Do you have Artek furniture in your home? By taking care of it at regular intervals, the lifespan of the furniture will be extended even further, and it will remain clean in general appearance. We have put together care instructions for some of the most common materials based on Artek's instructions. Please note that the instructions are mainly aimed at products and materials in current production.
Wood as the material
Birch has always featured strongly in Artek's furniture, but there are also other types of wood in the wide selection. The color differences between products that are similar to each other have been influenced by, among other things, the place where the wood was grown, the part of the tree used for the wood, and the drying process. For Artek's furniture, we always try to choose wood of uniform quality and shade, but despite this, variations in shade inevitably occur. Choosing too carefully would cause a lot of waste and would not be ecologically sensible.
Wood is a natural material, and therefore it is normal that the material reacts differently in different conditions. It is characteristic of furniture made of wood to slightly change its tone, shape, and even dimensions according to changes in air humidity or temperature. For this reason, the products should not be placed in the immediate vicinity of a heat source or in a very sunny place next to a window.
Simple general cleaning
Lacquered wooden furniture often has the advantage that minor wear and tear is hardly noticeable. For both varnished and painted wooden surfaces, a damp cloth and a neutral, mild detergent solution are sufficient for cleaning. The product should be dried completely after wiping, so that the liquid does not get absorbed into the surface. The exposure to chemicals should also be kept as short as possible.
Stains don't always go away with a simple wipe. In this case, you can resort to a diluted, neutral washing-up liquid. Stubborn color stains can be carefully removed with mineral spirits. After cleaning, it is important to always wipe the surface with a damp, clean cloth and dry it well. Regardless of the substance, you should always test the detergent you are using in an inconspicuous place first. You can try an eraser to clean some dark stains caused by metal.
Watch out for these with wooden furniture:
- abrasive cleaning tools and substances (magic sponge) and strongly alkaline and acidic substances
- strong solvents (acetone, thinner) and waxes
- hot, sharp, and scratching objects
- abundant water use and the long-term effect of the liquid
- coloring liquids and textiles (coffee, red wine, jeans)
- strong skin creams, self-tanners and medicated creams
- strong changes in temperature and humidity
Durable laminate surfaces
The laminate used in Artek's furniture is a very wear-resistant high-pressure laminate. In basic cleaning, a very dry wipe with a microfiber cloth is enough to clean the laminate as well. Laminate is more forgiving than a wooden surface and the most common non-abrasive general cleaning agents are suitable for it. It is important to remember to dry the surface well, especially at the joint between the laminate and the wooden skirting board.
If wiping with a damp cloth is not enough, you can try to remove color stains and water-insoluble stains with a suitable solvent, such as alcohol or mineral spirits. Caution cannot be overstated when using solvents either. In addition to strong substances, you should try to avoid abrasives and abrasive cleaning tools as well as sharp, hot, and staining objects.
The most common general cleaning agents are well suited for the following: fingerprints, grease and oils; soot and nicotine; markers and inks; coffee, tea and fruit stains. Alcohol can be helpful for removing wax and ballpoint pens and marking pens. On the other hand, acetone can be used to clean varnish, glue, lipstick, and nail polish.
Care instructions for linoleum
As a genuine natural product, linoleum (composed of linseed oil, wood flour, cork grit and limestone flour) is sensitive to absorbing damp stains. That is why they should be removed as soon as possible with diluted and neutral washing liquid. For more difficult dirt stains, such as staining and water-insoluble stains, mineral spirits or denatured alcohol is recommended. Finally, a damp wipe.
If there are scratches on the linoleum, they can be patched with natural substances. Gently apply a small amount of linseed oil to the scratch, then wipe off the excess oil. Or alternatively, you can rub a split walnut into the scratch (the inside of the nut) and wipe the surface afterward with a cloth.
Watch out for these with linoleum:
- abrasive cleaning tools and substances (magic sponge) and strongly alkaline and acidic substances
- strong solvents (acetone, thinner)
- hot, sharp and scratching objects
- abundant water use and the long-term effect of the liquid
- staining liquids and textiles (coffee, red wine, jeans)
- it is recommended to use a base under vases, pots, and glasses
Versatile fabric and leather upholstery
Regular vacuuming is the most important basic care for upholstery fabrics. By vacuuming, dust and loose particles are prevented from being absorbed into the fabric, so that the dirt does not get stuck and weaken the bonds of the fabric. For vacuuming, a textile nozzle and reasonable suction power are recommended.
Depending on the fabric, some textiles can also be washed. However, washing can always cause shrinkage, color fading, and fabric wear. For this reason, it is good to try to clean a possible stain locally as quickly as possible after the stain has appeared. As a general rule, stains can be removed from man-made fabrics by wiping with a damp cloth. Possible detergents should be tested in an inconspicuous place first and wait a while to see if it causes any reactions.
After possible water washing, the upholstered covers must be air-dried, but not completely dry. When slightly damp, it is easier to put the covers in place and let them dry to their final shape. Even if the fabric is water washable, dry cleaning in a professional laundromat is still often a better option.
For the leather, it is best to choose cleaning and conditioning agents specifically intended for upholstery leather or a mild soap solution. These substances do not block the pores of the leather and thus preserving the natural breathability of the leather. Regular vacuuming and dusting are often sufficient as basic cleaning with a damp cleaning cloth.
Watch out for these with leather-upholstered furniture:
- direct sunlight, heat and dry room air
- solvents, solvent cleaning agents and alkaline and acidic cleaning agents
- abrasives
- clothes that release color
- wetting the leather and rubbing the wet leather
By taking care of the furniture correctly, you can enjoy your favorite pieces for many, many years!
Text: Saara Pictures: Artek Source: Artek, Artek's material suppliers
