Casegoods Care Instructions

 Each piece of Vanguard Furniture is crafted for a lifetime of beauty and use. Although all Vanguard Furniture wood product is finished and sealed with a protective lacquer, sunlight and heat, as well as humidity and liquid, can harm and/or change its appearance. Also, fluctuating temperatures can cause wood to swell and shrink, so an environment with consistent temperature/humidity is recommended. Never place anything hot onto a wooden surface as it can cause discoloration and keep wooden furniture away from air vents, humidifiers and fireplaces, as well as direct sunlight. All can have drying and/or bleaching effects.

To protect your finish, use felt pads on the bottom of items or accessories with rubber bases, feet or bottoms. Avoid using silicone waxes, lemon oils or other oily polishes. Your Vanguard Furniture should not require any other care than routine dusting and occasional cleaning with a damp cloth of mild, soapy, warm water, followed by immediate drying with a clean, soft cloth.

Acrylic Care Instructions

CAUTION: Never use window cleaner, ammonia products, or other chemical sprays on acrylic!

Acrylic furniture can last an eternity with minimal care and maintenance. Acrylic care consists of no more than normal wipe- cleaning to keep it looking new but care should be taken to avoid scratches.

Cleaning Acrylic: Begin by gently blowing away any loose dust or dirt from the acrylic surface. Use only a very soft damp cloth when cleaning acrylic surfaces. It is possible to scratch acrylic, so NEVER use any scouring compounds or chemical cleaners such as Windex® or other glass cleaners (even if they are environmentally friendly, organic or non-scented). A solution of mild soap or detergent and warm water can be used safely, using a soft cloth. The type of cloth you use will make a difference. The ideal cloth is nonabrasive, absorbent, and lint free. Never use the same cloth that you clean other household items with – it can retain dirt, grit, and chemical residues that may harm your acrylic items. We recommend using a new or separate cloth for your acrylic care. Rinse well with clear, clean water and blot dry with a chamois, damp cellulose sponge or microfiber cloth to prevent water spotting.

Amate Care Instructions

Amate is a natural fiber that is finished and sealed with a protective lacquer. Direct sunlight, heat, humidity and liquid can cause harm and/or change amate’s appearance. To clean, simply wipe dirt off with a soft cotton cloth (synthetic blends can actually scratch the lacquer). If there is additional residue use a damp cloth of mild, warm water and if needed a mild dish soap, followed by immediate drying with a clean, soft cotton cloth. Be sure not to soak the amate and immediately clean up any spilled liquid.

Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer Instructions

Vanguard Furniture is a luxury product for those who seek a relaxed, yet sophisticated style of home furnishings to complement their modern American lifestyle. With this in mind, we’ve included a pre-catalyzed lacquer on all Vanguard domestic Personalized Finishes to extend the life of your furniture investment. This lacquer provides enhanced protection from everyday wear and tear by protecting against scratches and rub marks over time. It also guards against staining and dulling that can occur when exposed to moisture and common household products. However, it is important to remember that proper care should still be taken to protect the surface of your furniture, including the immediate removal of all spills.

NOTE: Stocked Finishes do not feature PRE-CAT or conversion varnishes due to manufacturing constraints, with the exception of Glacier finish. Featured Finishes will have Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer. Please note that Vanguard Furniture also uses a conversion varnish on lacquered paints, which provides a deep and glossy luster and also a durable layer of protection.

Scagliola Care Instructions

No two individual pieces of our handmade Scagliola will ever be exactly alike. This is part of the beauty of the material that is made by hand one at a time. Our materials for Scagliola are simple and natural: Portland cement, aggregate, lime, water and AR glass fiber for impressive strength.

Our furniture has its own unique characteristics and patina which make each piece a work of art and craftsmanship. These characteristics are a combination of variables from when raw materials are combined by hand and by individual craftsman. They influence the final patina/appearance of our Scagliola product from batch to batch of materials, along with environmental influences such as humidity and temperature during production.

• To protect your Scagliola against stains, use your local acrylic concrete sealer seasonally. This can be found at any hardware/paint store

• Acidic food & liquids can stain your products, particularly if they’re not sealed seasonally.

• Always wipe up spills immediately to avoid staining.

• Scagliola cannot be exposed to extreme weather or temperatures

• Our tables are not designed to sit or stand on; doing so may damage your furniture.

Stone Care Instructions (including, but not limited to: marble, onyx, agate, white & silver travertine)

• Remove any loose debris.

• Blot spills immediately; wiping the area will spread the spill.

• Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times.

• Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface with clean, clear water after washing.

• Repeat as necessary.

• Protect surfaces with coasters, trivets, or placemats.

• Do not place hot items right off a stove or out of an oven directly on the stone surface.

• Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids.

• Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.

Fabric Care Instructions

Preventative Maintenance: We suggest routine light vacuuming and frequent pillow rotation to help extend the life of the fabric and enhance the overall appearance. If pilling should occur, please know this should not be considered a defect. This is a natural characteristic caused by friction that occurs in the course of normal use. Pilling involves non-structural fibers and does not affect the durability or the strength of the fabric. Pills can easily be removed using a lint or fabric shaver. Also, please note that the application of an after-market treatment as well as exposure to pets and pet dander may cause premature wearing of fabrics.

Fabric Cleaning Codes

S Spot clean only with a water-free cleaning solvent. Pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. Do not saturate. DO NOT USE WATER. Pile fabrics may require brushing with a non-metallic, soft bristle brush to restore appearance. CUSHION COVERS SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED AND DRY CLEANED. To prevent overall soiling, frequent vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic, soft bristle brush to remove dust and grime is recommended. When cleaning a spill, blot immediately to remove spilled material. Clean spots or stains from the outside to the middle of the affected area to prevent circling. Overall cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service only is recommended.

SW Energine, Carbona, Renuzit, or similar products may be used. Professional dry cleaning is recommended. To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is suggested.

W Clean this fabric with water-based cleaning agents or water-based foam to remove overall soil. To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended. Do not use solvents to spot clean.

WH Refer to “Washed Fabrics” under the Fabric Overview section for proper cleaning instructions.

WS For water-based stains use water-based cleaning agent only—do not use solvents. For oil-based stains, use solvent cleaner.

X Clean this fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing to prevent accumulation of dust or grime. Water-based foam or solvent- based cleaning agents of any kind may cause excessive shrinking or fading.

DC Wipe with damp cloth.

CAUTION: Never remove cushion covers for separate dry cleaning or washing, even though they do have zippers. The zippers are there to enable the manufacturer to fill the cushion with the cushion core. Do not use any tumble method of cleaning as this may destroy backing of the fabric or in some other way cause damage to the fabric.

Leather Care Instructions

Preventative Maintenance

Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight (under windows or skylights). All materials will fade over time when placed in direct sunlight. Some leathers are especially sensitive to sunlight.

Maintain at least two feet between the furniture and heating sources. Prolonged exposure to heat vents and radiators will cause the leather to dry out.

Like all household items, leather can accumulate dust. You can fully remove dust particles from the surface with a soft cloth.

The use of general household cleaning products, chemicals and abrasives are not recommended as they can break down the leather’s protective surface. Never use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents (such as furniture polish, ammonia, or detergent soaps) on the furniture. Avoid all products containing solvents, silicones, or oils, as they may negatively affect the leather’s surface.

Please visit Moore and Giles for all care products at www.mooreandgiles.com/

Classification Type and Cleaning Instructions

Cleaning Code P – Protected Leathers

Pigmented leathers are crusts that have been aniline dyed and then pigmented to ensure color consistency. There is an added transparent topcoat finish for protection against liquids. It is then dried, softened, and milled.

• Hides may be partially or fully corrected

• Requires a low degree of preventative maintenance

• Surface is more difficult to scratch

• Least absorbent

• May have special effects, such as, hand antiquing

How to Clean

• Vacuum to remove loose soils

• Test for colorfastness and or finish stability in an inconspicuous area

• Dampen a soft cotton cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the area in a circular motion from seam to seam to remove soils and/or use a professionally formulated gentle, water-based, leather friendly pH balanced cleaning product that effectively removes day-to-day dust and soil from the surface of leather without affecting the leather’s finish composition

Leather Characteristics: Good hand, visible shading, natural markings
Cleanability: Excellent Resistance to Fading: High

Cleaning Code A – Aniline Leathers

Aniline leathers are full grain natural hides that receive color from aniline dyes only and contain a wax and/or oil application. When pulled tightly, the oils and/or the waxes cause the color to dissipate and become lighter in shade.

• Contains no protective finish

• Shades may vary from hide to hide and within a single hide

• Will exhibit natural markings and characteristics such as, healed over scars, insect bites, wrinkles, and grain variation

• Requires a higher degree of preventative maintenance

• Susceptible to surface scratches

• Absorbent

How to Clean

• Vacuum to remove loose soils

• Test for colorfastness and or finish stability in an inconspicuous area

• Dampen a soft cotton cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the area in a circular motion from seam to seam to remove soils and/or use a professionally formulated gentle, water-based, leather friendly pH balanced cleaning product that effectively removes day-to-day dust and soil from the surface of leather without affecting the leather’s finish composition.

Leather Characteristics: Excellent hand, visible shading, natural markings Cleanability: Moderate

Resistance to Fading: Low

Cleaning Code N – Nubuk Leathers

Nubuk leathers are crusts that receive aniline dyes only for color. They are then dried, softened, sanded or buffed, and milled.

• Contains no protective finish

• Surface has a visible nap/pile

• Shades may vary from hide to hide and within a single hide

• Requires a higher degree of preventative maintenance

• Susceptible to surface scratches

How to Clean

• Vacuum to remove loose soils

• Test for colorfastness and or finish stability in an inconspicuous area

• Wrap Nubuk-specific tack cloth around a sponge and gently clean, seam to seam, in four directions. You may use distilled water or a leather cleaning agent on a soft cotton cloth which is slightly dampened. Gently wipe the area in a circular motion, seam to seam, to remove soils

• Reset nap/pile with a Nubuk-specific tack cloth wrapped around a sponge and gently agitate, seam to seam, in four directions

Leather Characteristics: Excellent hand, visible shading, natural markings Cleanability: Moderate

Resistance to Fading: Low

Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Instructions

Synthetic Teak has the same texture as natural wood while being outstandingly water and weather resistant. With minimal care, you will be able to clean and maintain its beauty. Work these steps below into your maintenance routine and you're assured many seasons of fabulous and stylish outdoor lounging.

• Use heat-resistant pads under hot items (i.e. pots, pans, dishes, baking sheets, etc.) to avoid heat damage.

•  Place coasters under any glass items to avoid heat damage from refracted sunlight.

• Rest cold beverages on coasters to catch any drip and avoid moisture rings.

• Light cleaning is best done with a cloth moistened with water or a mild soapy solution to remove dirt and debris.

• For deeper cleaning use Simple Green or similar all-purpose cleaner and a heavy-duty scouring pad.  Spray top until wet and scour in the direction of the grain.  Do the top in 3 or 4 sections one at a time but clean the entire top for uniform results.

• Use non-abrasive cleaners such as dish wash detergent to remove oil stains immediately after it's formed to avoid long-lasting stains.

• Do not place sharp objects on furniture surface to avoid damaging or scratching the surface.

• Clean sling items with dish detergent and water mixture with soft brush to remove dirt.

• Tip furniture on its side to drain water and help it dry.

• Check bolts, screws, hinges, and other working parts periodically.

• The best way to remove surface imperfections, such as scratches and small dents, is to use a scouring pad. Sand lightly with the grain.

You can enhance the beauty and longevity of your upholstered outdoor furniture by taking care of the fabrics from the start. Here are our tips for keeping your outdoor furnishings looking their best:

Ongoing Maintenance
• Always cover items when not in use.  Covers should allow for proper ventilation to reduce moisture and heat build-up.
• Frequently vacuum pillows, cushions and surfaces using an upholstery attachment. 
• Brush off dirt and debris when you see it—before it has a chance to become embedded in the fibers and become permanent.
• Rotate, flip and fluff cushions regularly to ensure even wear and increase durability.
• Treat spills immediately. Start by gently blotting the spill with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub or you may cause the fabric to fuzz or pill. 

Cleaning Methods
To avoid damaging the fabric during the cleaning process, always test the procedure on a small, unnoticeable area before proceeding to clean the entire region.

Spot cleaning
• Before cleaning, be sure to the blot stain from the surface and brush away any loose dirt or debris.
• Avoid scrubbing or using hard-bristle brushes that can abrade the fabric.
• For oil-based stains such as butter, mayonnaise or makeup, immediately cover the stain with an absorbent material such as cornstarch or baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes to help lift the stain, then remove with a straight edge or vacuum it up. 

Cleaning solutions by stain type
Use the following chart to determine the appropriate cleaning solution for your stain.

A- Soap + Water
B- Solvent-based upholstery cleaning product
C- Bleach + Water


Type of Spill                                                            Cleaning Solution
Coffee, tea, juice, chocolate
milk, wine, soft drinks                                 A using tepid water

Fruit                                                                         A using cold water
Ink                                                                                 A using rubbing alcohol
Urine                                                                         A 
Vomit                                                                         A after lifting debris with cold water sponge
Mud                                                                         A after scraping or vacuuming debris
Oil, grease, makeup                                         B
Wax                                                                         B after brushing off debris
Pencil                                                                         B followed by A
Mold, mildew, algae, stubborn stains C



Cleaning Instructions
A- Soap + Water
Before cleaning, blot up the stain and remove any debris. Mix ¼ tsp of mild dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of water. Put this cleaning solution in a spray bottle and apply to the stain. Work the solution into the area by lightly scrubbing with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Work from the outside of the stain inward so you do not spread the stain. Rinse sponge or brush frequently. Allow the solution to soak into the fabric, then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Any remaining soap residue will attract dirt. Blot up excess moisture with a clean towel or sponge. Repeat as needed. Allow fabric to air dry.

B- Solvent-based upholstery cleaning product
For oil-based stains, immediately cover the stain with an absorbent material such as cornstarch or baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes to help lift the stain, then remove with a straight edge or vacuum it away. Next, apply a solvent-based residential upholstery cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

C- Bleach + Water
Before cleaning, blot up the stain and remove any debris. To create bleach cleaning solution, mix one part bleach with 10 parts water; for example: ¼ cup bleach to 2 ½ cups of water. Put this cleaning solution in a spray bottle and apply to the stain. Work the solution into the area by lightly scrubbing with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Work from the outside of the stain inward so you do not spread the stain. Rinse sponge or brush frequently. Allow the solution to soak into the fabric, then rinse thoroughly. Be sure all bleach cleaning solution is rinsed off the fabric. Blot excess moisture with a clean towel or sponge. Allow fabric to air dry.


Keep in mind, the quicker you clean spills and stains, the easier they are to remove.