Product Care

Lily Koo’s highly skilled craftsmen meticulously hand carve and apply stains, metal leaf and lacquer finishes to accentuate the beauty of the wood and carving details. Slight variations in carved details, finish tones, and dimensions are traits inherent to hand crafted furnishings adding uniqueness to each piece. The beauty of natural wood lies in its variations of color, shade, and grain. For this reason, pairs or multiples of items are best ordered together allowing our craftsmen to select complimentary wood grains and to focus on carving and finish consistency. Thoughtful placement of your furnishings is the first and most important step in protecting your investment. Consider the following suggestions as you select where to showcase your items: Avoid placing furniture against exterior walls – Placing furniture where it can touch external walls may create moisture build up.

• Avoid sources of high heat – Placing furniture too close to heaters, radiators, and fireplaces may increase the risk of scorching, discoloration of the wood, or cracking.
• Avoid direct sunlight – Furniture will bleach if placed in direct sunlight. Items displayed on tables, cabinets and other wood surfaces should be moved at regular intervals to avoid spot bleaching.
• Protect surfaces from sharp objects – Belt buckles, rings, vases and the claws of pets may scar or tear upholstery and scratch wooden surfaces. Always lift objects as opposed to sliding them across a surface.
• Protect surfaces from plastic or rubber – Many items you might place on your finished items have plastic feet or a plasticizing compound base that may discolor or soften lacquer finishes. Use non-adhesive felt pads under these items to protect the surface.
• Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations – Drastic changes in room temperature may cause warping or cracking.

Caring for Wood and Lacquer Finishes:

Regular light dusting of wood furnishings with a soft, clean cloth following the wood’s grain is recommended. Oily polishes, lemon oil, and silicone waxes should not be used as they attract dust which may lead to fine scratches in the finish. If a surface needs more attention, wipe the surface following the wood’s grain with a moist microfiber cloth and use a second cloth to gently dry the area immediately. If needed, apply a high-quality paste wax to the cleaned surface following the manufacturer’s instructions closely. One example of a suitable paste wax is Minwax Paste Finishing Wax. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Below is a list of common mishaps and suggested actions. In many cases, a professional furniture repair technician will be your best recourse.

• Water spills on wood surfaces: Blot up the spill immediately. Do not wipe. Allow the area to dry.
• Water spills on lacquer surfaces: Blot up the spill immediately. If the water caused a white mark, heat the area with a hair dryer and apply Endust while the surface is warm. Apply a high-quality paste wax if needed.
• Perfume or nail polish remover: These chemicals will soften wood finishes. Do not blot or wipe the area. Allow the spill to dry and evaluate any damage. Rubbing the area with a fine automotive polishing compound and applying a fresh coat of a high-quality paste wax may resolve minor issues however a call to a repair professional may be the best choice.
• Candle wax: Cool the candle wax with an ice cube. Blot up water from the ice. Remove the wax being careful not to touch the wood. Apply a high-quality paste wax if needed.

Caring for Gold and Silver Leaf Finishes:

Gold and silver leaf are hand applied finishes. Leaf sheets are tissue paper thin foil sheets that are individually applied to wood surfaces.

Regular light dusting with a soft, clean cloth will maintain the beauty of the leaf. If necessary, a moist, clean, soft cloth may be used to gently wipe the surface. Gently dry the surface immediately with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use aerosol cleaners or oils on leafed finishes.

Caring for Marble:

Marble is porous and will absorb liquids if not properly protected. Blot any spills immediately with a clean, soft cloth.

To clean marble, prepare a bowl of warm water combined with a mild detergent and a second bowl of plain warm water. Soak a soft, clean cloth in the mild detergent/water solution, wring the cloth to remove excess fluid, and wipe the surface. Immediately after wiping the surface, soak another soft, clean cloth in the plain warm water, wring the cloth to remove excess fluid, and wipe the surface to remove any detergent residue. Dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth to complete the process. If necessary, marble can be polished with a high-quality clear paste wax recommended for marble surfaces.

Caring for Nickel, Brass, and Copper Metal Surfaces:

Dust metal surfaces regularly with a clean, soft cloth to prevent tarnishing. If more extensive cleaning is needed, select the appropriate cleaner for the specific metal type and follow the manufacturer’s use instructions closely to avoid damaging the metal surfaces.

Caring for Iron and Bronze:

Dust metal surfaces regularly with a clean, soft cloth to prevent tarnishing. Iron and bronze may benefit from an occasional wax application. Iron and bronze pieces in high humidity environments will benefit from more frequent dusting and wax applications.

Caring for Leather Upholstery:

Dust leather regularly with a damp, soft cloth and then wipe the leather dry. Blot any spills immediately with a clean, soft cloth.

Avoid using saddle soap or abrasive cleaners. If more extensive cleaning is necessary, a professional upholstery cleaning service is recommended. Certified Upholstery Cleaning Professionals can be located through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification website: www.iicrc.org.

Caring for Fabric Upholstery:

Recommended care for upholstery fabrics is available on our fabric partner’s website. Delicate fabrics should be gently brushed clean on a regular basis. Sturdier upholstery fabrics may be vacuum cleaned on a regular basis.

Blot any spills immediately with a soft clean cloth. If additional cleaning is necessary, a professional upholstery cleaning service is recommended. Certified Upholstery Cleaning Professionals can be located through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification website: www.iicrc.org.

All cleaning solutions should be tested on a hidden area of the upholstery first.

Caring for Seat Cushions and Pillows:

In addition to the Care Instructions for Leather and Fabric Upholstery above, loose seat cushions should be reversed and flipped every two to three months. In addition, loose seat cushions on two and three seat sofas and sectionals should be rotated for even wear every three to six months. The frequency of care for seat cushions and pillows may vary based on use.

Back pillows and throw pillows should be rotated and fluffed regularly. Caution should be taken with throw pillows placed on velvet seat cushions as they can crush velvet pile over time if not re-positioned regularly.

Caring for Glass and Mirrored Surfaces:

The safest and best cleaner for glass and mirrored surfaces is clean warm water. Soak a clean, lint-free, soft cloth in warm water, wring out excess water, and wipe the surface clean. Dry the surface thoroughly with a clean, lift-free, soft cloth.

Do not use acidic, alkali, or abrasive cleaners on glass or mirrored surfaces. If deeper cleaning is needed, use a commercial glass cleaner that does not contain ammonia or vinegar.