Steps to Giving Your Furniture a Long Lifetime

June 19, 2024
Posted in : Uncategorized

You’ve invested in Plymold commercial furniture, now what? Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure you get the best value from your investment. Here are some key steps to help extend the lifetime of your furniture:

  1. Regular Inspections

Conduct monthly inspections to identify and address signs of wear. Look for loose screws and bolts and tighten or replace them as needed. Pay special attention to the joints, as one wobbly joint can cause others to loosen, leading to potential product failure. By catching signs of wear and tear early, you can prevent small problems from creating lasting damage.

  1. Careful Handling

Handle your furniture with care, especially during cleaning. Avoid dropping or tipping the furniture, as this can chip the finish or cause the product to break. Be sure to use your furniture for its intended purpose – never use your furniture as a ladder, step stool, or worktable.

  1. Proper Cleaning Practices

Cleaning your commercial furniture regularly is crucial, but it’s important to use the right products as some sanitizing and disinfecting solutions can damage different types of furniture. Here are our recommendations for cleaning various types of materials.

Vinyl

For routine cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt, smudges, and water-soluble stains (such as coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks). Then, wipe with a cloth and clean water. Letting water sit on vinyl can damage the finish, so be sure to dry the surface with a soft towel. 

If it’s time for a deeper clean, we recommend using Plymold’s exclusive Refurb cleaner for vinyl upholstery. Or you could try Formula 409® All-Purpose Spray Cleaner.  Whichever vinyl cleaner spray you use, always rinse with water and dry thoroughly to prevent cleaner build-up and surface deterioration.

Fabric Upholstery

Vacuum or brush regularly to remove dust and grime. You can use a soft toothbrush to clean seams where dirt collects. For stubborn stains, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning methods, making sure to treat spills promptly so they are less likely to stain.

Laminate Tabletops

Typically, mild soap and water is sufficient for laminate tabletops. For difficult stains, mix a paste of baking soda and water, leaving it on the surface for a minute and then wiping, rinsing and drying.  Avoid chemicals or abrasives as they will damage the finish over time. If you have an acid-based spill, wipe it up immediately and then rinse it with clean water. 

Solid Wood Tabletops & Edges

If you have solid wood restaurant or breakroom tables, use a liquid cleaner-wax combination and a soft cloth to wipe down surfaces. Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners and be sure to wipe water spills immediately. Stay away from water-based cleaning solutions (or water itself) as it will cause the wood grain and finish to lift and peel over time. It’s also important to keep wooden tabletops away from extreme temperatures and high humidity to prevent warping and cracking.

Metal Frames

Simply wipe with a damp cloth. If you have a more stubborn stain, use mild soap and water making sure to avoid scuffing or scratching the surface.

Composite Seats

For regular cleaning, use mild soap and water. For heavy soiling, use non-abrasive cleaners like Refurb® Multi-purpose Cleaner, Formula® 409 All-purpose Spray Cleaner, or Fantastik® Spray Cleaner. Then, rinse and dry with a clean cloth.

Dur-A-Edge®, PVC, Vinyl, & Aluminum Table Edges

For Dur-A-Edge®, PVC, vinyl, or aluminum restaurant or breakroom tables, clean with a mild soap and water solution, then dry with a soft, clean cloth to avoid water spots.

Investing a little time in regular care will go a long way in preserving the quality and longevity of your commercial furniture.

By following these maintenance and cleaning tips, you can ensure your Plymold commercial furniture remains durable and looks great for years to come. Have more questions about caring for your Plymold furniture, contact us and we’ll get them answered for you!