Care + Maintenance

Here’s a guide on materials used across Muted Rooms’ Curated Collection, how to clean them, and what to avoid.

 

Stainless Steel

Care

• Stainless steel tableware and decor may arrive with black smudges or granules. These are residuals from polishing.
• Remove these residuals by firmly wiping them with an oiled cloth (baby oil does the trick).
• We recommend that the stainless steel tableware and decor are cleaned immediately after use, using mild soapy water and a brush with soft bristles or a sponge.
• Especially food with a high acid content (e.g. citrus fruits, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, oil and vinegar dressings, spinach, and rhubarb) should be removed as it may damage and stain the surface.
• Dust regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
• Do not microwave.

Cleaning

• Stainless steel is dishwasher safe, however, we do not recommend it. The dishwasher may scratch the pieces- while the detergent and unwiped water may also leave marks or residue on the surface.
• Do not leave cutlery dirty or to soak overnight, as this can cause discoloration.
• Avoid leaving wet after washing.
• Stubborn stains may be removed carefully using steel polish.
• Please note that steel polish may have an abrasive effect, especially on surfaces with a chrome/mirror finish.
• When polishing steel with a hairline finish, please remember to follow the polishing lines, to maintain the finish.
• The best way to remove candle wax from candleholders is by rinsing in very hot water and wiping dry, using a soft dry cloth. 

 

Aluminum

Care

• Aluminum pieces may arrive with black smudges or granules. These are residuals from polishing.
• Remove these residuals by firmly wiping them with an oiled cloth (baby oil does the trick)
• Dust regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
• Do not microwave.

Cleaning

• Aluminum products are not dishwasher safe.
• For daily cleaning and maintenance, we recommend using warm water and mild liquid soap. Use only brushes with soft bristles or a soft sponge.
• Please note that due to aluminum’s conductive qualities, the product may become very hot when cleaned with hot/boiling water.  
• The best way to remove candle wax from candleholders is by rinsing in very hot water and wiping dry, using a soft dry cloth.

  

Plated/Coated Objects

Care

• Metal-plated objects may arrive with black smudges or granules. These are residuals from polishing.
• Remove these residuals by firmly wiping them with an oiled cloth (baby oil does the trick).
• Keep rough and sharp objects away from plated/coated surface.
• Please note that glass/porcelain cannot withstand boiling water as it may crack.
• Although our plated tableware will have a non-plated surface that is safer for eating, take extra care in gently removing food that has come in contact with the plating to avoid damage or chipping.
• Especially food with a high acid content (e.g. citrus fruits, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, oil and vinegar dressings, spinach, and rhubarb) should be removed as it may damage and stain the surface.
• Dust regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
• Do not microwave.

 

Cleaning

• All plain (non-plated, non-coated) glass objects are dishwasher safe, however, handwashing using mild liquid soap is recommended.
• If a dishwasher is used, make sure this is clean and not overfilled. Balance rinse aid depending on water in your local area and ideally wash glasses on a different, low-temperature cycle to pots.
• Limescale deposits and corrosion may appear on glasses if the dishwasher is not used correctly.
• Avoid abrasive solvents, scrubber sponges, and kitchen cleaners.

 

Glass

Care

• Dust regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
• Please note that glasses cannot withstand boiling water as it may crack.

Cleaning

• All non-plated, non-coated glass objects are dishwasher safe, however, handwashing using mild liquid soap is recommended.
• If a dishwasher is used, make sure this is clean and not overfilled. Balance rinse aid and salt depending on water in your local area and ideally wash glasses on a different, low-temperature cycle to pots.
• Limescale deposits and corrosion may appear on glasses if the dishwasher is not used correctly.
• Avoid abrasive solvents, scrubber sponges, and kitchen cleaners.

 

Plastic

Care

• Dust regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
• Keep rough and sharp objects away from surfaces to avoid scratches.

Cleaning

• Wash surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
• Avoid abrasive solvents, scrubbers, and kitchen cleaners.
• Avoid washing in the dishwasher as even a low-temperature cycle can melt and warp plastic materials.

 

Wood

Care

• Avoid exposing wood to direct heat and sunlight.
• Maintain consistent humidity in the space to prevent excessive expansion and contraction of wooden pieces and joints.
• Wipe up spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
• Use coasters for drinks to prevent moisture from contacting surfaces.
• Use trivets for hot pans and dishes to prevent damage to finishes and underlying wood.
• Keep rough and sharp objects away from wood surfaces.
• Apply protective pads to the undersides of items being displayed on wood surfaces, including those with rubber feet or bumpers.

Cleaning

• Dust wood frequently with a soft, slightly damp lint-free cloth, and then wipe dry.
• Avoid using abrasives, harsh chemicals and aerosol-powered cleaners on finishes and veneers.
• Use waxes and oils as recommended with each product to maintain moisture and provide a protective coating. Apply these products only to the piece’s wood and veneer parts, always testing first on an inconspicuous spot.
• Maintain oiled veneers by very lightly brushing wood areas in the direction of the grain with a fine Scotchbrite pad, which will open the wood’s pores and remove fingerprints and dirt. Follow with oil as recommended, wiping off excess with a soft, dry cotton cloth and smoothing in the direction of the grain.
• Repair minor stains, scratches, and water rings by rubbing the surface lightly in the direction of the wood grain with No. 000 steel wool, and then applying a scratch-removing polish with a color and value that simulates the veneer.
• If surface scratches are deep, consult a professional wood refinisher.

 

Marble

Care

• Wipe up spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
• Avoid alkaline or acidic liquids, as they can break down the protective sealant on marble surfaces.
• Apply protective pads to the undersides of items being displayed on the stone surfaces.

Cleaning

• Remove surface stains with a product such as StoneTech Stone & Tile Cleaner by Laticrete. Follow the directions on the container, including spraying directly on the soiled area and wiping it with a clean, dry cloth.
• Avoid ammonia, bleach and highly alkaline or acidic cleaners.

  

Leathers/Pleathers/Suede

Care

• Vacuum leather regularly with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and dirt.
• Brush gently with a dry cloth, going with the grain.
• Place leather out of direct sunlight to help prevent fading and cracking.
• Regularly remove the zippered casings from seat and back cushions to fluff and rotate the cushion inside— This ensures even wear and extends the cushions’ lives.

Cleaning

• Refresh fabrics- including suede- by gently running over them with a lint brush or soft brush.
• Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry white cloth. Always blot from the outer edges inward to reduce the chance of a stain ring.
• Blot stains with clear, cool water. Avoid hot water, which can set a stain.
• Take special care not to rub when cleaning spills and stains, as it can ruin the material’s soft nap.
• If the stain is oil- or water-based, blot the area again with a clean white cloth, repeating as necessary.
• Remove gum and wax by placing a small plastic bag of ice on it, waiting for the material to harden, and then gently chipping it away. Repeat as necessary and blot any residual stain with a clean, damp white cloth.
• Brush pile fabrics lightly with a stiff bristle brush to remove minor stains and regain original appearance. Do not rub or use excessive force when brushing.
• Do not use cleaning solvents of any kind.
• Do not let water saturate the fabric or pool in its seams.