Congratulations on your purchase of a beautiful McPhails lounge, which will give you years of comfort and enjoyment. Like any product which is hand-made from a natural material such as leather or a finely milled fabric, there are many things you need to be aware of to ensure the life of your lounge is long and enjoyable. This information is designed to give you a detailed understanding of your lounge, including how to care for it from the day it arrives in your home.
Your obligation
You have an obligation to care for your lounge in accordance with the care instructions set out below. Failure to do so may result in damage to your lounge. In particular, leather as a natural product, is susceptible to cracking and peeling if it is not properly cleaned. If you fail to take reasonable steps to prevent your product from becoming of unacceptable quality and your product is damaged as a result of such abnormal use (including the failure to properly care for the product as instructed), to the fullest extent permitted by law, McPhails will not be liable for repairing that damage to your product. By following all of the tips and instructions provided, you will ensure years of enjoyment with your lounge.
Natural features of leather
Leather is a natural product and you will notice many imperfections which are evidence of genuine leather. Please see below for a detailed description. Your lounge has travelled a long way to get to your home. When you receive your lounge you may find some compression on the padding. This is entirely normal. Please see below for a detailed explanation, including other important tips to care for your lounge.
As a natural product, leather’s beautiful look and luxurious feel give it year-round comfort and appeal. Its unique ability to breathe also makes it ideal in almost any situation. The hallmark of genuine leather is its natural markings and imperfections - nature’s signature. Because of its organic properties, there is no one hide the same. From horn wounds and barbwire scratches, to thickness variations, these markings make your piece unique. Grain wrinkles, stretch marks and closed scars are also typical characteristics of leather, the result of age, movement and comfortable wear. This further stamps its authenticity as a natural product. All of these imperfections are evidence of the product being genuine leather and are not considered to be defects in any way. Without doubt leather is the most luxurious and practical covering for upholstered furniture. Enjoy living with leather as, over time, it will adapt itself to your lifestyle and give you a truly personalised feel.
Caring for leather and fabric lounges
There is no doubt leather is one of the most beautiful and practical coverings for upholstered furniture. Durable and hard wearing, if maintained correctly, it’s a product that will provide years of trouble free enjoyment. There are, however, some very important ‘care’ tips that must be followed to prolong the life of your leather.
If you are removing any protective wrapping do not use any sharp tools which could damage the leather or other upholstered covering. If you move your lounge do not lift or drag it by the cushions which are sewn into the frame. The correct way to move it is by lifting the lounge, at each end, from the base. Please do not sit on the armrests and backrests. They are not designed for seating and could potentially damage the frame.
Do not expose any part of the lounge to direct sunlight.
Prolonged exposure to direct or intense sunlight may cause leather to fade as well as excessive drying and cracking. Ensure that every edge or part of the lounge is placed at least 50cm away from any heat source, including electric or gas heaters. Never use solvents, abrasives, shoe or saddlery care products. Only ever use industry recommended fabric & leather care products suitable for the type of fabric or leather. These are available at our McPhails Showroom or on our website via the "Care Products" tab.
Dye transfer is an effect of some types of dyes. Denim and coloured synthetic fabrics, combined with the heat and friction of use, may transfer dye to the covering of your lounge. This is not a manufacturing fault and it is best to avoid these types of clothes when using your lounge. Avoid chlorine or wet swimming costumes. Chlorine is a bleach which will damage the fibres of the leather and can contribute to water marks, mould and dye transfer.
Normal Wear and Regular Usage
Following delivery you may notice slight compression on the padding of your lounge. Straight after delivery, and on a regular basis thereafter, it is necessary to model your lounge to ensure the padding and cushions return to their initial appearance. Softening of padding and cushions will occur over time. This will cause light creasing, wrinkling and slight stretching of the leather which is considered to be normal wear, enhancing the look and feel of the lounge. Softening of seat cushions over time is completely normal and is not considered a defect in any way. Sitting on one particular seat most of the time will cause that seat to soften more than the others. For an even wear alternate your choice of seat regularly.
For Protection and Performance
Do not allow dust to accumulate on the leather surface. Weekly, wipe dust off with a soft, damp cloth or using an authorised product purchased from McPhails Furniture. Failure to do so will result in dust and dirt being embedded in the grain which could cause the leather to peel or crack. Periodically (3-4 times per year), clean, condition and protect the entire leather surface using a recommended Leather Care Kit, which can be purchased from our McPhails showroom and online. Follow the instructions provided with the kit.
Food, Grease and Spot Cleaning
Any spills must be removed immediately using a soft, non abrasive damp cloth or absorbent paper, applying minimal pressure from the outside of the stain moving towards the centre. To clean further, use an authorised leather care kit, which can be purchased from our showroom or online. Follow the specific spot cleaning instructions provided with the kit.
General Care and Characteristics of Fabric Lounges
Try to keep pets off the furniture and be careful of belts, buttons/studs, toys and watches as they may snag the fabric. Do not pull loose threads; tie a knot and/or cut them instead. It is important to plump the cushions after everyday use, particularly those filled with fibre fill or feathers, and to smooth out the surface to prevent permanent creases forming. Also any reversible seat and back cushions should be turned regularly.
Pilling can occur as a result of normal daily use and is not considered as a fault. There are many variables that can attribute to pilling such as, climatic conditions, atmospheric purity and the user environment. Even specific types of clothing can transfer ‘pills’ from clothing to the fabric. As the fabric surface is rubbed a single or small group of fibres on the surface begin to twist forming what is known as ‘pills’. Often the catalyst for this is a foreign fibre or speck of dirt. Pilling can successfully be removed by the use of a battery operated de-pilling tool available from most haberdashery stores. Velvet and chenille type fabrics have a raised surface texture, which is exposed to flattening and shading, this is an important characteristic of the fabric to know and is not considered a fault in any way.
Regular Care and Cleaning of Fabric Lounges
McPhails strongly recommends the purchase of a Guardsman Fabric Care Kit, which can be purchased from our showroom or online. Refer to the cleaning instructions in your Fabric Care Kit before cleaning. For spot cleaning and stain removal, please follow the instructions provided with the kit. Use a low suction vacuum or light brush to clean your furniture weekly to remove any accumulated dirt and dust. Clean all parts of the suite together as slight colour changes can sometimes occur. Do NOT use solvents, general cleaning fluids or any products containing silicone.
Click clack mechanisms
A great new innovation in lounge design is the Click-Clack Mechanism which enables the adjustment and locking of arms, backs and (or) headrests in some lounges. Care should be taken when using this mechanism. In most cases, to adjust upwards simply lift up. To return to its original position pull upwards gently and lift to release the lock, then gently push down to original position.
How to use the Click-Clack Mechanism Reclining Armchairs and Lounges
Armchairs and lounges with a reclining mechanism offer you the ability to change the inclination of the back, positioning the legs horizontally, and changing the seating position so that you can recline. If you have purchased an armchair or a lounge with the wall saver sliding function, you will be able to recline it without having to move your upholstered furniture away from the wall. The electric recliner mechanism allows you to finely adjust the back inclination and the foot rest position as preferred.
Important Things To Avoid
- Do not stand or use excessive force on an adjustable arm or back. Do not sit on the arm either in its adjusted or original position.
Please Note:
• The footrest must be retracted prior to standing up from the seated position
• Do not sit on the arms, backs or footrest when the recliner is in the open position
• Always keep hands and feet clear of moving parts
• Only use the electronic mechanism to operate the unit
• Always disconnect the electrical cord attached to the unit from power before cleaning or moving the unit
• Please remove any obstacle obstructing the mechanism, for example plush rugs or coffee tables, before operating
• The electrical transformer and battery is warranted against failure due to any manufacturing defects for a period of 12 months
• The electrical motor and reclining mechanism transformer is warranted against failure due to any manufacturing defects for a period of 1 year
• For battery life it is important that after you have received your delivery, the battery needs to be charged and maintained accordingly to the battery care & instruction manual.