HOMEWARE AND FURNITURE CARE GUIDE

All wood moves a little bit depending on the ambient temperature and moisture levels in a room. For example, the joints in a piece of wooden furniture that is kept in a hot room by a radiator might shrink, and in a damp/cold room the joints might expand as it takes on moisture.

Direct sunlight can bleach any type of furniture including wood.

Mango wood is highly sustainable due to its cultivation as a fruit tree. The trees grow to maturity after about 15 years, which is relatively quick for a hardwood. At this point they begin to produce less fruit or stop growing altogether. Mango farmers plant new mango trees every 7 to 15 years before the older trees become barren. This creates a sustainable cycle of plantation and harvest, with only the least fruitful trees being chopped down for wood. Using mango wood also means that there is less pressure on more endangered trees, such as teak.

To keep mango wood looking its best, keep it away from direct sunlight and radiators, which will dull the rich tones. Mop up any spillages quickly using a lightly dampened cloth, do not let these sit on the surface for any length of time. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Instead, gently buff with a little beeswax and a dry cloth every so often to help protect your item.

A hearty strong wood, Elm lends itself well to sturdy pieces like dining tables and chests of drawers. Elm is a quintessentially English timber. The main attraction is the grain of elm which twists and intermingles as it grows, such that it is resistant to ’tearing’.

To keep elm wood looking its best, sweep away any dust, dirt or crumbs with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid using any harsh acidic liquids.

A staple for furniture makers, pine wood makes for beautifully crafted pieces that can be both steadfast and finely detailed. Pine is light in colour, usually with a creamy white look, although the shade can vary. The light colour makes pine easy to stain to achieve nearly any colour, or a simple clear coat can be used to protect the wood.

To keep pine wood looking its best keep the temperature steady (keep bright sunlight and artificial heating to a minimum) as this will improve the longevity and allow your furniture to breathe. Pine is considered a softwood, so protect it with coasters and placemats to reduce the risk of dents and scratches. Keep clean with a lightly dampened cloth.

Rattan is derived from the rattan palm, a natural vine that is native to Southeast Asia. Rattan palm is sustainable as it grows more rapidly than trees. It grows best under some sort of tree cover and, as a result, rattan planting indirectly protects forests. When rattan palm is processed, it is usually split into two parts: The core reed (rattan) and the thin interior (cane). Wicker-style furniture is normally made from rattan.

You usually only need a dampened cloth to dust rattan off but, if it’s dirty, you can use a wood soap or a mild detergent in warm water to clean it. Make sure not to use too much water. You can allow rattan to air-dry unless the rattan is overly wet, in which case you should dry it with a soft cloth. Use a toothbrush to remove any build-up in the weaving. Rattan can become brittle or damaged when exposed to heat, moisture or excessive sunlight so avoid these and treat your rattan with boiled linseed oil once a year.

Like rattan, bamboo grows without the need for fertilisers or pesticides. While growing, bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than hardwood trees and, because it can grow up to a metre a day, regenerating after five years, there is little soil erosion. Best of all it absorbs four times more CO2 than a forest. It is also strong and has a tensile strength stronger than steel.

Furniture made of bamboo can look great for years, but its longevity relies on proper care. Use a dust cloth regularly to keep dust from settling into the joins of armrests and legs. If you need to clean your bamboo, you can use a mild detergent in warm water and then allow it to air dry. You should apply furniture oil to your bamboo, ideally one that is specifically suited to it. This will protect your bamboo by ensuring that it will flex rather than crack and also give your bamboo a beautiful shine. For outside furniture, you should look out for any small cracks, sand these down, fill them with wax paste and apply an outdoor sealant.

Cane is derived from the rattan palm, a natural vine that is native to Southeast Asia. While rattan includes over 600 different species of solid timber vine (unlike bamboo, which is hollow). Cane is actually a specific part of rattan, which is removed from the thorny outer skin of the plant. It is naturally very light in colour, somewhat shiny, and far less porous than other parts of rattan—making it exceptional at repelling liquid spills. It is used for thin woven elements such as the back of a chair or a cabinet door.

You usually only need a dampened cloth to dust down, and if it’s dirty, you can use a wood soap or a mild detergent in warm water to clean it. Avoid exposing cane to heat and keep it out of direct sunlight as this may dry out and discolour your furniture, leading to tears and breakages. Instead, keep cane moisturised. Give the backs and undersides of cane furniture a monthly spritz with an oil or glycerin-based soap that’s been diluted in water. Don’t spray the top side to avoid an oily imprint on the seat and let chairs fully dry before adding back any cushions. To avoid cane seats sagging, distribute weight evenly on top of them using chair pads and cushions. Never kneel on cane or use it as a stepping stool.

• Wax is a natural way to protect furniture as it is not sealed. This means it can absorb elements from its surroundings, such as moisture in high humidity rooms and smoke from an open fire, so bear this in mind. Spillages may work their way through the wax too, so keep your wooden furniture protected with mats and coasters and clear any messes up immediately. Waxed wood needs a little love so periodical waxing is advised depending on use. An occasionally used chest of drawers may need a wax once a month, whereas a table top used daily requires twice a month. This may change the tone of your wood subtly over time but it will also keep the wood hydrated to avoid splitting and keep the colour sharp.
• Lacquered wood provides a strong layer of protection from daily spills, heat rings from coffee cups and colourful crayon marks, as it has a glossy finish that seals the wood; however, we would still recommend your furniture is protected with mats and coasters and any messes are cleared up immediately. Wipe away dust with a soft cloth and polish and clean stains with a damp cloth.

• Wash finishes like white-washed wood offer a soft rustic look. As a water-based finish, avoid damp cloths and lingering liquids, which will thin the paint and remove it when cleared away. Use only soft 100% cotton cloths to clean instead of microfiber or scrubbing cloths in order to maintain the look.
• Oil brings out the natural beauty of wood, making the grain pop and nourishing it by replacing the natural oils. For oil-based products, be sure to use a cleaner which has no water, wax or furniture polish in it that could build up on the surface of your wood and dull its appearance. Oil-based finishes pick up dust more quickly than others so regular dusting going with the grain will keep your pieces looking good.

TOP TIP: For an effortlessly smooth drawer, rub a little soap along its edges to loosen up any stiffness.

Hammered, embossed or engraved, these have been used as a decorative flourish on furniture throughout history, Brass and Copper accents are a key modern design trend and an easy way to add luxe and warmth. These metals will age naturally to create a beautiful antiqued patina that adds to its charm.

If you’d prefer, you can keep brass glowing with simple cleaning steps. Brass (only) items can be maintained using polish, however, please note that brass-plated and brass-cladded items require different, specific treatments. For brass-plated items, you may use a soft, dry cloth to gently buff away any marks. For brass-cladded items, please refer to the cleaning kit that is provided on delivery.

To prevent watermarks and heat damage, never place items such as vases, mugs or glassware directly onto the surface of any of our furniture without the protection of a heat resistant mat, coaster or trivet. We would recommend cleaning any spillages immediately to avoid staining.

Polished aluminium pieces can be cleaned using a soft fabric cloth, preferably cotton. In case of a spot or dirt mark on the piece, this can be removed using a specialist cleaning agent and again needs to be wiped with a soft cotton cloth. For cast aluminium pieces in a gold finish, these have a top coat of lacquer with a gold pigment added to it and can only be cleaned using a soft cotton fabric. Please do not apply a cleaning agent as it will spoil the finish.

Bring an industrial touch to your home with iron. It is prone to rust so keep your ironwork strong by blotting any moisture with a dry cloth and steer clear of abrasive cleaning materials that could erode this metal. Blot any moisture with a dry cloth.

With the G&G HQ based in Bath, a world heritage site famous for limestone, we’re big fans of limestone’s warm honey colour and nod to classical architecture. Acids like lemon and vinegar can erode this naturally grainy stone.

Keep your limestone pieces protected by soaking up spills with a clean damp cloth and avoid using chemical cleaners on them.

Ancient and magnificent, the inky veins and shimmering lustre make this covetable stone a luxurious touch for interiors.

To retain the polished exterior of your marble pieces, use coasters and mats to prevent scratches that may permanently etch the surface. Ensure hot/cold drinks and condensation do not linger as this can leave marks.

A G&G signature, our bone inlay collection is exquisitely handcrafted by skilled artisans in Udaipur, India, using techniques passed down through generations. Every flourish and floral piece is carved from reliably sourced cow and camel bone and pressed into resin by hand over many weeks.

As a natural material, bone inlay is porous so be wary of using harsh chemicals or cleaning liquids on it, and don’t allow moisture to settle as this can discolour the pattern, as well as cause it to become brittle and crack as it dries out. Coasters should be used to keep your piece looking as good as new. To clean, gently wipe down with a dry cloth and use a little bit of natural clear wax to retain moisture. Bone inlay is delicate and susceptible to fracturing if knocked or dented, so a gentle hand is required when settling your piece into its new home.

Iridescent Mother of Pearl remains a popular choice. Like bone inlay, this material is hand pressed into resin to make decadent designs that will last a lifetime.

Although delicate and subject to splintering if knocked, it is more resilient to daily wear and tear than its bone counterpart, but coasters and mats are still advised. Just a quick clean with a lightly dampened cloth will keep dust and dirt away.

Ethereal and delicate, soft feathers adorn lampshades and linen duvets at Graham and Green.

To keep your feathers light and fluffy, shake or steam gently so the wisps can spread their wings and you can shake away any lingering dust.

The long hair of the New Zealand sheep keeps them warm in the rugged mountains and provides a cosy touch when draped on seating and beds in your home.

To keep your sheepskins soft, brush them gently every now and then with a soft wire brush (a pet brush does the trick) to remove dust and particles. When it feels particularly bogged down, take it outside for a good shake and let it breathe in the fresh air. Don’t leave it outside too long though – too much sun and heat will damage it. For any spills, dab with a dry cloth and then wash by hand with cool water and a gentle sheepskin shampoo.

Soft and supple, or structured and regiment, leather is both luxurious and hard working. Air can naturally pass through this material, leaving moisture to evaporate and allowing it to breathe freely.

Soft and supple, or structured and regiment, leather is both luxurious and hard working. Air can naturally pass through this material, leaving moisture to evaporate and allowing it to breathe freely.

Dappled in black, brown or peppered grey, cowhide gives a stylish look. To maintain its rich tones, never place it in bright sunlight and close any blinds or curtains during the day to keep your cowhide soft. Too much moisture or humidity can cause the hide to stiffen and crack, so keep your cowhide pieces breathing in well ventilated areas.

Dappled in black, brown or peppered grey, cowhide gives a stylish look. To maintain its rich tones, never place it in bright sunlight and close any blinds or curtains during the day to keep your cowhide soft. Too much moisture or humidity can cause the hide to stiffen and crack, so keep your cowhide pieces breathing in well ventilated areas.

A beautiful fabric known for its luxurious texture and rich jewel colouring. To care for your velvet homewares we recommend you vacuum them reguarly to prevent dirt build up. It's best to use a soft brush attachment to loosen the surface and make it easy to clean dust away. 

Sometimes, velvet can show compression marks when the pile is flattened or brushed in a different direction. But a quick swish of a velvet brush or fine suede brush should remove any marks. 

Jute is a strong, natural material spun and woven into thick yarns, and it's one which we often use on the likes of rugs, cushions, pouffes and chairs here at G&G.  

To keep your jute homewares looking as good as new, we suggest gently vacuuming on a regular basis to remove dirt and debris. This will help retain the colour and softness of your jute treasures too. 

We recommend you avoid washing or using soap on your jute item as this will only react with the natural oils in this material and cause them to oxidise and discolour. If there are any spills which you need to clean, simply use a dry cloth and dab the area until the moisture has disappeared. 

While jute is a strong and sturdy material, it is also prone to shedding over time. This is more common with rugs which tend to bear a lot of everyday use. To prevent this, place your jute rug in a low traffic area of your home and add one of our rug grip underlays beneath it. 

Made from soft, looped yarns which add elegance and texture to your home. We often use this cosy fabric on large furniture such as chairs, benches and beds for a luxurious look. 

To care for your bouclé treasure we always suggest avoiding bleach, water, steam, and abrasive cleaning products as these will damage the weave. For any accidental spills, simply spot clean by dabbing straight away with a soft cloth. 

Kilim is an ancient weaving technique used to create many of our rugs. Usually, they're crafted using a blend of jute or wool with a little cotton. To care for kilim, make sure you vacuum regularly and, if the rug is particularly dirty, it's best to have it professionally cleaned.

Remember to keep kilim rugs out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat and moisture. If you're placing your kilim rug on a hard floor, we recommend using a rug pad or liner to protect it from wear.

Made from soft, looped yarns which add elegance and texture to your home. We often use this cosy fabric on large furniture such as chairs, benches and beds for a luxurious look. 

To care for your bouclé treasure we always suggest avoiding bleach, water, steam, and abrasive cleaning products as these will damage the weave. For any accidental spills, simply spot clean by dabbing straight away with a soft cloth. 

To preserve your wooden garden furniture during the winter months, make sure you cover and keep the furniture in a dry shelter and raise the items away from damp areas or puddles. This will ensure the wood won't soak up lots of water and weaken the timber, making it expand and crack during the summer.

Many of our ranges feature teak outdoor furniture. This type of wood is a very hardy material, which is ideal for using in the garden. Over time, you should expect it to develop an aged, silver patina.