Furniture care
On this page we gathered main tips to care for furniture surfaces and accessories. Note that more detailed information on a separate material can be obtained from the manufacturers of these products. We recommend that you pay attention to cleaning surfaces and choosing detergents, as this is the key to preserving the beautiful appearance of the furniture for many years.
Quick navigation: choose your material
HPL
MDF
Chipboard
Fenix
Lapitec
Veneer
Acryl
Accessories
Care recommendations ↓
General cleaning. For regular care, use warm water and a soft sponge. In most cases, the surface is cleaned without excessive friction. Do not use abrasive substances and sponges.
Stain type A (a pencil, greasy dirt, water-soluble paint, fingerprints, fruit juice, coffee, chalk, soap residues, dust, tea). The process is identical to general cleaning, but using simple household detergents (for example glass or dishwashing liquid).
Stain type B (fat, more stubborn household stains) If the dirt is more stubborn you can use soap solution (1:1), apply it to the stain and let it on the surface for several minutes.
Stain type C (sticky substances, pen ink, marker, vax, shoe polish) Usage of organic solvents is acceptable (acetone, alcohol, turpentine) and, if necessary, you can get rid of the dirt mechanically (plastic or wooden construction spatula).
Stain type D (biological substances (blood, excrements) pathogenic bacteria) Usage of a simple disinfection solution is acceptable (that’s why HPL is often used for medical purposes). If necessary, use steam cleaning.
Stain type E (hybrid glue, synthetic resin, mounting foam, varnish) It’s desirable to remove the stains immediately! If necessary, use organic solvents. (See type C).
Stain type F (silicone) Use soft cloth and special solutions to remove silicone.
Stain type G (old stains from liquids) As the last resort liquid cleaner with polishing chalk are acceptable. In case of extreme scale contamination, you can use acidic cleaners (for instance, 10% acetic or citric acids).
The last stage. Remove a cleaning solution with plenty of water. To avoid the formation of streaks and traces of liquid, wipe the surface dry with a cloth that absorbs moisture well or with a paper towel.
МДФ
The material is mostly used for facades, since it allows you to choose any color and is suitable for milling. Care is primarily aimed at preserving its aesthetic appearance and integrity because the tile is covered with paint.
Care recommendations ↓
It’s easy to take care of facades of painted MDF: it’s enough to wipe it with a soft sponge with soap solution and then wipe the facade with a wet sponge (to avoid soap streaks). Then wipe it dry with a dry microfiber cloth. It’s not recommended to use other detergents (especially solvents). The main rule in caring for painted facades: do not use abrasives, aggressive chemicals and hard sponges. Caring for a matte and glossy surface is similar - no polish is needed. Do not use a steam cleaner.
For more detailed information, you can find out the name of the brand of paint in order to choose care, taking into account its features, durability.Scratches can remain on painted MDF, so it is not used for kitchen countertops. The paint can chip with a strong hit. We remind you that we provide a 5-year guarantee for each of our products, including products with painted facades. Warranty case is the case that is not related to intentional or accidental damage caused by the client/user (knife cuts, chipping due to a hit with a frying pan, etc.). In such cases, the facade is replaced at the expense of the client. It is necessary to mention that in some cases (even if only one piece of facade is damaged) there is a need to replace all of them, because there are difficulties in getting into the color.
We use durable Austrian Adler paints that are safe for people and the environment. That is why we are confident in our products. With proper use, painted facades can last for many years.
Since the basis of the facade is MDF, remember: it is not a waterproof material. But anyway it is more moisture resistant than the chipboard. Make sure that water does not remain on the facade.
Tips for varnished surfaces care from the Adler brand:
- clean the surface with a damp, soft woolen cloth;
- use Adler Clean Möbelreiniger furniture cleaner;
- clean the entire area of the product to avoid a local change in the nature of the coating;
- wipe with a dry cloth, as moisture can cause minor damage to the coating;
- protect the surface from contact with hot objects, stickers and rubber;
- use the Adler Clean Easy-Care furniture care set for regular cleaning and renewing surface care.
* You can find out the cost and order professional Adler coating care products by leaving a request on our website.
Chipboard
The material is produced from natural wood (it’s shavings), is polished and covered with lamination. The weakest places of the chipboard furniture are edges if they aren't properly glued (the best option is PUR based glue, which we use for our products), a tile will swell
Care recommendations ↓
Chipboard furniture is quite moisture and detergent resistant (talking about the laminated sides). Resistance of lamination depends on the manufacturer. We use different brands Egger, Smart, Kronospan, Cleaf, Saviola, etc.
The most vulnerable places in chipboard furniture are the ends. There are several options for their processing, the best of which at the moment is the Pur-gluing method. We use only this method, edging each detail along the perimeter, and not just the visible parts of the furniture set. In this way, the maximum possible protection of the ends is achieved. Remember that if moisture gets into the middle of the plate, it will swell and the product will be damaged. Therefore, before washing the furniture, make sure that the edge is tight and the surfaces are free of cracks.
Do not use abrasive detergents to remove dirt from furniture. It is bestter to use a soapy solution. After washing, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
If the pollution is more persistent, then the use of ordinary household detergents is allowed. Before use, read the instructions and make sure that the product is suitable for chipboard. It is possible to use antistatic agents. The use of polish, wax, and natural wood care products is not allowed.
Use soft types of cloth for cleaning. In general, it’s easy to clean most household dirt off chipboard surfaces and it’s not difficult to care for.
Chipboard furniture should be protected from direct sunlight, hot objects should not be placed on it, it should be placed away from heating devices, you should not cut on the surface, hit it. When moving, it is important to pack the furniture well, especially the corners and ends, to prevent chipping.
Fenix
Fenix is a unique material with a super matte surface. It is pleasant to the touch and has protection against fingerprints. And microscratches can be thermally restored. It is used for all furniture surfaces, mainly facades.
Care recommendations ↓
Caring for Fenix is first of all care of its structure! If you look at the material under a microscope, you will see its structure, which ensures the reflection of light at different angles. Due to this, the coating has maximum mattness. Regular washing with water is important for cleaning the structure!
Everyday cleaningYou can use warm water to clean the coating. Since Fenix is a sufficiently strong material, any household detergent can be used to remove dirt, even solvents (for example, acetone). But at the same time, it is advisable not to use abrasive detergents and brushes. Otherwise, over time, glossy spots may appear on the matte surface. One of the best options is to use a melamine sponge. At the end of cleaning, always rinse the surface with warm water and dry with a clean cloth. Information on the removal of various stains (coffee, tomato, wine, sauce, foundation, ink, lime, marker) can be found on the official website of the Fenix NTM manufacturer.
Deep cleaningThis type of cleaning may come in handy in cases where daily proper cleaning has not been carried out for a long time, and over time dirt has accumulated in the microstructure of the material and led to changes in appearance. If you stumble upon such a problem, use: warm water, household degreaser, descaling agent, melamine sponge, wet wipes.
Repair of microscratchesIf the scratch did not deeply damage the tile structure, it can be thermally restored. In this case a wet paper napkin is used, which is placed on the surface and is ironed. After "ironing", wipe the wet surface with a dry microfiber cloth. Please note: such a restoration can be carried out several times but not constantly. The restoration process can be found in the video on our blog.
Lapitec
The world's only certified baked stone made in Italy. It is used in the interior and exterior. In furniture production, it is used mainly for tabletops.
Care recommendations ↓
The Lapitec material is incredibly strong, and due to its unique technology, it does not contain pores, so dirt does not penetrate into the structure of the material. The material is considered ecological, natural, hygienic and antibacterial. Containing titanium oxide, the surface is resistant to the action of bacteria, mold and fungi. Lapitec is not sensitive to acids, solvents and high temperatures. This is one of the best options for countertops nowadays.
Daily care of the surface is quite simple: a damp sponge and a soapy solution. All household detergents and brushes can be used to clean various types of dirt. Since Lapitec is also used for floors and swimming pools, traces of building materials may remain on it, in such cases, special tools, solvents, brushes for cars, etc. are used.
You can safely take care of the countertop and not be afraid that cleaning can spoil it. Like any Lapitec stone, there is a risk of chipping (you can't hit it), be careful with edges and corners. If you have a stain that is difficult to clean, you can find useful information on the manufacturer's official website. Lapitec countertops are considered eternal, as they are able to maintain their appearance and performance characteristics for many years.
Veneer
Veneer (a thin section of natural material: stone or wood). The use of natural materials in an interior is always trendy. The use of veneered surfaces is a worthy alternative to the use of solid wood or stone slabs.
Care recommendations ↓
Veneer furniture is always a multi-component product: the base on which the veneer is glued, the veneer itself and the coating (if there is any). Furniture care is selected depending on this. Please note that veneered furniture made of stone and wood differs in care, because of having different performance characteristics. It is quite difficult to provide common care recommendations for all veneered surfaces, so we recommend that you find out what the final coating is and choose care accordingly.
General recommendations for the care of wood veneer furniture.
Veneer furniture, like wood, should be protected from direct sunlight. It is not desirable to be exposed to high and low temperatures (white traces may remain). It is necessary to regularly wipe furniture made of veneer, preventing a large accumulation of dust. To clean the veneered surface, use a damp cloth, warm water and a suitable detergent. The remains of the solution should be wiped with a damp cloth, and then with a dry, soft cloth. Do not leave water on the surface as this may cause swelling/delamination. Protect the surface of the veneer: use coasters for dishes. Frames, glasses, decorative products can damage (scratch) the surface.That is why we recommend using veneer mostly for facades. Treat your veneer furniture with a special polish from time to time. The oil included in the product will help clean the surface of most stains. Pay attention to the instructions! Not all products are suitable for veneered furniture. It is best to spray the polish not on the product itself, but on a piece of cloth. Window cleaners are also allowed. It is desirable to clean the furniture with movements in the direction of the location of the fibers. Also, pay attention to the care of the furniture, taking into account the base on which the veneer is applied: MDF or chipboard. The main rules can be found on this page.
General recommendations for the care of stone veneer furniture. Stone veneer is used for building facades, balconies, ceilings, walls, kitchens, fireplaces, and doors. So it is a sufficiently stable material that has high operational characteristicsю It’s environmental friendly, durable, sunlight resistant, waterproof, fire resistant, solid, heat and sound proof. The visual advantage of the material is its natural unpolished surface with a unique texture. This must be taken into account when using in areas with an increased risk of having dirt, for example, the kitchen, since a non-smooth surface is always more difficult to clean. Since veneer can be applied to a variety of surfaces, find out exactly what the base of your furniture is in order to adjust care for both materials. There are difficulties in the market with finding detergents designed specifically for stone veneer, so we advise you to use household detergents and test them on small areas of furniture.
Acryl
Acryl (MDF coated with polymer). Acrylic facades are one of the best options for furniture facades, including in the kitchen. They are easy to care for and durable.
Care recommendations ↓
Acrylic facades have an MDF base, which is covered with an acrylic laminate. Since we mainly use acrylic facades of the Niemann brand, we will consider the basic rules of care based on their example. The plate has a smooth, uniform surface that is easy to care for. Such a surface is not porous (matte decors have micropores). It is resistant to most mechanical stress and household chemicals. The surface does not crack or lose its color due to exposure to sunlight. The surface is waterproof, it does not facilitate the growth of mold and fungi.
Surface care rulesRegularity. To prevent fat, stains and traces of water from drying out, wring out the cloth well during care, and after washing, wipe the surface dry. Protect the kitchen from excessive moisture - this way the furniture will last longer (moisture provokes the development of mold and causes the plate to swell). Do not clean dry furniture in order not to damage the surface. Do not use hard brushes, dish sponges, scrapers, knives, spatulas, soda. The surface melts at a temperature of 80°C. Do not use a steam cleaner. It is forbidden to use abrasive, alcohol (methyl, ethyl, propyl, etc.) detergents. Do not use products that contain acids, alkalis, chemical solvents (acetone, etc.), turpentine, nitroglycerin, synthetic resins, chlorine, ammonia, sodium wax, toothpaste, vinegar, vegetable oil. Powder products can scratch the surface of the facades, due to which the shine will disappear, and dirt will begin to collect in the scratches. Chlorine and alcohol will discolor the paint, and wax will make the surface sticky.
Solvents, alcohol, acids can lead to cracks, abrasion of the protective film of the facade.
Gentle detergents can be usedFor example solutions for washing windows (without ammonia), dishes, soap solution, universal delicate cleanser, wet wipes, shampoos, liquid soap, shower gels, polishes (without wax). Use soft fabric (without lint): microfiber, flannel. Use specialized detergents from the manufacturer. If there are Niemann acrylic facades - use Ultra-Gloss Superpolish milk for protecting the glossy surface, Hu-Gone detergent is made of natural ingredients.
General recommendationsBefore using any new detergent, test it on a small area in an inconspicuous place. Then wash off the product, wipe the surface dry and wait 1-2 minutes: watch whether the color of the coating, gloss, etc. changed.
Grease coating in the kitchen is a mixture of dust with fumes and fat. The older the coating, the more difficult it is to get rid of it. The optimal schedule for "deep" cleaning of the kitchen from fat is 1-2 times a year, "capital" - every 2 months with the use of gentle products. Do the additional cleaning if necessary. After each cleaning, the kitchen should be wiped with a clean damp cloth, and then again with a dry one. This way, you will remove detergent residues and prevent the formation of streaks.
Accessories
Accessories (lifting mechanisms, hinges, rails). All Blum products undergo long and expensive quality testing. After all, they should bring you joy throughout the entire period of using the furniture. To help you, the company has put together a memo with practical tips on how to keep furniture clean.
Care recommendations ↓
In our work, we use only the best, proven fittings, in particular those from the Austrian company Blum. To facilitate the process of product care, we offer some useful tips. As proper care will extend the life of furniture and preserve its functionality and appearance for a long time.
How to care for Blum furniture fittings:● use a soft, lint-free cloth, suede cloth or sponge;● wipe the furniture with a slightly damp, not wet cloth;● after a wet cleaning, wipe the surface dry;● if the furniture has inserts made of leather, stainless steel, etc., use special cleaning agents for these surfaces. In all other cases, wet the cloth only with clean water;● do not leave dirt for a long time, remove them fresh.
What to avoid when cleaning Blum fittings:
● wet vacuum cleaners and steam cleaners;● abrasive cleaning powders, wire brushes and sponges, as well as chemicals containing acetone or chlorine, solvents and any solution with a prefix "tri-" or "tetra-";● it is also important not to keep chemical cleaning products, baking powder, dishwasher detergent and even table salt open. Their fumes cause corrosion of all metal surfaces.