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cloth and rub the mark, going with the grain. Wipe dry and polish if
needed.
■ Heat Marks. To minimize the appearance of heat marks, rub
the wood very gently, going with the grain, with a dry, extra-fine
(0000-gauge) steel wool pad (available at most hardware stores),
and wipe it clean with a soft, clean cloth.
■ Spills and Stains. As careful as you may be, accidents do happen.
Some spills may be blotted up quickly and easily; others may
penetrate the wood in seconds. For most spills, quick action can
reduce the likelihood of damage. Here is a guide to immediate care
of spills and stains:
■
Food Stains. Many foods—such as butter, mayonnaise,
ketchup, and a variety of juices and acidic liquids—can leave a
slight penetrating stain. Artificial coloring found in foods can
also leave a stain. Wipe up these spills immediately with a soft,
clean cloth.
■
Candle Wax or Gum. Harden fresh candle wax drippings with
an ice cube wrapped in plastic, and then gently pop up the wax
with a nonstick spatula or the edge of a credit card. Remove
any residue with furniture cleaner and allow the surface to dry.
■
Alcohol. Many liquids containing alcohol—cocktails, colognes,
medicines, and other household fluids—will dissolve finishes on
contact. If damage results, seek the help of a furniture repair
specialist.
■
Paint. Water-based paints should be wiped up immediately
with a clean, damp cloth. Oil-based paint should be allowed to
dry and then gently pushed off the surface with a nonstick
spatula or the edge of a credit card.
■
Nail Polish and Nail Polish Remover. These are dangerous
solvents. If a spill occurs, do not rub or wipe it; blot immediately
and let the surface dry. If damage has occurred, seek the help
of a furniture repair specialist.
Leveling
Our furniture is constructed to sit in a level position—all doors and
drawers are evenly aligned when the furniture leaves the factory. Most
homes, though, have floor-level variations—caused by age, type of
construction, carpeting, etc.—that may result in misalignment of your
furniture. Over time, you may find it necessary to adjust the levelers if
doors or drawers become uneven. This often happens when you place
heavy objects, such as televisions or computer equipment, in or on
your furniture and when your furniture settles into your carpeting.
Moving your furniture will also often require leveling adjustments.
4
cotton) cloth, if necessary, to remove any moisture from the surface.
When cleaning tops with scored surfaces, be sure to carefully
remove all moisture from the grooves to prevent possible damage
to the finish.
■ Vacuum. Gently vacuum rush seats, rattan, and woven surfaces with
a soft-bristle brush attachment.
■ Clean. Use a soft white cloth that has been dampened with a
solution of mild soap and water. Wipe the surface again with a soft
cloth dampened only with water to remove all soap residue, and use
a soft, dry cotton cloth to completely remove all moisture. Each of
our finishes has its own sheen or gloss level; we do not recommend
the use of polishes that will change or damage the appearance of
any item's finish.
■ Drawer front care. (Note: this does not apply to items with metal
drawer slides.) During humid weather, if wood drawer fronts swell
and become difficult to open and close, rub uncolored, unscented
candle wax on the wooden drawer slides and bottom runners. If the
humidity remains high over a long period of time, consider using a
dehumidifier in the room. When the air becomes drier, the drawers
will naturally stop sticking.
Minor Touch-Ups and Repair
Minor damage to wood furniture can be repaired with the right
materials and attention to detail. Although some repairs are simple,
please do not hesitate to contact a professional for even minor
repairs.
Note: These are suggested methods. Your results may vary. Always
test your remedy on an inconspicuous area to make sure it does not
damage the finish.
■ Scratches and Nicks. When a minor
scratch or nick exposes the natural
wood underneath, you can use an
Ethan Allen Touch-Up Marker to color
in the area so that it is less noticeable.
These felt-tip markers are ideal for
touching up minor surface scratches
and worn edges. Ethan Allen offers a
selection of markers, ranging from light brown to extra dark brown,
designed to blend with most of our wood finish colors. Check with
an Ethan Allen design consultant or our service department for the
appropriate marker for your items. If the scratch or dent penetrates
into the surface, seek the help of a furniture repair specialist.
■ Water Marks. Water marks will often dissipate over time. If after a
month, the mark is still there, apply a little salad oil to a clean, white