etched.

Coasters are appropriate beneath glasses and bottles, particularly where beverages contain alcohol or acidic ingredients. Placements, table mats, and similar barriers can reduce contact with food, oils, ceramics, metal objects, and decorative accessories.

Trivets or heat-resistant mats are appropriate beneath hot objects. Even where the stone itself tolerates elevated temperatures, localized heat or rapid temperature differences can place unnecessary stress on the stone, adhesives, fills, or supporting construction.

Objects with rough, unfinished, ceramic, stone, or metal bases may scratch polished or honed surfaces. Protective felt or similar non-abrasive pads can reduce this risk.

Heavy objects should not be dropped onto stone surfaces, particularly near edges, corners, cut-outs, or unsupported areas.

F. Sealed stone

Some natural stone products may receive an impregnating or protective treatment during production. The presence of such treatment does not make the stone waterproof, stain-proof, scratch-proof, or resistant to etching.

Whether subsequent sealing is appropriate depends on the type of stone, its porosity, finish, existing treatment, level of use, and the sealer itself. There is therefore no universal resealing interval applicable to all natural stone furniture.

Where resealing is required, products specifically formulated for the relevant stone and existing finish should be used.

Topical coatings, waxes, color enhancers, impregnators, and sealers can alter color, sheen, texture, or future maintenance requirements and should not be applied indiscriminately.

G. Polished, honed, and textured finishes

Different stone finishes respond differently to use.

Polished stone tends to show etching through changes in reflectivity or gloss. Honed surfaces may make some etching less visually pronounced but remain susceptible to chemical attack and staining. Textured or porous finishes may retain liquids or residues more readily within surface irregularities.

Cleaning and restoration techniques appropriate for one finish may therefore be unsuitable for another.

H. Travertine and naturally porous stone

Travertine characteristically contains pores and cavities, some of which may be filled during production.

Filled areas can differ subtly from the surrounding stone in color, texture, or sheen. Over time, fills may also respond differently to impact, moisture, cleaning products, or normal wear.

Harsh brushing, abrasive cleaning, excessive moisture, and unsuitable chemical products can affect both the stone and filled areas.

I. Chips, scratches, stains, and etching

Minor surface changes may develop through normal use. Deep scratches, chips, persistent stains, substantial etching, damaged fills, or loss of polish should generally be assessed by a professional stone-restoration specialist.

Re-polishing, grinding, refinishing, filling, or chemical stain removal performed incorrectly can permanently change the surface appearance.

3. Wood and wood veneer

Wood is a natural material that responds to its surrounding environment. Changes in humidity, temperature, and light may cause small dimensional or tonal changes over time.

Routine dusting should be performed with a soft, clean cloth. Where necessary, a slightly damp cloth may be used, followed by drying of the surface.

Standing water and prolonged moisture should be avoided, particularly around joints, edges, veneer seams, and openings.

Direct sunlight may progressively alter the color of natural wood and veneer. This may result in darkening, lightening, or differences between exposed and covered areas.

Concentrated heat and very dry environmental conditions may contribute to movement, shrinkage, or small surface changes in natural wood.

Alcohol, acetone, aggressive solvents, abrasive products, and unsuitable household cleaning sprays may damage stains, lacquers, oils, veneers, and protective coatings.

Oils, waxes, furniture polishes, or conditioning products should only be used where they are compatible with the specific finish. Products formulated for unfinished or oiled wood may be unsuitable for lacquered, varnished, painted, or sealed surfaces.

4. Lacquered, painted, and high-gloss surfaces

Lacquered and painted finishes should be cleaned with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

Where additional cleaning is necessary, a small amount of mild neutral cleaner on a damp cloth may be suitable, provided the surface is subsequently dried.

Abrasive sponges, powdered cleaners, aggressive solvents, acetone, and concentrated alcohol may scratch, soften, dull, discolor, or otherwise alter the finish.

High-gloss finishes naturally make fine surface marks more visible under directional lighting. Decorative objects should therefore have clean, smooth bases or appropriate protective pads.

5. Metal, brass, chrome, stainless steel, and patinated finishes

Metal components should generally be dusted with a soft, dry cloth or cleaned with a lightly dampened cloth and dried promptly.

Water should not be allowed to remain around joints, welds, hardware, or interfaces between metal and other materials.

Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, chlorine-containing products, corrosive chemicals, and unsuitable solvents may affect metal surfaces or protective coatings.

Polished, brushed, plated, painted, powder-coated, aged, and patinated metals require different maintenance. Generic metal polish is therefore not appropriate for every metal finish.

Patinated and intentionally aged surfaces are designed to have tonal and textural variation. Aggressive polishing may remove or permanently alter the intended finish.

Metal-polishing products should be used only where the relevant surface is specifically intended to be polished.

6. Leather

Leather is a natural material that develops character through use. Its appearance can change as it softens and develops folds, creases, and patina.

Regular dust should be removed with a clean, soft cloth or an appropriate soft-brush vacuum attachment at low suction.

Leather should be protected from prolonged direct sunlight and strong heat, which may contribute to fading, drying, or changes in color.

Spills should be blotted promptly rather than rubbed into the surface.

Household detergents, alcohol, solvents, disinfecting wipes, furniture polish, oils, grease-based products, and products not intended for furniture leather may damage the finish or alter its color.

Leather cleaners and conditioners should be compatible with the specific type and finish of leather. A product suitable for one leather finish may be unsuitable for another.

Dye from clothing, particularly dark or strongly dyed garments such as denim, may transfer to lighter-colored leather and upholstery.

Scratches, stretching, creasing, softening, patina, and gradual changes associated with normal residential use are distinct from manufacturing defects.

7. Fabrics, textiles, velvet, and microfiber

Upholstery should be vacuumed periodically using low suction and a clean, soft upholstery attachment where appropriate.

Dust, friction, body oils, and ordinary use may gradually change the appearance of textile surfaces.

Liquid spills should be absorbed promptly with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Rubbing or vigorous scrubbing may spread the stain, distort the weave, alter the pile, or damage the fibers.

Cleaning methods vary substantially according to fiber composition, dye, backing, coating, and fabric construction. Solvents, detergents, steam, water-based cleaners, or stain removers should therefore only be used when compatible with the particular textile.

Removable upholstery does not necessarily mean that a cover is machine washable. Washing, dry-cleaning, or other cleaning methods should follow the care information applicable to the specific fabric.

Velvet, chenille, brushed textiles, and other pile fabrics may display changes in shading or direction as the pile moves. This is characteristic of these constructions and may become more visible through normal use.

For extensive staining or overall cleaning, professional upholstery cleaning is generally preferable to aggressive spot treatment.

8. Upholstered seating and cushions

Upholstered furniture naturally settles with use. Foams, fibers, feathers, and other fillings may soften and change shape during the initial period of use and throughout the life of the product.

Where cushions are removable and designed to be repositioned, periodic rotation and reshaping can promote more even wear.

Feather-filled and fiber-filled cushions may require periodic plumping or redistribution of the filling to maintain their intended appearance and comfort.

Wrinkling, compression, softening, and changes in cushion shape resulting from normal residential use are ordinary characteristics of upholstered furniture and are not necessarily evidence of a manufacturing defect.

9. Rugs

Rugs should be vacuumed regularly using a method appropriate to the construction and pile.

Powerful rotating brushes or aggressive vacuum settings can damage certain hand-tufted, hand-knotted, looped, high-pile, or delicate rugs.

Some new rugs may initially release loose fibers. The degree and duration of shedding depend on fiber and construction.

Individual yarns or fibers that extend above the surface should not be pulled, as this may affect the surrounding construction.

Liquid spills should be blotted promptly using a clean, absorbent cloth, working carefully to avoid spreading the affected area.

Aggressive rubbing may distort fibers or alter surface texture.

Direct and prolonged sunlight may cause fading or tonal changes. Periodic rotation can help distribute exposure and wear more evenly.

A suitable rug pad can reduce movement and friction and may help protect both the rug and the floor beneath it.

Professional rug cleaning is recommended for significant stains, delicate fibers, or comprehensive cleaning where the appropriate treatment is uncertain.

10. Glass and mirrors

Glass and mirrored surfaces should be cleaned with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.

Suitable glass cleaner may be applied sparingly to the cloth rather than directly onto furniture where liquid could enter joints, frames, backing materials, or adjacent finishes.

Abrasive sponges, blades, powders, and rough objects may scratch glass or mirrored surfaces.

Mirrored backing, decorative coatings, antiqued finishes, and framed mirrors may require different care from ordinary clear glass and should not be exposed to excessive moisture or unsuitable chemicals.

11. Outdoor furniture and materials

Furniture sold for outdoor use is manufactured from materials selected for exterior conditions; however, outdoor exposure will progressively affect virtually all materials.

Sunlight, rain, humidity, airborne pollution, salt, temperature variation, frost, organic debris, and standing water may alter color, finish, texture, or surface appearance over time.

Outdoor furniture should be cleaned periodically using methods appropriate to its particular materials. Dirt, leaves, organic matter, and standing water should not be allowed to accumulate for extended periods.

Protective covers may reduce exposure when furniture is not in use for extended periods. Furniture and cushions should be dry before being covered or stored to reduce moisture accumulation.

Outdoor cushions and textiles should be allowed to dry thoroughly following exposure to rain or cleaning.

Pressure washing, aggressive chemicals, abrasive brushes, and concentrated cleaning agents may damage coatings, textiles, stone, wood, woven fibers, and joints unless expressly approved for the particular product.

Weathering, gradual fading, patina, and other changes arising from normal outdoor exposure may occur even with appropriate care.

12. Professional cleaning and restoration

Some maintenance and restoration procedures require specialist knowledge and equipment.

Professional assistance is recommended for significant stone etching or staining, re-polishing, refinishing, deep upholstery cleaning, major leather staining, structural repairs, damaged veneers, substantial scratches, or any condition for which the appropriate treatment is uncertain.

Repairs, refinishing, chemical treatments, or modifications performed by an unsuitable service provider may change the appearance, finish, or structural performance of a product.

13. Normal wear, maintenance, and warranty coverage

Furniture and natural materials change through normal use. Such changes may include, depending on the material:

• Surface patina
• Minor scratching or marking from use
• Leather creasing and softening
• Upholstery compression or relaxation
• Fabric pilling or pile movement
• Gradual color changes caused by light exposure
• Weathering of outdoor materials
• Natural wood movement
• Changes in sheen on frequently touched surfaces
• Ordinary wear to finishes and coatings

Natural material characteristics and variations are addressed in our Material Variation Guide.

Damage resulting from improper cleaning, unsuitable chemicals, excessive moisture, staining, misuse, accidents, environmental exposure inconsistent with the product’s intended use, unauthorized modification, or failure to follow applicable care information is not considered a manufacturing defect and may be excluded from warranty coverage in accordance with our Terms and Conditions, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Nothing in this Policy limits rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable consumer protection law.

14. Contact

For questions concerning the appropriate maintenance of a GAROFANO product or material, contact:

info@garofano.store