Material Care Instructions

At RELSO, we believe exceptional furniture deserves exceptional care. To help you preserve the beauty and durability of your pieces, we've compiled expert guidance on cleaning and maintaining the wide range of materials in our collections.

About Cleaning Guides by Material

Fabric Maintenance

Maintain regularly using a vacuum cleaner. Avoid using any solvents that contain cleaning chemicals. Blot spilled liquids promptly following the seam direction. Utilize distilled or purified water to prevent mineral stains from forming.

Glass Cleaning

Cleanse using a specialized glass cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive cleaning products at all times. Place protective mats on surfaces to prevent scratching during use.

Metal Care

For routine maintenance, apply a lightly dampened cloth and dry immediately afterward. Occasionally apply specialized cleaning products, particularly for chrome or copper finishes.

Polished Stone and Marble

Natural stone or marble features inherent veining alongside color variations. These characteristics are not flaws but rather enhance the appearance and distinctiveness of each piece. Despite stone and marble's hardness, the surface remains porous and may absorb stains from liquids or food items. Glass cleaning solutions or mild soap with water can be used for maintaining stone or marble surfaces. We recommend treating marble surfaces with carnauba wax. For optimal results, use a polishing product containing carnauba wax. This wax type is easily obtained from your local home improvement retailer. Regular waxing helps shield the surface from water or liquid stains. Note that wax application before contact with food or beverages is strongly advised.

Synthetic Leather

Remove dust regularly and apply a lightly moistened sponge occasionally. Use mild soapy water for stain removal. Stubborn stains can be eliminated by cautiously applying cleaning solvents. Always clean following the seam direction.

Solid Wood

Wood is an organic material that remains active even after being transformed into furniture pieces. Temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause wood expansion and contraction, potentially resulting in minor cracks or separations. This is completely normal and contributes to the authentic character of solid wood furniture.

Since wood is a hygroscopic natural material, it may shift under varying temperature or humidity conditions, depending on the wood type, construction method, and location. Optimal environmental conditions are 64-70°F (18-21°C), with humidity levels between 45-55%.

Untreated and Lacquered Wood

Remove dust regularly. Apply a slightly dampened cloth occasionally. Clean following the wood grain pattern. Prevent standing moisture.

Oiled, Bleached, and Waxed Wood

Remove dust regularly using a dampened cloth. Maintain and cleanse with paraffin oil-based care products.

Wood Laminated or Coated with Melamine Resin

Apply anti-static dusters for daily maintenance. Use lukewarm soapy water to eliminate light staining. Avoid abrasive cleaners, wax, or furniture polish. Melamine resin surfaces can be cleaned most effectively with cleaning solvents combined with chamois leather.

Stains & Spills

Address spills immediately by gently blotting with a white absorbent cloth or paper towel. Lightly dampening the cloth with lukewarm water may help. Avoid rubbing or pressing, as this can push the liquid deeper into the fabric.

For tougher stains, start by mixing a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Whisk until suds form. Dip a soft white cloth into just the suds and gently dab the stained area—be careful not to saturate the fabric. As the stain lifts, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove residue. Allow it to dry fully, using a hairdryer on the lowest setting if needed.

If the stain persists, try a dry cleaning solvent. Follow the package instructions to dilute the solution. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth (never directly onto the fabric), and dab the area as before. Then wipe with a damp cloth to remove any remaining solvent. Let it dry completely.

Protection

Using Scotchguard on velvet is completely safe when applied as directed—hold the can 6 inches away from the fabric and spray in an even coat. Reapply once a year for best results.

Hair-on-Hide / Goatskin / Cowhide Cleaning

Act Quickly!

To maintain the natural look of cowhide, vacuum and air it out regularly. If a spill occurs, blot the area immediately with water. Use a sponge, lukewarm water, and a mild wool shampoo for cleaning.

You can also gently wipe in the direction of the hair using a damp (not wet) cloth with mild soap and water. Never soak or fully wet the hide. Do not machine wash or dry clean. To maintain softness and remove debris, brush the hide with a stiff plastic brush.

For common spills such as wine, coffee, juice, food, urine, or vomit: soak up immediately with a paper towel or sponge.

Sheepskin / Shearling / Fur Cleaning

Clean Immediately!

Blot spills right away using a clean, dry cloth. If needed, use a lightly dampened cloth with specialty sheepskin detergent to gently blot and clean the stain, working in the direction of the fur.

Always use detergents made specifically for sheepskin—they’re free of bleach or enzymes that could damage the material and usually contain lanolin to restore softness.

Dry Naturally: Never use direct heat like a hair dryer. High heat, just like sunlight, can damage sheepskin and fur.

Routine Care: Brush regularly to maintain softness and fluff. Vacuum with the direction of the fur using a standard nozzle (avoid rotating heads).

Velvet Fabric – Removing Creases or Flattened Pile

Vacuum First – Clear any loose dirt to prevent embedding it into the fabric.

Steam Gently – Use a handheld steamer (preferred) or a steam iron set to ~300°F or a low setting. Start far away, move closer if needed—never touch the fabric. Hold 1" above the surface, allowing steam to rise onto the fibers. Always avoid dripping water. Begin steaming from bottom to top.

Brush the Nap – Use a soft-bristle brush, microfiber cloth, or terry towel to gently brush the fibers in the direction of the nap. A non-bleach wrinkle-release spray can help for tougher areas—apply before steaming.

Fixing Warped or Uneven Cushions

Vacuum Thoroughly – Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean dust and crumbs. This not only keeps your sofa fresh but helps reshape the cushions by loosening compacted fibers.

Plump Regularly – Do this weekly to maintain shape and comfort. Remove seat and back cushions, if possible. Hold each cushion with both hands, rotating and pressing to redistribute the filling toward the center. Repeat with scatter cushions—plump both vertically and horizontally.

For Fixed Cushions – Use the “Union Jack” technique:
Place hands at the center and smooth out left-right, top-bottom, then diagonally. Give the sides a firm pat to restore volume.

Gloss Lacquer Paint Touch-Up / Scratch Repair

Steps:

  • Get the official touch-up paint kit from RELSO.
  • Use at least 1000-grit sandpaper to smooth the scratched area. Keep sanding confined to a small area to avoid permanent damage.
  • Apply thin, even layers of paint to cover the scratch.
  • Allow each layer to dry fully before applying the next.
  • Use a hair dryer to speed up drying if needed.
  • Finish by lightly buffing or polishing with a soft rag.