Cranfields emphasises solid timber for its natural character and texture. There are some things you can do to ensure the timber ages well.
A monthly wipe with a soft damp cloth will remove any dust build-up. Rather than concentrating on one localised area, be sure to wipe down the whole surface. The use of table mats is advised, and do not use any corrosive detergents or silicon based product like Pledge. Do not drag furniture as this places stress on the joints and when removing objects from the surface lift rather than sliding to prevent any surface damage.
A yearly polish with a good quality wax is recommended to keep the timber supple and fed.
Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
We highly recommend our furniture or timber items are not put in direct exposure to sunlight and heat, as this may cause the colour to fade unevenly over time.
Also, avoid any extreme temperature and climate changes. Every care has been taken in construction to normalise the wood to allow for expansion and contraction of the timber without any overall movement. However, it is essential that the furniture’s’ environment is stabilised as much as possible, eg. avoiding direct heat sources like radiators and sunlight.
Keep Dry
Moisture is an important factor in many climates and extended exposure to moisture can deteriorate leather and timbers. Should an item get wet, remove any residual water immediately and allow to dry naturally.
Keep your animal away from direct sunlight as this will cause the colour to fade. Please also keep water/liquid away from the animal as they can cause marks. Leather does not like heat either so do not keep too near a fireplace or radiator.
Our Italian pewter is non-toxic and very stable, so a perfect material for use with food and drink, as well as for decorative objects. Cosi Tabellini pewter is made of tin, copper and antimony only - it is completely lead-free and food-safe, and is approved by both the EU and US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Please note that pewter has an extremely low melting point (less than 200C), so it should never placed in an oven, microwave or exposed to a naked flame, or any other direct heat source.
Unlike silver, it tarnishes very slowly, so requires minimal attention to keep it looking attractive. Gradually a natural patina will build up, enhancing the beauty, by softening the already gentle lines, adding warmth and character to the object. To maintain this natural look, Cosi Tabellini suggest that you:
Dust the item with a brush:
Lightly swab the surface of the item with methylated spirits to remove marks
Rub the item gently with a soft cloth or chamois leather
For display pieces only, apply a wax coating to help protect them
If, however, a polished shiny look is preferred, almost any metal polish will do, and blemishes can be removed by simply rubbing gently in small circular motions with '0000' grade extra-fine steel wool. In the case of scratches, you can employ a slightly abrasive paste, such as those used to polish the bodywork of cars.
As with any object used for food or drink, pewter needs to be washed thoroughly before first use, and then subsequently with warm water and a mild, preferably liquid, detergent, and it is suggested that delicate glassware and stemware should only be ever hand-washed this way.
Objects made from a combination of glass, or ceramic, and pewter should not be left to stand in water, as prolonged immersion could weaken the bond between the materials. It is better to dry the pewter straight away, as standing water can pit the surface of the pewter. It is also worth remembering that pewter is porous, so please do not allow food or drink to dry into the pewter.
Tableware and flatware can be washed in a dishwasher, but only on the lowest temperature setting (definitely not the extreme temperatures of a commercial machine) using liquid dishwasher soap. If you live in an area of hard water, however, a dishwasher is not recommended unless your house is equipped with a water softener, as it may tarnish and/or pit the pewter. Please let your pewter cool before removing it from the dishwasher to spare your fingertips and save your fingerprints!
With Kilims in particular, it’s important to be gentle with these kinds of weaves. Here are some tips to help care for Kilim and flatweave rugs as best as you can:
Give it a shake
Every few weeks, shake off your Kilim in the open to get rid of surface debris, just like any rug. This is very helpful in maintaining the air quality of the room, and it’s a good opportunity to rotate your piece.
Vacuuming
You can vacuum clean flatweaves on both sides at least twice a week, so long as it’s on a bare floor setting/no suction. This means less unnecessary tugging at the finer-woven fibres. Alternatively, you can smear baking soda on the rug and let it stand for 15 minutes and then vacuum clean it gently on both sides. This particular method both removes loose particles and minimises odours over time like any rug.
Washing
If you intend on washing your Kilim at home, gently broom both sides first. Then, mix a gentle cleanser with water. Take a soft brush, dip it in this solution and gently rub it in horizontal and vertical directions. (Here you want to use just enough water to wash off the cleanser, since you don’t want to soak your Kilim.) When finished put it on a flat surface and leave it to dry.
Spills and stains
For spot removal, blot the patch with a clean towel, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Remember to blot towards the centre to avoid spreading. Now, place a container under the Kilim, pass clean water through the stained area and collect in the container. You can repeat until the desired effects are achieved. For more persistent stains a professional cleaning is recommended.
Preventative care is always the best way to care for handmade rugs and textiles before, and after, cleaning needs arise.
