CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

At Woodbuilt Furniture, we want our furniture to remain functional, comfortable and beautiful for as long as reasonably possible.

Furniture is made from a variety of materials, and each material may require different care. These Care & Maintenance Guidelines provide general recommendations for looking after Woodbuilt Furniture products.

Customers should also follow any product-specific care instructions supplied with their furniture or displayed on the applicable product page.

These guidelines must be read together with our Terms & Conditions, Shipping & Delivery Policy, Returns & Refund Policy, 24-Month Warranty Policy and Privacy Policy.

Nothing in these Care & Maintenance Guidelines is intended to exclude, restrict or waive any statutory consumer right under applicable South African law.

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1. GENERAL FURNITURE CARE

To help maintain your furniture:

• Use furniture for its intended purpose.
• Keep furniture in a reasonably clean and dry environment.
• Clean spills as soon as reasonably possible.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive moisture.
• Avoid excessive heat.
• Protect indoor furniture from prolonged or intense direct sunlight where appropriate.
• Avoid harsh or unsuitable chemical cleaning products.
• Do not drag heavy furniture across floors.
• Lift furniture carefully when moving it.
• Avoid placing excessive weight on furniture.
• Do not stand or jump on furniture not designed for that purpose.
• Follow product-specific assembly and care instructions.
• Periodically inspect fittings, screws and hardware where appropriate.

Different materials react differently to use, moisture, sunlight, heat and cleaning products. Always use a cleaning method appropriate for the particular material.

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2. SOLID WOOD AND TIMBER FURNITURE

Wood is a natural material and requires appropriate care.

For solid wood and timber furniture:

• Dust regularly using a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.
• Wipe in the direction of the timber grain where practical.
• Do not soak the timber.
• Wipe spills promptly.
• Avoid leaving standing water on wooden surfaces.
• Use coasters under beverages.
• Use placemats or heat-resistant mats under hot dishes.
• Avoid placing extremely hot objects directly onto timber.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach and abrasive cleaners.
• Avoid excessive or prolonged direct sunlight.
• Maintain a reasonably stable indoor environment where practical.

Always follow any product-specific instructions applicable to the particular timber finish.

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3. NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WOOD

Natural timber is unique.

Depending on the species and finish, natural characteristics may include:

• Grain variation;
• Knots;
• Colour variation;
• Texture variation;
• Natural markings;
• Differences between individual boards; and
• Gradual changes in appearance as the timber ages.

These characteristics are not automatically manufacturing defects.

Natural timber may respond to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Reasonable natural movement or variation may therefore occur.

A condition that appears abnormal or affects the reasonable functionality, quality or structural integrity of the furniture should be reported to Woodbuilt Furniture for assessment.

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4. WOOD VENEER FURNITURE

Wood veneer should be treated carefully.

We recommend:

• Dusting with a soft cloth.
• Cleaning with a lightly dampened cloth when necessary.
• Drying the surface after cleaning.
• Cleaning spills promptly.
• Using coasters and placemats.
• Avoiding excessive moisture.
• Avoiding abrasive cleaning products.
• Avoiding harsh chemicals.
• Protecting the surface from excessive heat.
• Avoiding prolonged direct sunlight where appropriate.

Do not soak veneer surfaces or allow water to remain around edges and joints.

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5. ENGINEERED WOOD, MDF AND SIMILAR MATERIALS

Products manufactured from engineered wood, MDF or related materials should be protected from excessive moisture.

For these products:

• Dust regularly.
• Use a soft, lightly dampened cloth for general cleaning.
• Dry the surface promptly.
• Clean spills as soon as reasonably possible.
• Do not saturate the material with water.
• Avoid steam cleaning unless specifically approved for the product.
• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
• Protect edges and joints from excessive moisture.
• Avoid excessive heat.

Moisture entering exposed edges or joints can cause swelling or deterioration.

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6. UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

Regular maintenance can help preserve upholstered furniture.

We recommend:

• Vacuuming gently using an appropriate upholstery attachment.
• Removing loose dust regularly.
• Rotating or repositioning removable cushions where appropriate.
• Cleaning spills promptly.
• Blotting rather than aggressively rubbing spills.
• Avoiding excessive moisture.
• Avoiding harsh household cleaning chemicals.
• Keeping sharp objects away from upholstery.
• Protecting upholstery from prolonged direct sunlight where practical.
• Following the cleaning instructions applicable to the specific fabric.

Before using a cleaning product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area where appropriate.

For difficult stains, professional upholstery cleaning may be preferable.

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7. FABRIC UPHOLSTERY

Fabric characteristics vary considerably.

Customers should follow any specific cleaning instructions supplied for the particular fabric.

As general guidance:

• Vacuum regularly using low suction where appropriate.
• Blot liquid spills promptly with a clean absorbent cloth.
• Do not aggressively scrub stains.
• Do not use bleach unless specifically approved for that fabric.
• Do not saturate the upholstery.
• Avoid excessive heat when drying.
• Avoid unsuitable stain removers.
• Protect the fabric from prolonged direct sunlight where practical.

Some fabrics may naturally develop minor changes in texture or appearance through ordinary use.

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8. BOUCLÉ FABRIC

Bouclé has a textured looped surface and should be treated gently.

We recommend:

• Using a soft upholstery brush or suitable vacuum attachment.
• Avoiding aggressive scrubbing.
• Blotting spills promptly.
• Keeping sharp objects away from the fabric.
• Avoiding pulling loose loops.
• Avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.
• Using professional upholstery cleaning for significant stains where appropriate.

If a loop becomes loose, do not pull it, as this may cause further damage.

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9. VELVET UPHOLSTERY

Velvet may naturally display shading or changes in pile direction.

For velvet:

• Use a soft upholstery brush or appropriate vacuum attachment.
• Brush gently in the direction of the pile where appropriate.
• Blot spills promptly.
• Do not aggressively rub wet velvet.
• Avoid excessive moisture.
• Keep away from harsh chemical cleaners.
• Protect from prolonged direct sunlight where practical.

Changes in shading caused by pile direction are not automatically defects.

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10. LEATHER FURNITURE

Leather is a natural material and may develop character over time.

To care for leather:

• Dust regularly with a soft cloth.
• Wipe spills promptly.
• Avoid soaking the leather.
• Keep leather away from excessive heat.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight where practical.
• Do not use bleach or harsh household chemicals.
• Use only leather-care products suitable for the particular type of leather.
• Avoid sharp objects that may scratch or puncture the surface.

Before applying any leather cleaner or conditioner, follow the product instructions and test it in an inconspicuous area where appropriate.

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11. NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LEATHER

Natural leather may display characteristics such as:

• Grain variation;
• Texture differences;
• Natural markings;
• Minor colour variation; and
• Changes in appearance through normal use and ageing.

These characteristics are not automatically manufacturing defects.

Actual defects in materials or workmanship remain subject to our Warranty Policy and applicable South African consumer law.

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12. FAUX LEATHER AND SYNTHETIC UPHOLSTERY

For faux leather and similar synthetic materials:

• Dust regularly.
• Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Dry after cleaning.
• Clean spills promptly.
• Avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners.
• Avoid harsh solvents.
• Protect from excessive heat.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight where practical.

Do not apply natural-leather conditioners unless the product manufacturer specifically recommends them for the synthetic material.

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13. RATTAN AND CANE FURNITURE

Rattan and cane should be handled carefully.

We recommend:

• Dusting regularly with a soft brush or cloth.
• Using a vacuum attachment gently where appropriate.
• Keeping indoor rattan away from excessive moisture.
• Cleaning spills promptly.
• Avoiding excessive weight or pressure on woven sections.
• Avoiding standing or kneeling on woven surfaces.
• Keeping away from excessive heat.
• Protecting indoor rattan from prolonged direct sunlight where practical.

Natural rattan and cane may contain reasonable variations in colour and texture.

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14. PAPER CORD FURNITURE

Paper cord seats and backs should be protected from excessive moisture.

To care for paper cord:

• Dust regularly.
• Use a soft brush or suitable vacuum attachment.
• Clean spills immediately by blotting.
• Avoid saturating the cord with water.
• Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals.
• Keep sharp objects away from the weave.
• Do not stand on paper-cord seats.
• Avoid excessive concentrated weight.

Natural variation in woven cord may occur.

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15. METAL FURNITURE AND COMPONENTS

For metal frames, legs and components:

• Dust regularly.
• Wipe using a soft cloth.
• Dry surfaces after cleaning.
• Clean spills promptly.
• Avoid abrasive pads.
• Avoid harsh or corrosive chemicals.
• Protect indoor metal furniture from prolonged moisture.
• Inspect fittings periodically where appropriate.

Minor surface changes through normal use are not automatically manufacturing defects.

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16. STAINLESS STEEL

To maintain stainless-steel surfaces:

• Use a soft cloth.
• Clean with a suitable mild cleaner where necessary.
• Wipe in the direction of the finish where appropriate.
• Dry after cleaning.
• Avoid abrasive pads or steel wool.
• Avoid harsh chlorine-based chemicals unless specifically approved for the surface.

Promptly cleaning spills can help maintain the finish.

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17. GLASS FURNITURE

Glass furniture should be handled carefully.

We recommend:

• Using a suitable glass cleaner.
• Using a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Avoiding abrasive pads.
• Avoiding striking the glass with hard objects.
• Avoiding excessive concentrated weight.
• Protecting the glass from sudden extreme temperature changes.
• Using coasters and placemats where appropriate.

Do not sit, stand or climb on glass surfaces unless the product is specifically designed for that purpose.

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18. MARBLE, STONE AND STONE-LOOK SURFACES

Natural stone may be porous and can react to acidic substances.

For natural stone:

• Clean spills promptly.
• Use a soft cloth.
• Use products suitable for the specific stone.
• Use coasters and placemats.
• Avoid harsh acidic cleaners.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning tools.
• Protect the surface from excessive impact.
• Follow any product-specific sealing or maintenance recommendations.

Natural stone can contain variation in colour, veining and pattern.

These variations are part of the character of natural stone and are not automatically defects.

Stone-look and manufactured surfaces may have different requirements, so product-specific instructions should be followed.

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19. DINING TABLES

Dining tables are exposed to regular heat, moisture and surface contact.

To help protect your dining table:

• Use placemats.
• Use coasters.
• Use heat-resistant mats under hot cookware or serving dishes.
• Clean spills promptly.
• Avoid cutting directly on the tabletop.
• Avoid dragging heavy or sharp objects across the surface.
• Do not sit or stand on the table.
• Use cleaning products suitable for the tabletop material.

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20. DINING CHAIRS

Dining chairs should be used as seating only.

We recommend:

• Avoiding standing on chairs.
• Avoiding rocking excessively on two legs.
• Checking screws and fittings periodically where appropriate.
• Cleaning according to the frame and upholstery material.
• Lifting chairs instead of dragging them where practical.
• Avoiding excessive weight beyond the reasonable intended use of the product.

Where a product has a stated weight capacity, customers should follow that specification.

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21. BAR STOOLS AND COUNTER STOOLS

For bar and counter stools:

• Use the stool on a stable, level surface.
• Do not stand on the seat.
• Avoid rocking the stool.
• Do not place excessive pressure on the backrest or footrest.
• Periodically check fittings where appropriate.
• Lift rather than drag the stool when moving it.
• Follow the cleaning instructions applicable to its materials.

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22. SOFAS AND ARMCHAIRS

For sofas and armchairs:

• Sit on designated seating areas.
• Avoid standing or jumping on the furniture.
• Rotate removable cushions where appropriate.
• Gently reshape loose cushions when necessary.
• Vacuum upholstery regularly.
• Clean spills promptly.
• Keep sharp objects away from upholstery.
• Do not place excessive concentrated weight on armrests.
• Follow fabric- or leather-specific care instructions.

Cushioning may gradually soften with normal use.

Reasonable softening or compression does not automatically indicate a manufacturing defect.

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23. BEDS AND BED FRAMES

To maintain beds and bed frames:

• Use the bed on a stable, level surface.
• Ensure all required support components are correctly installed.
• Follow supplied assembly instructions.
• Periodically check fittings where appropriate.
• Do not jump on the bed.
• Avoid excessive concentrated weight.
• Do not drag an assembled bed when moving it.
• Lift and reposition carefully.

Where a mattress is included, mattress-specific care instructions should also be followed.

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24. MATTRESS CARE

Where Woodbuilt Furniture supplies a mattress:

• Use the mattress on an appropriate supportive base.
• Use a suitable mattress protector where recommended.
• Keep the mattress dry.
• Clean spills promptly in accordance with the mattress instructions.
• Rotate the mattress where recommended for that model.
• Do not fold a mattress unless it is specifically designed to be folded.
• Avoid jumping or standing on the mattress.
• Follow any product-specific mattress care instructions.

Normal settling of mattress materials may occur through use and is not automatically a defect.

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25. BABY AND CHILDREN’S FURNITURE

Baby and children’s furniture should always be used in accordance with the intended purpose and supplied instructions.

Customers should:

• Follow all assembly instructions carefully.
• Ensure fittings are secure.
• Periodically inspect screws, bolts and hardware.
• Stop using the product if a structural component becomes damaged or unstable.
• Use age-appropriate configurations.
• Follow stated mattress or product-size requirements.
• Keep furniture away from hazards where appropriate.
• Never make unauthorised structural modifications.

Where a product includes adjustable positions or removable components, use only configurations intended for that product.

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26. OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Where a product is specifically sold as outdoor furniture, follow the care instructions applicable to its materials.

General recommendations include:

• Cleaning dirt and spills regularly.
• Using appropriate outdoor furniture covers where recommended.
• Protecting furniture during severe weather where practical.
• Avoiding prolonged standing water.
• Allowing wet cushions to dry thoroughly.
• Storing removable cushions in a dry location when not in use for extended periods where appropriate.

Indoor furniture should not be used outdoors unless Woodbuilt Furniture specifically states that the product is suitable for outdoor use.

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27. DIRECT SUNLIGHT

Prolonged direct sunlight can affect many furniture materials.

Depending on the material, excessive exposure may contribute to:

• Fading;
• Discolouration;
• Drying;
• Material deterioration; or
• Uneven colour changes.

Where practical, customers should position indoor furniture away from prolonged intense direct sunlight or use appropriate window coverings.

Natural changes caused by ordinary ageing should be distinguished from premature product failure caused by a qualifying defect.

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28. MOISTURE AND WATER

Unless specifically designed for wet environments, furniture should not be exposed to excessive moisture or standing water.

Excessive moisture may cause:

• Timber movement;
• Swelling;
• Staining;
• Mould;
• Corrosion;
• Veneer damage; or
• Upholstery deterioration.

Clean spills promptly and allow affected surfaces to dry appropriately.

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29. HEAT

Furniture should be protected from excessive heat.

Do not place furniture immediately next to excessive heat sources where this could damage the material.

Use suitable heat-resistant mats under hot cookware, serving dishes or similar objects.

Never place hot cookware directly onto a furniture surface unless the product is specifically designed for that purpose.

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30. CLEANING PRODUCTS

Always select cleaning products suitable for the material being cleaned.

Avoid using products containing harsh chemicals, bleach, strong solvents or abrasive ingredients unless the furniture manufacturer specifically recommends them.

Where appropriate, test a cleaning product on a small inconspicuous area before treating the entire surface.

Woodbuilt Furniture cannot guarantee the compatibility of third-party cleaning products with every furniture material.

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31. SPILLS AND STAINS

When a spill occurs:

1. Attend to it as soon as reasonably possible.
2. Blot liquid rather than spreading it.
3. Use a clean, absorbent cloth.
4. Follow the cleaning instructions appropriate to the material.
5. Avoid excessive water.
6. Allow the area to dry naturally where appropriate.

Do not aggressively scrub delicate upholstery or natural materials.

For significant or difficult stains, consider an appropriately qualified professional cleaner.

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32. MOVING FURNITURE

When moving furniture:

• Remove loose items first.
• Empty drawers or shelves where practical.
• Lift rather than drag furniture.
• Use sufficient assistance for heavy items.
• Protect floors and furniture surfaces.
• Do not lift furniture using fragile components.
• Disassemble furniture where the product instructions require this before relocation.

Damage caused during transportation or relocation after the original delivery may not constitute a manufacturing defect.

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33. ASSEMBLY AND FITTINGS

Where customer assembly is required:

• Follow the supplied instructions.
• Use the correct components.
• Do not force fittings.
• Do not substitute structural hardware without appropriate guidance.
• Ensure components are correctly aligned.
• Periodically check fittings where appropriate.

If assembly is provided by Woodbuilt Furniture as part of the purchased service, customers should allow the authorised team to complete the assembly.

Damage directly caused by incorrect customer or unauthorised third-party assembly may affect a commercial warranty claim where the incorrect assembly caused or materially contributed to the damage.

This does not affect statutory rights relating to defective goods or defective assembly instructions.

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34. PETS

Pet claws, chewing, scratching, staining and other pet-related damage can affect furniture.

Where practical:

• Keep claws away from upholstery.
• Clean pet-related spills promptly.
• Avoid allowing pets to chew furniture components.
• Use appropriate protective coverings if required.

Pet-related accidental damage is not ordinarily considered a manufacturing defect.

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35. COMMERCIAL USE

Unless a product is specifically described as suitable for commercial use, Woodbuilt Furniture products may be designed primarily for normal household use.

Furniture used in restaurants, offices, accommodation establishments, rental properties or other high-use environments may experience different levels of wear.

Customers purchasing furniture for commercial use should confirm product suitability before ordering where this is important to the intended application.

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36. NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR

Furniture naturally changes through normal use.

Depending on the product, normal wear may include reasonable:

• Cushion softening;
• Foam compression;
• Fabric movement;
• Minor surface marks;
• Changes to commonly touched areas;
• Natural timber ageing;
• Leather ageing; or
• Other gradual changes associated with normal use.

Normal wear and tear is not ordinarily considered a manufacturing defect.

However, an issue should not automatically be classified as normal wear and tear where there may be a genuine premature manufacturing or material failure.

Such concerns may be submitted to Woodbuilt Furniture for assessment.

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37. CARE AND THE 24-MONTH WARRANTY

Woodbuilt Furniture provides a 24-month commercial warranty on qualifying products in accordance with our Warranty Policy.

Following reasonable care instructions can help protect the condition and longevity of furniture.

Failure to follow these guidelines does not automatically cancel the entire warranty.

A commercial warranty claim may be affected where misuse, incorrect maintenance, unsuitable cleaning, unauthorised modification, incorrect assembly or another excluded cause reasonably caused or materially contributed to the damage being claimed.

Manufacturing, material and workmanship defects remain subject to our Warranty Policy and applicable South African consumer law.

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38. CARE GUIDELINES DO NOT REMOVE CONSUMER RIGHTS

These Care & Maintenance Guidelines are intended to help customers care for their furniture.

They are not intended to:

• Remove statutory warranty rights;
• Prevent a customer from reporting a defect;
• Prevent an eligible return;
• Automatically classify a defect as customer damage; or
• Exclude rights available under the Consumer Protection Act or other applicable South African legislation.

Where a customer believes a product is defective, Woodbuilt Furniture will assess the claim in accordance with our Warranty Policy, Returns & Refund Policy and applicable law.

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39. REPORTING A POSSIBLE DEFECT

If you believe your furniture has developed a defect, contact Woodbuilt Furniture using the official contact information published on our website.

Where reasonably possible, provide:

• Your full name;
• Order or invoice number;
• Product name;
• Description of the problem;
• Photographs of the affected area; and
• Video evidence where reasonably necessary for a functional issue.

Do not continue using furniture where doing so would be unsafe or likely to cause additional damage.

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40. RETURNS AND REFUNDS

Care and maintenance requirements do not replace the Woodbuilt Furniture Returns & Refund Policy.

For clarity:

Eligible change-of-mind return requests: Within 7 calendar days after delivery.

Approved refund processing: 1–7 working days after approval and completion of applicable return or assessment requirements.

Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and South African public holidays.

Defective, damaged, unsafe or incorrectly supplied products may be subject to additional statutory rights under applicable South African consumer law.

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41. DELIVERY AND PRODUCT INSPECTION

Our standard delivery arrangements remain:

Handling: 0–5 working days
Delivery: 1–14 working days after handling
Delivery days: Monday to Friday
Saturday deliveries: No
Sunday deliveries: No
South African public holiday deliveries: No
Delivery coverage: Nationwide throughout South Africa
Delivery service: In-house Woodbuilt Furniture delivery trucks

Customers should inspect their furniture as soon as reasonably possible after delivery and report visible delivery damage or incorrect goods as soon as reasonably possible.

Signing a delivery document does not remove statutory consumer rights.

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42. PRODUCT-SPECIFIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Certain products may require care instructions different from or additional to these general guidelines.

Where Woodbuilt Furniture provides product-specific instructions, customers should follow those instructions for the applicable product.

Product-specific instructions may relate to:

• Material composition;
• Cleaning method;
• Outdoor suitability;
• Mattress rotation;
• Upholstery cleaning codes;
• Timber finishes;
• Weight limitations; or
• Other product-specific requirements.

Any material care limitation that customers reasonably need to know before purchasing should be communicated clearly where appropriate.

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43. ACCURATE PRODUCT INFORMATION

Woodbuilt Furniture aims to describe the materials and intended use of its furniture accurately.

Care recommendations should correspond with the actual materials used in the product.

For example, products should not be represented as solid wood, genuine leather, outdoor furniture or another particular material or category unless that description accurately reflects the product being sold.

Where a product contains multiple materials, the applicable care recommendations should be followed for each material.

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44. CONTACT WOODBUILT FURNITURE

Customers who need assistance with product care, maintenance or a suspected defect should contact Woodbuilt Furniture using the official contact information displayed on our website.

Where contacting us about an existing purchase, please include your order or invoice number wherever possible.

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45. CONSISTENCY WITH OUR OTHER POLICIES

These Care & Maintenance Guidelines form part of the Woodbuilt Furniture customer-policy framework and should be read together with our:

• Terms & Conditions
• Shipping & Delivery Policy
• Returns & Refund Policy
• 24-Month Warranty Policy
• Privacy Policy

For clarity, the principal terms currently reflected across our customer policies are:

Handling: 0–5 working days
Delivery: 1–14 working days after handling
Change-of-mind return request: Within 7 calendar days after delivery
Approved refund processing: 1–7 working days
Woodbuilt commercial warranty: 24 months from delivery
Working days: Monday to Friday, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and South African public holidays
Delivery coverage: Nationwide throughout South Africa
Standard furniture delivery: Woodbuilt Furniture’s in-house delivery service using Woodbuilt Furniture trucks

These Care & Maintenance Guidelines do not change those terms.

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46. CHANGES TO THESE GUIDELINES

Woodbuilt Furniture may update these Care & Maintenance Guidelines to reflect:

• Changes in products;
• New materials;
• Updated care recommendations;
• Changes in manufacturing;
• Changes in legislation; or
• Improvements to our customer information.

The latest version will be published on the Woodbuilt Furniture website.

Updates will not retrospectively remove statutory rights or commercial warranty rights that have already accrued to customers.

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47. APPLICABLE SOUTH AFRICAN LAW

These guidelines must be interpreted together with applicable laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, where applicable.

Nothing in these guidelines is intended to exclude, restrict or waive any consumer right that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Where these guidelines conflict with a mandatory statutory consumer protection, the applicable legislation will prevail.

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Woodbuilt Furniture is committed to providing customers with clear and accurate product information, practical furniture-care guidance and fair warranty support in accordance with our published policies and applicable South African consumer law.