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How to Clean & Maintain Your Restaurant Furniture

Posted by Administrator on Sep 01, 2023

How to Clean & Maintain Your Restaurant Furniture

We know that purchasing restaurant furniture is an investment into the success of your business.  You want your business to last for years to come, and we want your commercial furniture to hold up for a long duration of that success.  That’s why we’ve put together some helpful hints on keeping your furniture clean and well maintained.  Open the full-sized graphic, or read our text version below.

  • Indoor furniture is built to be used in temperature and moisture controlled rooms, best in neutral conditions.  Avoid placement that is in direct sunlight, near radiators, or by direct heat sources.  Do not use indoor furniture outside.
    • Laminate Table Tops:
      • Use warm water and a mild detergent mixture to clean before and after each use
      • To remove stains, mix a mild cleaner with baking soda to form a paste;use a stiff nylon bristle brush to scrub affected area
      • To remove a more stubborn stain, acetone (nail polish remover) can be used to spot-clean; rinse and dry well (we recommend spot-testing first)
    • Resin  Table Tops:
      • Use warm water and a mild detergent mixture to clean before and after each use
      • To disguise scratches, try an all-purpose cleaner followed by a lemon furniture polish (we recommend spot-testing first)
    • Granite  Table Tops:
      • Use warm water and a mild detergent mixture to clean before and after each use
      • To remove stains, use hydrogen peroxide (we recommend spot-testing first)
      • To remove water stains, use vinegar (we recommend spot-testing first)
    • Fabric/Upholstery:
      • Most upholstered commercial furniture is protected with a Stain Guard product, but if not, you can apply after purchase
      • Vacuum with an upholstery attachment (for added protection, use a window or other screen in between the nozzle and the fabric)
      • Blot spills up with a dry towel
    • Wood Finish:
      • Dust regularly with a soft cloth and wipe with the grain
      • Choose a polish designed for the finish and do not switch product brands, as a change could cause a cloudy appearance
      • Coat with a hard paste wax every 3-4 months in the first year, less often after (paste wax will also help to disguise scratches)
      • Use a dry cloth to clean up spills immediately
      • To remove spots or burns, a quick dab of ammonia followed by wax may help (we recommend spot-testing first)
      • To remove water rings, apply paste wax and rub fine steel wool over the rings (we recommend spot-testing first)
    • Leather:
      • Dust with a barely dampened cloth and slightly warm, plain water
      • To remove dirt or stains, either use a real soap product (no wax or detergent) and water or use a mixture of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part water very sparingly applied to a cloth and rub the spoiled area (we recommend spot-testing first)
      • To remove grease, sprinkle some corn starch onto the spoiled area and let it sit for a few hours before gently dusting it off
      • For tufts, try dusting with a dry toothbrush
    • Metal Finish:
      • Wipe metal parts with a cloth dampened with plain water
      • To remove dirt, gently brush the surface with a soft-bristled brush
      • To remove grease or more stubborn stains, use a mild soap and water
  • Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements of Mother Nature.  Because outdoor furniture tends to be used less frequently than indoor, most warranties on outdoor furniture do not cover inside use of the furniture.  Store outdoor furniture inside during harsh winters or extreme weather.
    • Umbrella Shades:
      • Most commercial umbrella shades are treated with a Scotch Guard type product to reduce stains and prevent mildew, but if not, you can apply after purchase
      • Avoid dirt being embedded into the fabric by wiping off loose dirt regularly
      • Spot-clean with a soft-bristled brush, mild soap, and cold water as soon as a spill occurs to prevent staining
        (For most umbrella poles, mild soap and water will remove dirt.  For metal joints, a spray lubricant will increase lifetime of umbrella.  For wooden pole, a paste wax will restore its shine.)
    • Wrought Iron/Cast Iron:
      • Regularly dust dirt and debris from the surface
      • Spray off with a garden hose and dry completely with a towel when needed
      • To remove dirt, use a detergent mixed with water (a toothbrush will help in grooves and crevices) and be sure to dry completely
      • To remove rust marks, sand with a light sandpaper and use touch-up paint if needed
    • Polywood:
      • Polywood is strong enough to be power washed and with color throughout, nicks and scratches are hard to see
    • Aluminum/Stainless Steel:
      • Most commercial aluminum/steel is rust-proof, but if not, a paste wax will help protect the surfaces
      • Wash with mild soap and water
    • Teak:
      • Oil teak every year to prevent it from turning gray (baby oil will work fine!)
      • Sand water marks with a light sandpaper
    • Resin:
      • Spray off with a garden hose and let air dry
      • To remove scuffs, a gentle abrasive cleaner is best
      • To remove mildew, spray a mixture of 1 C bleach, 2 C detergent, and 1 gallon of water on and let sit 30 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge; rinse and let air dry

We invite you to pin our graphic to any tip boards you have for future reference.  We also welcome your suggestions for other cleaning solutions in the comment fields below.  Let us know if you have a question on how to properly clean and maintain a product not listed here.

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