Caring for your product

🧽 Caring for Your Furniture — Direct Furniture Outlet (DFO) Style

Look, we’re not saying your furniture’s high-maintenance… but a little TLC goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your new gear looking fresh, fabulous, and ready for compliments.

🛋️ Leather – Keep It Lush

  • Dust Happens – Quick vacuum or soft brush keeps things clean.

  • Wipe Me Down – Use a soft, dye-fast cloth. No kitchen rags, please.

  • Spills? Act Fast! – Dab, don’t drown. Grab a cloth or sponge and blot like your social life depends on it.

  • Quarterly Clean-Up – Every 3–4 months, treat it with leather cleaner + protector. Follow the label like it’s gospel.

Heads Up:

  • Armrests and headrests get a sweaty workout — clean more often if you’re a lounger.

  • Leather can stretch. Don’t panic. It’s not broken. It’s just chillin’.

  • Tugging cushions = tears = tears (yours).

  • Rotate seats like musical chairs. Helps cushions stay shapely.

  • Pets on leather? That’s a hard no. Nails and drool aren’t sexy.

Never Ever:

  • Sunbake your leather.

  • Chuck it in the wash or dry clean.

  • Use saddle soap, solvents, abrasives or Uncle Dave’s “miracle cleaner”.

🪑 Fabric – Fluff It, Don’t Fight It

Everyday Love:

  • Keep outta the sun (faded = sad).

  • Vacuum with low suction. High suction = couch facelift.

  • Flip those cushions regularly – equal wear = equal flair.

Cleaning Commandments:

  • Do NOT remove cushion covers. Zips are for looks, not laundry.

  • No washing machines, dry cleaners, or carpet shampoo heroes.

  • Hot water extraction = yes. Get the pros in if you're unsure.

  • Use only upholstery-safe products. No dish soap or laundry liquids.

  • Keep the filling dry. Damp foam = yuck.

  • Dry in the shade, away from heaters or Hawke’s Bay scorchers.

Spot Drama?

  • Don’t rub it like you’re scrubbing a pan.

  • Blot gently. Scrape solids. Use proper fabric cleaner. Never soak.

  • Let it dry completely before flopping back down.

FYI:

  • Pilling? Totally normal. A battery-powered de-piller from Spotlight will sort that faster than a TikTok scroll.

  • Caused by clothes, friction, or just life. Don’t stress.

🌿 Outdoor Furniture – It’s Tough, But Not Invincible

Cushions:

  • UV rays = fade city. Bring them in when not in use.

Timbers:

  • Weather wears them down. Oil regularly. Ask us what to use!

  • Cracks? Totally normal — character, not chaos.

Wicker:

  • Vacuum, dust, and leave the weave alone.

  • Sun + rain = fading. Keep them undercover if possible.

🌳 Timber – Nature’s Beauty, Handle with Care

Each piece is unique, like your nan’s pav recipe. Knots, grains — all good!

Timber TLC:

  • Dust with a damp, lint-free cloth (aka not your sock).

  • Use coasters and hot plates, not your gut instincts.

  • No plastic placemats — they can leave weird chemical burns.

  • Wipe spills pronto and keep harsh chemicals far, far away.

🪞 Glass – Shiny, Fragile, Fabulous

Golden Rules:

  • No sitting, standing, or breakdancing on glass tops.

  • No using it as a chopping board or stress relief target.

  • Clean with mild soap and a damp cloth. Abrasives are a no-go.

  • Hot or cold items? Use mats. Glass doesn’t like surprises.

  • Chipped or cracked? Don’t risk it — contact us.

🛡️ DFO 5-Year Fabric Protection Warranty

(in partnership with Guardsman – they’re the real deal)

Want to live spill-free without bubble-wrapping your sofa? This one’s for you.

What’s Covered:

  • Accidental stains: Food, drink, bodily fluids (ew), pens, nail polish, makeup, even fake tan!

  • Accidental damage: Cuts, rips, burns, and all the “oops” moments.

  • Unlimited genuine accident claims up to the purchase price for 5 years. Yes, really.

What You Get:

  • Fabric Protector + 2 levels of fabric cleaners

  • Cloths, sponges, and how-to guides

  • Free stain-removal advice hotline

  • Free in-home tech visits if needed

  • Peace of mind (not available in stores)

If They Can’t Fix It:
Cushion replacement, fabric recovering or full swap out. No mucking around.

Safety Check:

  • Kid-friendly

  • Pet-safe

  • Planet-approved
    (Not for silk though – your fancy pants need their own rules.)

📝 Claim Process (AKA Help! My Kid Spilled Smoothie on the Sofa)

  1. Contact Guardsman within 5 business days.

  2. Tell them what happened.

  3. Provide your DFO receipt and warranty info.

  4. Sit back and relax while they sort it.

🔹 NZ Line: 0800 442 343
🔹 Website: www.guardsmanaustralia.com
🔹 Email: info@guardsmanaustralia.com

🚫 What’s Not Covered

Just to be clear — this is not a general cleaning contract.

  • Manufacturing defects (talk to us instead!)

  • Wear from normal use

  • Commercial use

  • Improper DIY cleaning

  • Being silly with solvents

💬 Final Word from DFO

We sell epic furniture. You use it like a legend. With a bit of care (and the right warranty), your setup will stay looking showroom-fresh long after the boxes are unpacked.

Want this turned into a downloadable care sheet or a cheeky in-store poster? Just holler.