Care & Maintenance

Marble is a natural stone material that is organically porous, soft, and more sensitive to chemicals than other stones such as granite. The marble stone will show wear sooner than other stone surfaces, but it can be restored with correct care and polishing by a stone care professional or restoration specialist.

Since marble is a porous stone, any substances that are left on marble surfaces can stain. We highly recommend cleaning any spills or food crumbs immediately with a lightly dampened cloth as this will minimise the imperfections to the item. Avoid leaving cold cups or drink bottles as water condensation will also stain the marble. We highly recommend the use of coasters and placemats to further protect the integrity of the stone.

Examples of substances that may stain, etch, or mark the marble are:

• Sauces
• Oils
• Acidic
• Salad dressings
• Fruit juices
• Soft drinks
• Wine and other alcohols

If any of these substances spill on your marble surface, we recommend cleaning immediately with a damp cloth and wipe dry. Blot spills as wiping the area will spread the spill.

Avoid the use of cleaning solutions below as some may stain, corrode or tarnish marble surfaces:

• General-purpose cleaners
• Bathroom cleaners
• Grout cleaners
• Descaling solutions
• Vinegar
• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Abrasive scrubs
• Acid based cleaners
• Soft cleansers

The timber used in this range is recycled elm timber veneer. These items are handmade and have been prepared to give them a unique finish and the timber is sourced organically. These items will naturally have distinctive characteristics such as cracks, grain patterns, splits and imperfections, which are then filled and evened out using square timber fillings where required. Please note that sudden and extreme changes in temperature and humidity can cause the timber to crack, split or warp. Reclaimed timber is prone to permanent damage from moisture and heat.

All timber surfaces will mellow and mature in colour over time. These aged and rustic features should be appreciated as part of the look and are not manufacturing defects. If you would like to see the item before dispatch to ensure you are happy with the colouring and table characteristics, please ask our sales team. Dissatisfaction with this natural finish look will be considered a change of mind and not a fault.

Please note that assembly should be completed by capable person/s with assembly experience. Calibre Furniture willaccept no liability for furniture damage or injury should the furniture be assembled incorrectly.

General Care Instructions:

• Check table fixings periodically as it can loosen over time; re-tighten when necessary and avoid over-tightening.
• Every 8-12 months, apply a clear protective varnish (purchased from your local hardware store) to the furniture to protect the surface and maintain quality. Spot test before applying as some timbers can stain darker.
• Place the table indoors and away from direct heat sources, such as sunlight, heating, and windows. The nature of reclaimed timber is not suitable for outdoor usePlacemats and coasters are recommended to further protect the integrity of the timber.
• Immediately blot any spills or sticky residue that come into contact with the timber. Use a slightly damp cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain followed by a dry towel to remove remaining moisture.
  - Frequently dust with a dry towel or duster to remove abrasive build ups of dust
• Avoid direct contact with liquids or food scraps.

Solid timber products are unique and long lasting. Regular maintenance can slow the deterioration of hardwood furniture or even prevent it altogether. Hardwood furniture is usually very durable and simple to repair as opposed to cheaper alternatives. It is important to keep in mind that the condensation from hot and cold glasses can penetrate the finish and leave a white ring on your item.

General Care Instructions:

• Clean and polish regularly. Depending on usage it is recommended to polish your solid timber items every 6 - 8 months.
• Use coasters and placemats to prevent water rings and scratches.
• Wood swells in high humidity and shrinks in low. These changes can warp the wood and in some circumstances cause the item to break. It is recommended to invest in a humidifier/dehumidifier if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather fluctuations
• Dust the furniture every few days or so to ensure it continues to look shiny and prevents the dust from settling into the wood.
• Immediately blot any spills or sticky residue that come into contact with the timber. Use a slightly damp cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain followed by a dry towel to remove remaining moisture.
• Place the table indoors and away from direct heat sources, such as sunlight, heating, and windows. Direct heat sources can cause the timber to warp and, in extreme cases, break due to the temperature.

Do not:

• Use solvents or chemicals on the items. Select your cleaning products carefully and avoid cleaners that contain bleach, alcohol, ammonia based or contain silicone or any other chemicals that can stain or strip wood. Ideally look for natural alternatives.
• Place in an outdoor space. These tables are not suitable for an outdoor space.
• Use coloured plastic on the timber. Coloured plastic can sometimes seep it’s colour into the wood and affect the timbers shape because of the heat and humidity.

Fabrics do naturally fade over time due to constant use, however, you can take these steps below to help prevent or slow this process.

General Care Instructions:

• Depending on usage, a weekly vacuum with low suction and a soft brush accessory will remove dust and damaging dirt particles will help extend the life of your fabric and furniture.
• Dab spills immediately with a soft, clean, white cloth or absorbent paper towel. If possible, do not let spills dry and clean them as soon as possible.
• Pilling can occur on occasion and is not considered a fault. Fabric pills can be removed by a power operated pilling tool available at most general home supply stores.
• Professionally clean the fabric bi-annually or yearly.
• Rotate reversible seat cushions regularly to develop even cushioning on a sofa.

Do not:

• Place the items near direct heat sources, such as sunlight, heating, and windows.
• Keep sharp or abrasive items such as shoes on or near your fabrics. Abrasive items can pull fibres which can develop into holes or tears.
• Use the item in wet clothing as it can leave a watermark on the fabric and can contribute to beaching, mould growth, and transfer dye.
• Use chemicals, alcohol or detergents to clean the fabrics as this may cause greater damage and discolouration.

Velvet is a luxurious textile created by a complex double weaving process that results in a densely plush nap. Shading, marking and texturing of the pile are an inherent characteristic of velvet and is not considered a fault.

General Care Instructions:

• Depending on usage, a weekly vacuum with low suction and a soft brush accessory will remove dust and damaging dirt particles will help extend the life of your fabric and furniture.
• Dab spills immediately with a soft, clean, white cloth or absorbent paper towel. If possible, do not let spills dry and clean them as soon as possible.
• Pilling can occur on occasion and is not considered a fault. Use a soft dry brush in the direction of the pile to restore the natural fabric direction and loft.
• Professionally clean the fabric bi-annually or yearly.
• Rotate reversible seat cushions regularly to develop even cushioning on a sofa.

Do not:

• Place the items near direct heat sources, such as sunlight, heating, and windows.
• Keep sharp or abrasive items such as shoes on or near your fabrics. Abrasive items can pull fibres which can develop into holes or tears.
• Use the item in wet clothing as it can leave a watermark on the fabric and can contribute to beaching, mould growth, and transfer dye.
• Use chemicals, alcohol or detergents to clean the fabrics as this may cause greater damage and discolouration.

Timber veneer is a natural wood product that requires more attention than other surfaces. The wood is more prone to bruising, scratching, and denting from heavy objects or extreme pen pressure when writing. It is recommended to use a desk pad or a protective surface to prevent damage.

General Care Instructions:

• Dust regularly with a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth.
• Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth in the direction of the natural wood grain.
• Clean spills immediately with a damp cloth.
• Apply a good furniture polish with a soft cloth twice a year.
• Use coasters at all times to prevent surface damage.
• Avoid placing the item in direct sunlight to prolong product longevity.

Do not:

• Use aerosol-powered cleaners or polishes.
• Use polishes containing waxes or abrasives, or polishes that are oil based or alcohol based.
• Place a pot plant on the veneer surface unless it’s in a water tight container or drip tray.
• Place hot, wet, or moist items directly onto the table.
• Place the product in an extremely high or low humidity area.

Leather is a natural product that has a protective layer to resist most soiling and spills. However, our leather products require gentle care using suitable products for maintenance. Pay extra attention to areas that come into contact with hair or skin as they will show the first signs of wear and tear. Always be mindful of sharp or abrasive objects such as shoes and zippers that can damage the leather. Also note that dye transfer from clothes or other fabrics is possible. Protect your leather as soon as possible after delivery by contacting leather care professionals for assistance.

Real LeatherGeneral Care Instructions:

• Dust weekly or use a soft vacuum attachment to avoid the leather being scratched by loose particles.
• Depending on how often you use your leather furniture, apply a leather cleaner and condition once every 6-8 weeks.
• Immediately blot any spills that come into contact with the leather. Use a clean and white paper towel, gently blotting the affected area. Do not wipe as it may cause the spill to spread and damage other areas.
• Avoid vigorous rubbing when cleaning the leather.

Do not:

• Over clean the furniture, which can damage the protective layer and cause the leather to deteriorate prematurely.
• Soak the leather in any liquids.
• Use detergents, alcohol, chemicals, soaps, shoe polish, wax, window cleaner, silicone, saddle soap or any cleaning product not designed for leather as these may cause damage and discolouration.
• Sit on the furniture with wet swimming clothes or towels, which can leave a watermark on the leather – contributing to bleaching, mould growth and dye transfer.

Polyurethane leather otherwise known as ‘PU’ leather is a polymer composite material made of one or more layers of PU and a woven or non-woven textile backing such as bi-cast or ground leather. This fabric provides the most realistic imitation of leather when it comes to its soft supple texture.

General Care Instructions:

• PU leather should be dusted with a dry or slightly damp lint free cloth.
• We recommend using a faux leather cleaning and maintenance kit on the item and use as directed on the packaging.
• Cleaning can also be done with warm water and some not abrasive.

Do not:

• Do not place in direct sunlight. Faux leathers can dry out the material and cause damage to the frames.
• Clothes that are indigo dyed (like jeans) or strong colours can transfer onto light colours. Be sure to give this a wipe as soon as you notice it, as it’s the kind of stain that will penetrate if left. A quick wipe down with a baby wipe after use should resolve this if attended to quickly however results may vary and this is not seen as a fault of the material.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning agents on the material. Harsh chemicals like bleach and detergents.

Some of our products use tempered glass instead of regular glass. Although it is tougher and more durable than regular glass, tempered glass is not unbreakable and should be cared for like normal glass. Damaged glass may spontaneously shatter when not maintained properly.

General Care Instructions:

• Dust glass regularly with a soft and dry cloth.
• Clean with glass cleaner, following the bottle instructions.
• Use place mats and coasters to protect the glass and prolong its longevity.
• For frosted glass, place the frosted side down to avoid damaging the surface.

Do not:

• Subject the glass to thermal or mechanical stress as it can weaken, break or shatter.
• Use the glass surface as a chopping area, and avoid contact with sharp or hard objects.
• Allow greasy or dirty items come into contact with the frosted side of frosted glass.
• Carelessly handle the glass product.
• Drop objects onto the glass surface.

All outdoor furniture is tested to ensure that it is durable enough to withstand outdoor elements. However, it is recommended to store outdoor undercover from harsh Australian weather to preserve and increase the longevity of the product(s).

Preservative Maintenance:

• Store your outdoor furniture in a dry and shaded area when not in use or during periods of inclement weather.
• Canvas, painted metal or timber furniture should be stored undercover after use.
• Timber furniture will naturally expand and contract due to changes in humidity and temperature. This can cause timber to split and/ or fade in colour when left exposed to outdoor elements, which is a natural occurrence and should not be considered as a fault.

General Care Instructions:

• Furniture made from polyester, synthetic wicker and aluminium can be washed down with warm soapy water and left to dry naturally
• Clean and treat timber furniture regularly to maintain its integrity.
• Clean the entire surface of upholstered pieces, from seam to seam, to avoid water rings and stains.

Do not:

• Leave furniture uncovered in direct sunlight for extended periods of time as it may cause warping or splitting under the heat.
• Leave furniture outside during periods of inclement weather (e.g. storms or extremely hot weather).
• Scrub, use hard bristle brushes or other abrasive cleaning methods when cleaning upholstered pieces.
• Fold furniture when wet as it will get mouldy or rusty.

• My rug is shedding, what is going on?
  Shedding is caused by fibres in the yarn that are cut short and got detached from the pile. Sometimes it might seem like a lot of fibre is coming out of the rug, but this is normal for a new rug and should reduce within a couple of months (but will not stop completely). Wool and viscose are both high shedding fibres. If this is something you would rather avoid, a polypropylene or polyester rug would be more suitable as these are low-shed.
• My rug smells, is that normal?
  In some cases, your rug might have a distinct musty or chemically smell. This smell is non-toxic and will subside after you keep the rug out in the air for a period of time. In some cases, the rug has been wrapped up for a while and has not had a chance to "air out". The smell will dissipate in a matter of days or weeks.
• Should I rotate my rug?
  Rotating the rug 180 degrees every 3-6 months will ensure that the rug wears and fades evenly.
• Do I really need a rug pad?
  We recommend a pad under every rug. It will keep your rug in place and lay flat, extend the life of your rug, prevent it from curling, wrinkling and slipping. A rug pad will also help maintain the rugs shape and protect floors and carpets against possible colour transfer from the rug.
• Which fibre is best for an area rug: natural or synthetic?
  Natural and synthetic fibres each possess unique characteristics. Synthetic fibres like polypropylene and polyester offer a high degree of durability and stain resistance, meaning it is difficult to wear them out. Natural fibers like wool and cotton have been around for centuries and offer vivid colours, excellent wearability and great appearance retention.
• Should I have my area rug professionally cleaned?
  We recommend having your rugs cleaned only when it is needed. If your rug gets heavy use, cleaning once a year is fine. Average wear and tear necessitates a professional cleaning only once every 2-3 years. Regular vacuuming is recommended to keep your rug in the best shape possible. Use extra caution when cleaning handmade rugs, professional cleaning is recommended.
• How do I store my area rug?
  A rug in storage, especially if it has not been professionally cleaned and properly prepared for storage, can be damaged in a relatively short time. Rolling it for storage is generally the most beneficial. Wrap your carpet in a breathable fabric like a cotton sheet or muslin to keep it protected. If you want expert-level protection, consider wrapping your rug in a polyurethane rug wrap. These rug wraps are designed to provide a superior barrier against dampness and insects and will be more effective than muslin. Do not use plastic to wrap your rug, since it will keep it from breathing. Store the rug off the ground in a cool, and in a dry environment, checking the rug for any signs of damage every few months.
• Why is my area rug fading?
  When exposed to sunlight, rug colours typically fade over time, even if they are fade resistant. Direct sunlight will cause fading faster than indirect sunlight. Jute and wool will fade the fastest. Polyester, acrylic and nylon will fade slower than natural fibres and polypropylene is the most fade resistant. If the rug is partially covered by furniture, you may notice that the exposed portions of the rug have changed colour - this is a normal occurrence. We recommend that you keep the shades drawn during the time of day when the rug is exposed to direct sunlight.
• My rug is creased/not lying flat - what do I do?
  Buckling/creasing or not lying flat can be common with new rugs. The best way to speed up the rug relaxing flat is to reverse-roll / back-roll the rug and apply pressure at the same time on the area where the rug is creased / folded. Leave it back-rolled for a few hours or overnight to give the rug some time for its tension to relax. Then, lay it out again and see how well it worked. If needed, redo your reverse roll and repeat. If the above does not work, also try lying the rug out in the sun for a couple of hours to warm up and loosen the back of the rug to help it lie flat.
• I am putting a rug in my childs room, is it safe?
  All of our rugs are safe for household use under Australian law and regulation. Wool and jute rugs do shed, please note this if you have a young child that may put these fibres in their mouth. Polypropylene and polyester are great options as they do not shed and are incredibly durable. Ensure to air the rug out before putting into the room as they can have a chemical smell when first unwrapped.
• Can I put any rug outside if it is under shelter?
  Only use a rug made for outdoor use outside. Our outdoor rugs are UV stable for up to 100 continuous hours and are able to get damp unlike indoor rugs. To extend the life of your rug, it is suited to a partially/fully covered outdoor area and it is best to avoid allowing the rug to get wet where possible as this will make it heavy and difficult to dry. To assist with drying, lay the rug on a flat, elevated surface with airflow. Hanging over an object when drying may cause it to warp slightly.
• What chemicals are used in my rug?
  All of our rugs are safe for household use under Australian law and regulation and are non-toxic.
• There is a tuft sticking out from my rug, what do I do?
  If your rug is hand made, woven, braided, woven in anyway, there will be imperfections and inconsistencies. Tufts/sprouts are perfectly normal, especially where the end of the yarn pops up from being tucked under the weave. You can push these tufts back in using a blunt instrument.
• Why does my rug look different in my house compared to online?
  Our images are taken in a studio which has a professional, white lighting and expensive camera equipment, so we can give the best indication of what the product colours are. Your home will have darker lighting and different coloured lighting. The rug will look darker with less natural light and in any warm lighting. There is an element of risk in purchasing any home décor product online. Even when purchasing in a retail store, a product may not appear the same in the customers home as in the store.
• Keeping it Clean
  The same consideration should go into caring for your rug, as you would do for a beautiful sweater' is it wool, it is cashmere, do I need to hand wash or dry clean? Your rug you will thank you with years of service.

• Canister vacuums without beater bars are the optimal type of vacuum to use on rugs
• Brooms and manual sweepers are also a gentle and effective way to clean rugs
• If you must use an upright vacuum, use the handheld attachment whenever possible
• Refrain from running the vacuum over the edges of the rug or the rugs.
• Instead, use the handheld attachment or carefully place the vacuum on the rug
• If a rug is reversible remember to vacuum both sides.
• For hand woven rugs, use extra caution when vacuuming as the suction can pull the weave, alternatively, you can take the rug outside to shake it out

It is highly recommended to rotate your rug 180 degrees every 3-6 months to balance appearance, fading and to distribute wear evenly.

• Clean spills immediately. Once a stain is set is becomes much more difficult to clean.
• Blot the spill with a dry cotton cloth or a clean paper towel.
• Work from the outer edges of the spill towards the centre to prevent spreading.
• Never rub a spill as this forces the spill deeper into the rug.
• To remove any residual staining, dampen a cotton cloth or clean paper towel with clean, cold/lukewarm water. Gently blot with the damp cloth and quickly absorb the moisture on the rug.
• Please note that Viscose and Tencel rugs should never be cleaned with any water or liquid.

To extend the life of your outdoor rug, store the rug rolled and in the shade when not in use. Leaving an outdoor rug in direct or indirect sunlight outdoors may cause fading.

• Vacuum with no beater bar/rotating brush.
• Spot clean with water, with mild detergent.
• The backing may get soft when the rug is wet, but this common. Air or sun-dry the rug and backing to get it back to normal.
• When the rug is cleaned or wet it would be good to move it from the area and turn it upside down to dry the backing and the surface underneath as the water would go through the rug.
• When placed on an uncovered wooden patio deck we advise to remove and/or flip the rug during wet weather since it may cause mould or reaction between the latex and wood alkalis.
• The rug is water resistant and ideally should be dried upside down.
• To extend longevity of the rug we advise you to store it away during bad weather and winter months.

• Use extra caution when cleaning handmade rugs, professional cleaning is recommended.
• When in doubt, spot clean and use a professional cleaner