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Care + Maintenance

Materials age better when they are understood.

General guidance only. Project-specific manufacturer instructions, finish schedules and warranty requirements always take precedence when provided.

General care
  • Use pH-neutral cleaners appropriate for natural stone.
  • Blot spills rather than spreading them.
  • Avoid acidic cleaners on acid-sensitive stone.
  • Do not assume every stone should be sealed or sealed the same way.
  • Use protection beneath oils, cosmetics and strongly pigmented materials.
  • Expect natural variation, veining, fissures and patina where appropriate to the material.

Stone selection, finish and installation determine maintenance. Refer to the project record for specific care instructions.

General care
  • Dust with a soft dry or lightly damp cloth.
  • Avoid standing water and prolonged moisture.
  • Do not use abrasive pads.
  • Protect from extreme heat and repeated direct moisture.
  • Expect natural color change from light exposure and age.
  • Use manufacturer-approved care products on specialty finishes.
General care
  • Dust gently.
  • Avoid aggressive scrubbing unless the finish was specified for it.
  • Do not spot-clean with harsh household chemicals.
  • Expect subtle tonal variation in hand-applied finishes.
  • Repair should be performed with compatible material whenever possible.
General care
  • Use a soft dry cloth for routine cleaning.
  • Avoid abrasive metal polish unless the finish specifically calls for polishing.
  • Unlacquered brass, bronze and other living finishes will change with handling and time.
  • Patina is part of the material rather than necessarily a defect.
  • Keep chemicals and salts away from specialty metal finishes.
General care
  • Use non-abrasive glass products.
  • Avoid saturating edges of specialty mirror.
  • Clean textured, cast and fluted glass with soft tools that reach the relief without scratching.
  • Follow project-specific instructions for films, coatings and laminated assemblies.
General care
  • Use cleaners compatible with both the tile and grout.
  • Avoid acids on stone-based tile and sensitive grout.
  • Address standing water and mildew promptly.
  • Re-sealing requirements depend on material and installation.
General care
  • Follow the textile cleaning code and manufacturer instructions.
  • Vacuum upholstery using the correct attachment.
  • Blot spills immediately.
  • Avoid over-wetting natural fibers.
  • Rotate cushions where applicable.
  • Performance fabric still requires appropriate care.
General care
  • Dust or vacuum with a low-suction attachment where appropriate.
  • Avoid pulling on fabric to operate motorized treatments.
  • Keep tracks and shade paths clear.
  • Do not force a motorized system if an obstruction is present.
  • Specialty textile cleaning should be performed by a qualified professional.
General care
  • Keep away from harsh cleaners and alcohol-based products.
  • Wipe spills promptly.
  • Natural leather develops character, color shift and creasing with use.
  • Use only products appropriate to the specific finish.
General care
  • Do not reset integrated equipment without understanding the system impact.
  • Keep network and control equipment ventilated.
  • Maintain access to equipment racks and service points.
  • Replace batteries in sensors and remotes according to system guidance.
  • Record service changes in the project record where possible.

Care is specific to the materials and finish of the piece. Custom or limited works should be maintained using the instructions supplied with the commission.

First reference

Your project record comes first.

If your completed project includes a House Book or Building Record, use the project-specific care information there before relying on general guidance. It carries the actual finishes, the actual products and the actual warranties for your building.