Care + Maintenance
We’re in it for the long run. All Emeco furniture is designed and built for a long life. Follow our care advice to keep it looking good for many years to come.
Care + Maintenance by product
Care + Maintenance by material
Emeco all-aluminum chairs, stools and tables with anodized finish are bleach cleanable. Hydrogen peroxide based cleaners (dilution level 1:10) may also be used. They can even be power washed with hot water and detergent.
Aluminum has anti-bacterial properties, making it a desirable material for sensitive settings such as healthcare environments, where it also performs exceptionally well from a maintenance standpoint.
HAND BRUSHED / POWDER COATED FINISH
All hand brushed finishes are anodized. Anodizing changes the aluminum surface to aluminum oxide, a super-strong material.
Anodized aluminum is corrosion-proof and can be used outdoors, however we suggest cleaning with soap and water every two weeks to remove grit and other air pollutants that can pit the surface.
Emeco chairs and stools with brushed finish are bleach cleanable. Hydrogen peroxide based cleaners (dilution level 1:10) may also be used.
Daily Cleaning
To keep your chairs looking beautiful, clean with soap and water, and dry with a soft cloth. You can also use Windex®, Formula 409® or similar spray cleaner, with or without bleach followed by a lint free towel. Hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners may also be used, dilution level 1:10. Wash any film or residue with hot water. Do not use Stainless Steel cleaner on any aluminum furniture. For Heavy-duty dirt or oil use a very hot water and strong soap, followed by LIGHT scrubbing in the direction of the aluminum grain with a soft bristled brush or damp Scotchbrite® pad.
Scuffmarks
Light scrubbing in the direction of the aluminum grain with a Scotchbrite® pad.
Stains
Treat the stain with the appropriate cleaner (i.e. bleach for coffee, paint thinner for paint) leave the cleaner sit on the stain until the stain is dissolved, then follow the instructions for heavy duty dirt.
HAND POLISHED FINISH
It takes eight hours to hand polish each piece of Emeco furniture. Each item will exhibit slight variations of handcraft.
There is no coating on Emeco’s hand polished items and they will begin to patina immediately upon use. Polished aluminum is non-corrosive and does not tarnish. To keep your polished chairs shining brightly use an ordinary car wax. Do not use abrasive cleansers, pads or brushes on hand polished aluminum.
Daily cleaning
Windex® or similar spray cleaner, with or without bleach followed by a soft, lint free towel. Wash any film or residue with hot water. Do not use Stainless Steel cleaner on any aluminum furniture.
Heavy-duty dirt or oil
We recommend Emeco Clean & Shine, which can be ordered from customerservice@emeco.net. Alternatively, use very hot water and strong soap, followed by a soft, lint free towel.
Light scratches
High quality aluminum polish with buffing pads in a circular pattern (available at most hardware stores). Follow by a light polish of cornstarch with a very soft cloth.
Emeco’s chairs and stools made of recycled PET are bleach cleanable. Hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners may also be used, dilution level 1:10.
Daily cleaning
Use Windex® or similar spray cleaner, with or without bleach followed by a soft, lint free towel. Wash any film or residue with hot water. Rinse with clean water, using a clean, nonabrasive cotton cloth. Dry the surface with a soft, clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth. Hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners may also be used, dilution level 1:10. Wash any film or residue with hot water.
Normal maintenance and light scratches
Lemon Pledge or Armorall® (generically: spray wax with silicone) or Isopropyl Alcohol. Rinse with clean water, using a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth. Dry the surface with a soft, clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
Abrasive pads, scouring powders or cleaners may permanently dull and scratch the rPET surface making it susceptible to staining. Never use cleaners containing acid, alkali, or concentrated sodium hypochlorite. These cleaners may mar, etch, corrode, and permanently discolor the surface.
Our reclaimed wood polypropylene products are made of 90% reclaimed post-industrial waste - polypropylene and wood fibers. Therefore slight differences in chair surfaces may occur. Lighter colors show the contrast of wood fibers more. Emeco’s chairs and stools made of reclaimed wood polypropylene are bleach cleanable. Hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners may also be used, dilution level 1:10
Daily Cleaning
To keep your chairs looking beautiful, clean with soap and water and dry with a soft cloth.
Bleach may also be used, as well as hydrogen peroxide based cleaners (dilution level 1:10).
Wash any film or residue with hot water.
Emeco solid wood products are made by hand from local, sustainably sourced wood. Each piece is unique with subtle differences.
Daily Cleaning
Clean the chair with a warm, soapy, damp cloth gently applied to the surface. Do not use any harsh or abrasive cleaning agents.
Solid wood is a natural fiber therefore it will shrink and swell with the seasons. Take care not to expose your furniture to extremes in temperature and humidity. Wet surfaces should be dried immediately. Solid wood changes color over time under normal conditions of light exposure, but do not expose directly to sunlight and heat.
Accoya Wood
Accoya wood is suitable for outdoor applications. Like any natural wood species, Accoya will grey and change color when exposed to exterior conditions. Regular cleaning with a warm, soapy, damp cloth gently applied to the surface is recommended for longevity. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents. Power/pressure washing should be avoided.
Emeco recycled and reclaimed polymers are made to last, with ingredients to slow down color fading due to UV light. However, we recommend limiting direct sun exposure whenever possible.
Daily Cleaning
To clean, use a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap or commercially available cleaner for plastics. Never use any abrasive or aggressive formulas such as powders or pastes, as these may cause surface damage or loss of color.
Clean the seat with a warm, soapy, damp cloth gently applied to the surface. Do not use any harsh or abrasive cleaning agents.
Take care not to expose your furniture to extremes in temperature and humidity. Wet surfaces should be dried immediately.
Cork changes color over time under normal conditions of light exposure, but do not expose directly to sunlight and heat.
Clean with soap and water using a nylon-bristle brush.
Emeco selects high quality fabrics and leathers from different suppliers to suit individual collections. For care advice for your specific product, please refer to the manufacturer's website for maintenance and care advice. If you need help identifying the fabric manufacturer, we're happy to help - just contact us.