FREEDOM TREE
RECOMMENDATIONS & EXPLAINERS
Furniture Care Guide
"Teak Wood - when properly cared for - can last for generations"
INTRODUCTION
Each and every one of our furniture pieces is handcrafted by artisans and producers around India. As these items are not mass manufactured and made with natural materials and techniques, they will require special care and attention for a long life in your home.
Please follow the care instructions on each product's page, and read on for a more general primer on the different types of furniture and how to care for it.
CARE FOR HARDWOOD FURNITURE
We use natural hardwoods and recycled woods in our furniture. You can ensure a natural long life for the wooden furniture by avoiding exposing it to direct sunlight and water.
Use sheer curtains if your living area gets too much sunlight and avoid placing the furniture outdoors where it is exposed to the elements.
For daily care, we recommend daily dusting, and occasionally wiping down the wooden surfaces with a mildly damp soft towel.Avoid placing drinks or hot food directly onto the hardwood surfaces. Please use table linen or coasters for this. Some laptops that generate a lot of heat can also damage wooden surfaces.
LIVING WITH HARDWOOD FURNITURE
Hardwood furniture may require a polish every year or so, or if it is inadvertently scratched or damaged. In most cases a skilled carpenter can ensure the piece has a long life.
Due to the heavy moisture of our tropical climate, some types of hardwoods can experience swelling, particularly during the monsoons. In most cases this is repairable after the end of the rains with the help of a skilled carpenter.
Each piece of wood sourced to construct the furniture is unique and exhibits varying grains, textures and shade. While we may try and match the polish, grains, and lines on the furniture, the uniqueness of the wood is what makes the piece special.
In very rare cases, softer woods like Mango wood and Sheesham wood may develop a challenge up to a year after it’s made as the seasonal changes awaken wood mites. This is very often treatable with a special spray solution which we would be happy to help arrange.
MOVING AND IMPACT DAMAGE
Avoid dropping furniture on its feet or against corners, and avoid rocking back or sitting heavily on seating, as this might damage the structural integrity of the piece.
When shifting or moving furniture do ensure it is packed securely with the corners given extra protection. It is best to ensure a professional packs and moves your furniture.In rare cases, there can be damage to furniture in delivery. If this happens, do let us know immediately so we can help arrange for any repairs as required.
READ OUR FURNITURE DELIVERY GUIDE
What to expect when ordering furniture from us >>
SUNLIGHT AND MOISTURE
It is really important to keep all Freedom Tree furniture protected from direct sunlight, water, and too much moisture.
No handmade furniture with natural materials can truly survive our outdoor climate, so we recommend you use all our furniture indoors, unless expressly advised or for short periods of time.
ROPE FURNITURE
Rope furniture at Freedom Tree is typically handwoven onto a metal or wooden frame. Rope furniture is like your indoor hammock, bringing an immediate boho charm to your space.
We recommend our rope furniture for indoor use, or at most on a covered and dry patio or veranda.
Please note that too much moisture may cause metal frames to rust, and too much sunlight may cause the color in the rope to fade.
Rope furniture should be dusted daily, and the metal can be wiped with a clean soft and damp towel. If the rope catches too much dirt, it can be cleaned with a white petroleum solution. We advise a professional help you with this.
EXPLORE ROPE FURNITURE >>
METAL FURNITURE
Our metal furniture is treated with various finishes, including powder coating, electroplating, enamelling, or sometimes with more hand-based techniques like spray paint, clear coating, or natural finishes.
Metal furniture must be kept in a cool and dry environment to avoid corrosion.
Dust metal furniture daily and wipe with a soft damp towel. Do not use any chemical or cleaning solution as there is a chance of corrosion.
Avoid placing keys, sharp objects, or glasses directly on the metal surface as it may cause scratching.
SHOP INDUSTRIAL FURNITURE >>
WICKER FURNITURE
Wicker can be safely cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or with dusting.
Over time a lighter wicker color will give way to a darker shade and this is normal in the aging of the piece. Do sit gently on wicker seating as wicker broken from high impact can only be re-woven by skilled artisans.
BROWSE WICKER FURNITURE >>
SEE OUR TEXTILE CARE GUIDE FOR UPHOLSTERY
Know how to protect and maintain your upholstered sofa or armchair >>
UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE
We recommend regular dusting and vaccuming of upholstered furniture.
Avoid eating or drinking near upholstered furniture.
Avoid sitting on textured fabrics (velvets, tweeds, raffias) with studded clothes or accessories. See our detailed upholstery and textile care guide for how to clean and maintain your fabric sofa or armchair.
VIEW TEXTILE CARE GUIDE >>
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
We want you to get the longest life out of your furniture, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about how to care for your furniture.
If you have a challenge with damage in delivery or another issue covered under our delivery and warranty policies, we will do our best to repair or – failing which – replace your piece.
GET IN TOUCH
DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION GUIDE >>
FURNITURE WARRANTY POLICY >>
VISIT OUR DESIGN STORES
For the widest selection of furniture and in-person advice.
