charisma care instructions
Your furniture is an investment, and one that you’ll want to ensure looks its best for years to come. Whether you just need to reshape your cushions or have a large spill to clean up, here are our expert tips on keeping your Charisma furniture looking its best.
Upholstery
Spills & Stains - No matter how small or large a spill or stain is, it’s important to act quickly to maintain the integrity of the upholstery.
- Blot the affected area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread.
- Use a water-based or foam cleaning solvent and gently dab at the stain until it lifts. Never machine wash your cushion covers – doing so may damage the fabric, backing, or stitching.
- Always test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the fabric.
Professional Cleaning – Depending on the fabric and level of soiling, it may be necessary to have your sofa cushions professionally cleaned periodically. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to deep clean upholstery without causing damage.
Avoid Sunlight and Heat Sources - Direct sunlight and excessive heat can cause fabrics to fade and deteriorate over time. Position your sofa away from windows or use curtains or blinds to block out harsh sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing your sofa near heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.
Moving – Whether you’re rearranging your room, or moving to a new home, always take care to properly move your Charisma furniture. Dragging furniture without the use of furniture sliders will cause damage to the furniture or your floors.
Simple rearranging - We strongly recommend using furniture sliders as much as possible when rearranging Charisma furniture in your room. Sliders allow you to move furniture efficiently and with lower risk of injury or damage.
Moving to a different floor or home - Clear your space, grab a friend (or few) and be sure to use proper lifting techniques:
- Plan your approach – determine the best route for moving the furniture, considering any tight spaces, stairs or doorways you may need to navigate. Clear a path and make sure there's enough room to maneuver.
- Bend Your Knees – Stand facing the sofa with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and keep your back straight to avoid straining your lower back.
- Grip Securely – Position yourself on one side of the furniture and firmly grip the frame or base with both hands. If it has removable cushions, we recommend removing them to get a better grip.
- Lift With Your Legs – Using your leg muscles, push up from your knees while keeping your back straight. Lift the furniture gradually, using slow and controlled movements.
- Communicate – Coordinate with your helpers to ensure everyone lifts and moves the furniture together. Use verbal cues to signal when to lift, lower, or change direction.
- Move Carefully – Once the furniture is lifted off the ground, move it slowly and steadily in the desired direction. Avoid sudden movements or jerking motions that could cause it to slip or tip over.
- Watch Your Surroundings – Pay attention to your surroundings as you move the furniture, especially if you're navigating stairs or tight spaces. Be mindful of door frames, walls, and other obstacles to avoid causing damage.
- Lower Safely – When you reach your desired location, lower the furniture gently and carefully to the ground. Again, use your leg muscles to lower it while keeping your back straight.
Cushions
Cushions serve as the heart of the furniture as they provide comfort and support for you. Here are our tips on caring for the cushions on your Charisma furniture.
Breaking In – It's completely normal for your furniture to feel firmer than it did in the store, as it has had time to settle. Typically, it takes a month or two for the seat cushions to soften. With some time and use, your furniture will tune itself to the prime level of comfort and softness you deserve.
- Move on it – A simple way to break in your seat cushions includes laying the cushions on the floor and lightly bouncing or walking on them in bare or socked feet. Make sure you flip them over halfway through to break in both sides. The goal is to activate all the comfort cells in the cushion by exercising them. Repeat this daily until you feel that your cushions are just right.
- Sit on it – While it may not be the quickest way to soften your cushions, this is the easiest option. Sitting on your furniture daily will eventually soften up the cushions as they get worn in. Flip the cushions weekly to ensure both sides are being worn in evenly.
- Stay consistent – New shoes do not get broken in by sitting in the closet – you need to wear them. The same can be said for breaking in cushions. Sitting on your furniture, or moving around on it, is the most effective way to break in any stiffness.
Shape - Over time, cushions will lose their shape and need to be adjusted routinely to keep them looking their best.
- Fluff your cushions to help them maintain their shape by distributing the filling evenly. This can be accomplished by shaking or punching the cushion to move the fibers where you need them to go.
- Rotate and/or flip your cushions to ensure even wear, especially if certain cushions are used more often than others.
Clean - Routinely vacuum the cushions with a soft brush attachment to remove dust, debris and pet hair. This helps to keep the fabric clean and prevent buildup of dust, which can lead to staining and odors.
Cleaning Codes
S - Use a mild, water-free dry cleaning solvent
W - Use a water-based or foam cleaning solvent
WS - Use either a water-based cleaning solvent, dry cleaning solvent or foam cleaner
X - Use a vacuum or brush lightly to remove soil