How to Clean & Care For Special Surfaces?
Polished Aluminium
For normal cleaning, apply a presoftened paste wax to polished aluminum components following the manufacturer's instructions. In humid places located near the sea, apply the wax once a month. In other areas, apply wax every three months to maintain the appearance of the aluminum.
Polished Chrome
For normal cleaning, wet cheesecloth in a nonabrasive cleaner, like liquid dish soap, and rub the polished chrome component lightly until the original luster reappears. Dry the component with a soft cloth to remove any soap residue.
Zinc-Plated Steel
If zinc-plated steel components become dull or corroded, rub the surface with a good steel wool. Remove marks with a liquid automotive chrome polish, following the manufacturer's instructions. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Marble, Granite or Slate
Like all natural materials, marble, granite, and slate require diligent care to preserve their beauty. Acidic liquids such as fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, and soda should not come in contact with these surfaces as they may etch them. Spills of any acidic liquid should be cleaned immediately with a light, abrasive compound. Avoid excessive moisture on these surfaces. For normal cleaning, wipe marble, granite, and slate surfaces with a damp cloth. Dirt and fingerprints can be removed with a clean, soft cloth and warm water. Maintain slate by occasionally rubbing surfaces with any clear, light-viscosity, nondetergent oil. Wipe off the excess oil. For lasting protection, allow the oil to dry and follow with a coat of non-yellowing paste wax.
Arcylic Glazing
For normal cleaning, first rinse the surface with clean water to remove any particles of dust or other abrasive materials. Sponge the plastic gently with warm water and a mild, nonabrasive soap or a solution of ammonia and water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. After cleaning, the acrylic glazing can be polished with a good wax polish, applied with a clean, soft flannel pad. Do not use benzene, acetone, denatured alcohol, or gasoline. These solvents soften the surface of the plastic and may cause crazing. Also avoid using glass cleaning compounds, abrasive cleaners, and hard instruments. Make sure cleaning materials are free of grit and other foreign materials.
Fibreglass-Reinforced Polyster
For normal cleaning, wash fiberglass-reinforced polyester with a soft cloth and a lather of mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For stubborn dirt, follow the same procedure, using a soft brush to apply the mild soap solution. After cleaning, or at least every six months, apply a furniture wax, following the manufacturer's instructions. The wax will make the surface easier to clean and more soil resistant.
Injection-Molded and Extruded Thermoplastics
For normal cleaning, wash injection-molded and extruded thermoplastics with a soft cloth soaked in mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive kitchen cleaners.
Overmold Chair Base
For normal cleaning, wash overmold bases with warm, soapy water. Rinse and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Do not use any solvents or abrasive materials.
Laminates
Products using laminate may include tabletops, work surfaces, counter caps, transaction surfaces, flipper doors, and lateral files. For normal cleaning, wash the laminate with a soft cloth and a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Rise thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. For minor repair of burns or other stubborn marks, apply a nonabrasive liquid kitchen cleanser with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. Rub in the direction of the grain; use caution to avoid damaging the surface texture or gloss. If no grain direction is visible, rub with a light, circular motion. Do not use powdered abrasives or other harsh cleansers like hypochlorite bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or nitric or hydrochloric acids, or lye; they may deface the surface and change the finish color.
Veneer or Recut Veneer Finish
For normal cleaning, dust furniture daily with a slightly damp, soft cloth. Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth in the direction of the wood grain. Once a month, clean the surface with a soft cloth dampened with a quality cleaner formulated for wood furniture. Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain to remove dirt and fingerprints. Wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth. Twice a year, apply a good quality emulsion wax to the finish with a soft cloth. Emulsion wax is clear and prevents fingerprints. For minor repair of water rings, stains, and scratches, rub the surface lightly in the direction of the wood grain using a good steel wool. Apply a scratch-removing polish with a color and value that simulate the veneer. If the scratches are deep, consult a professional furniture refinisher.
Re-Gluing Wood Furniture Veneer
Small pieces of loose veneer or blisters in veneer can be reglued. Large veneer repair jobs should be taken to a professional furniture repairer. If a piece of veneer has come off the surface, lay the veneer on a flat surface and scrape off the glue. Do not wet veneer. Remove the old glue from the piece of furniture and not the veneer. Put glue on both pieces and put the veneer in place, add a paper pad, and clamp down with C-clamps or lay weights on it. Be sure the pressure covers all parts of the piece of veneer and don't remove the pressure until the glue is dry. If the veneer is still attached but has loosened from an edge or corner, use a hypodermic needle or thin knife blade to insert wood glue into the area. Proceed with clamping as described above. If you have a blister in the veneer, cut a slit with the point of a sharp thin knife at the side of the blister where the veneer is still glued. Be sure to follow the grain of the wood. Hold the slit open with the knife. Fill the blister with warm white vinegar and let it stand for several hours to dissolve the glue. Wipe away any vinegar that remains with a damp cloth. Let the blister and the surrounding wood dry thoroughly before adding glue. Then work plenty of wood glue under the blister, using a hypodermic needle or thin knife blade to get the glue in the blister. Apply pressure to flatten it. Leave it under pressure until the glue is completely dry.