At MD Business Interiors, we understand that office furniture is an important, sizeable investment for any business. Office furniture and fixtures are an integral part of any workplace and they should be well taken care of and maintained regularly so there is no need to replace them for years to come. Below we have listed some helpful tips and advice on how to maintain and take care of your office furniture.
DESKS & STORAGE CARE & MAINTENANCE
Melamine finished surfaces
Melamine desking ranges and storage products are manufactured in the UK and abroad and are available in numerous wood finishes including beech, maple, oak, walnut and white – to suit all styles and personal preferences.
All our melamine (MFC) products are very durable and resilient to staining and abrasion from dirt associated with light industrial or normal office environments. Melamine finished surfaces are heat and stain resistant, but care should still be taken when placing hot drinks on the work tops.
Regular dusting should help keep work surfaces in perfect condition. When necessary, surfaces can easily be cleaned with a damp, non-abrasive cloth and a mild soap or detergent, before immediately buffing dry with a different clean, non-abrasive cloth.
Do not use abrasive cleaning fluids, furniture polish or scouring pads to clean stubborn marks as these may affect the colour and finish of the melamine surface. In extreme circumstances a mild alcohol product can be used, however this must be followed by a cleaning cloth soaked in water to ensure no alcohol residue is present afterwards.
Real wood surfaces
Wood is a naturally occurring product and part of its unique characteristic and beauty is that no two pieces can be the same. The depth and shade of colours and grain pattern vary from item to item. Protect real wood products from prolonged exposure to sunlight, and as with all furniture, never place directly up against radiators or heaters.
Day to day care of real wood surfaces can be achieved from gently dusting the furniture and polish with a soft, lint free buffing cloth to maintain its appearance. In extreme cases, surfaces can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth and a mild soap or detergent, but must be followed by a thorough drying of the unit, again with a lint free buffing cloth. We would always recommend using coasters to avoid tea and coffee stains as these can be difficult to remove later.
Steel storage
Steel storage products are protected with powder coated paint which helps protect the steel from damage, and although very durable, every effort should be made to protect this layer.
Regular dusting should keep the powder coating free from dirt and help stop scratching. However, liquids can discolour and stain the paint if left untreated. We recommend regular cleaning with a damp, non-abrasive cloth and warm soapy water, and then ensure the metalwork is dry afterwards by buffing with a dry, non-abrasive cloth.
SEATING CARE & MAINTENANCE
Leather products
Leather managers and visitors chairs come top of the list as they require careful maintenance. It is perfectly normal for certain areas of leather to show signs of creasing and stretching, however leather chairs should not be exposed to direct sunlight or placed against a heating source as this will accelerate the natural ongoing discolouration process.
Dust should be removed by vacuuming and wiping with a slightly damp cloth, using a solution of warm water and mild soap. Don’t use an abrasive cloth or an alcohol-based cleaning product. You must only clean with products which are specifically designed for cleaning leather surfaces.
Fabric products
Upholstered furniture can get dusty and dirty and should be viewed in a similar way to clothing, i.e. it needs regular cleaning. If snags appear, carefully cut off the loose ends with scissors or tuck them back in, and never pull them under any circumstances.
Upholstery can be lightly vacuumed or gently brushed to remove dirt and dust, but do not use detergents. If you spill something on the upholstery, act quickly and mop up the excess liquid with a clean white cloth. With stubborn stains, use a specialist fabric cleaning product (in accordance with the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions) before soiling becomes ingrained.
HINTS &TIPS
Employees should practice a clean desk policy in the office. A clean desk is important as it avoids accumulation of dust, and the use of a desk pad and a mouse mat will prevent scratches and abrasions on the surface of an office desk. Employees should also avoid eating on their desks as food stains can be difficult to remove.
Providing employees with wooden or steel storage units such as filing cabinets, bookcases or cupboards will make the workplace look clean if there is no clutter, however avoid over loading cupboard shelves with heavy items.
When moving furniture, always lift the unit as opposed to dragging or pushing. Dragging the furniture will cause legs to separate from the tops of desks and can cause bookcases and cupboards to become unstable. Always seek assistance when moving furniture as it can be extremely heavy.
Finally, employees must report a defect. If employees hear any strange sounds coming from the chair while sitting, or any loose screws or a movement in the joints of desks then this should be reported to the maintenance team for fixing. Defects must be reported for safety as not only does this help prolong the furniture life, it also prevents accidents from happening.