Care & Maintenance

We are dedicated to creating unique and exceptional pieces. From the initial design to the collaborative process and meticulous manufacturing, each piece is crafted with pride, attention to detail and using the finest materials. By following these care instructions, you can help maintain the longevity and quality of your Sally Caroline pieces.

INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE

Our SC Collection is suitable for indoor use unless specified and not to be placed in direct sunlight such as under skylights.

To care for SC Collection furniture, we recommend the following guidelines:

• Dust the furniture before cleaning
• Use soapy water to wipe surfaces
• Avoid harsh chemicals such as acetone
• Use a clean, soft cotton cloth for wiping
• Protect the furniture from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
• Do not use wax products
• Prevent excessive liquid or moisture from coming into contact with the furniture
• For upholstery, refer to the separate warranty provided by the upholstery supplier
• Regularly vacuum upholstery using soft brush attachments
• For leather products, use conditioners and cleaners according to the manufacturer’s instructions

POWDERCOAT

To maintain the appearance of your SC Collection with powder coated finishes, we recommend washing the frame every six months with warm soapy water and a soft, clean cloth.
For commercial, industrial or marine environments we would recommend monthly maintenance.
Always rinse well with water, to remove any remaining detergent.

Avoid the below:
• Pressure washing, steam cleaning, abrasive cleansers, steel brushes/wools
• Strong solvents and cleaners containing chlorine
• Scratching the surface

In outdoor environments, do not allow dirt or bird droppings to accumulate, dry out and harden.

Dull surfaces can be revived using car polish. Touch-up paint may be requested and can be used to repair minor nicks and scratches.

The powder coat finish has a 6 month limited warranty, the products must be correctly maintained as listed above to warrant any claims.

Please note that the warranty does not cover chips caused by knocks or rough treatment. Be mindful not to knock or drop powdercoat as the finish can chip, which is not covered by our manufacturers warranty.

VINYL

Regular vacuuming is essential to maintain and care for the upholstery. For spot cleaning, attend to spills immediately with mild soap and water, using a sponge or very soft bristle brush, and rinse with clean water. Please note that suntan lotions, insect repellents, acid-based liquids, and spills should be promptly wiped off. Avoid using abrasive alcohol or solvent-based cleaners.

FABRICS

Shield your cotton and polyester upholstery from direct sunlight and vacuum it regularly using a low suction and soft brush attachment. For professional cleaning, follow the instructions provided by the fabric supplier. Treat spills and stains promptly by gently wiping them with a clean, damp cloth. Dry the fabric in the shade thoroughly before use.

ALPACA VELVET
39% Cotton 28% Alpaca 11% Polyester 9% Wool 7% Polyamide 6% Viscose
100,000 Martindale
For further details, refer here

ENEIDE
35% Polyester 34% Cotton 31% Acrylic
40,000 Martindale
For further details, refer here

BELMONDO
66% Cotton 34% Linen
40,000 Martindale
For further details, refer here

STRANGE LOVES
100% Acrylic
24,000 Martindale
Water repellent treatment. Dry-feel draining padding is recommended for outdoor use.
For further details, refer here

YOUNG & LOVELY
100% Polypropylene
22,000 Martindale
For further details, refer here

DEDAR TIGER BEAT
52% Viscose35% Cotton13% Polyester
30,000 Martindale
When used for upholstery the pile tends to crush, creating a shading . In order to refresh it, it is advisable to steam and brush.
For further details, refer here

MOKUM GRAND BOUCLE
33% Polyacrylic 32% Viscose 16% Wool 8% Polyester 7% Cotton 4% Linen
70,000 Martindale
For more details, refer here

LEATHER

To maintain the beauty of your leather upholstery, protect it from direct sunlight, heat, and weather. Regularly dust with a clean, dry cloth or use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Wipe off any liquid or food spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth using a proprietary brand leather cleaner. Avoid using shoe, saddle, or floor polishes or laundry cleaning products.

RUGS GENERAL CARE

After your rug is installed, some parts may appear wrinkled or flat from transit. These creases will disappear after a few days of laying out.

New rugs will shed minimally over the first 10-12 weeks in place.

To preserve the vibrant hues and prevent fading, it is advisable to minimise prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

For day-to-day maintenance of all rugs we recommend regular vacuuming to remove surface dust, debris, and to prevent undue build-up of material that could affect their appearance or construction. Ensure you move in one direction with gentle suction power and without a rotating head as this may cause damage.

All rugs should be vacuumed twice a week. Areas with high traffic, such as corridors, stairs and entrance halls, should be vacuumed daily. The dirt deposited on the surface will be removed with vacuum cleaning, thus preventing penetration of the dirt into the pile.

Take care when vacuuming near edges of rugs with binding and fringes as these may be more susceptible to damage.

Underlay assists with maintenance as it catches any dirt, dust and debris from the fibres on the surface of the rug.

FADING / COLOUR
Gradually over a long period of time your rug may fade or colour intensity may change, particularly if your rug is exposed to direct sunlight. We recommend blinds, curtains or UV protected glass to reduce direct exposure to sunlight. Be mindful of vegetable-dyed rugs as these are slightly more sensitive to sun exposure. A small degree of colour variation between dye lots is normal, please see individual products details for more information on accepted tolerances.

PLACEMENT / ROTATION
Depending on the overall level of foot traffic, periodic rotation and repositioning of your rug is recommended to assist with overall wear and effects of fading – making these affects more uniform over time.

PILE SHEDDING AND FLUFFING
Our rugs are constructed with a variety of high-quality materials, primarily felted New Zealand wool which typically does not shed unless exposed to improper use. Depending on the material of your rug, temporary shedding of surface yarn may initially occur. This is normal and does not reflect any kind of quality defect. Regular vacuuming of these loose fibres is recommended.

PILE THREADS / SPROUTING
If your rug is a plush cut pile finish and you find raised threads that have become loose from the surface, do not pull them. The pile can be carefully trimmed with scissors, so it matches the rest of the pile. Occasional pile maintenance is considered normal, especially with fine and silky fibres. This will not alter the performance of your rug. Trimming the pile is not recommended for textured rugs. In all instances it is best to contact the showroom with images of the area of concern for advice.

UNDERLAY
We recommend using our supplied non-slip underlay to help secure your rug in place on wooden, marble, concrete or stone surfaces. This helps reduce unwanted movement or ripples and also reduces the chance of a trip hazard. Non-slip underlay prolongs the life of your rug and has the added benefit of making it much easier to vacuum.

FURNITURE
Take care when positioning or moving furniture on or off your rug, avoid dragging as edges of furniture can catch and pull the pile of your rug. It is normal for heavy furniture to flatten the pile of rugs, in many cases this will bounce back. If this is a concern please discuss with our team prior to ordering as we may also be able to assist with purpose specific areas including under dining tables and for office areas with castor chairs.

PLANTS
Avoid putting plants and plant pots directly on your rug or carpet. Due to moisture and lack of air circulation this can cause a permanent stain and/or mould to occur, which would damage your rug beyond repair.

PETS
Be mindful of pets around your rug as damage can be caused by clawing and excrement. If your rug is affected by pet odours or excrement, please contact an experienced professional rug and carpet cleaning company.

ENVIRONMENT / WATER DAMAGE
Natural fibres may absorb moisture or odours from the environment, it is advised to air your rug out periodically in a dry climate. If your rug becomes wet or damp, best practice is to gently blot the area to absorb the water, then prop the area of the rug up off the floor so air can circulate and dry the rug from both sides. Do not use hair dryers or other heating devices to dry the area. If additional air circulation is required, a cool fan could be used.
Ensure your rug is completely dry before repositioning furniture. For significant water damage, please consult a specialist for professional advice immediately.

STORAGE
We recommend having your rug professionally cleaned before long term storage. Ensure your rug is completely dry and is stored in a moisture free environment that is well ventilated and protected by sun exposure. Lay your rolled rug flat and avoid leaning heavy furniture or objects on or around the rug. This will ensure your rug retains its shape.

ATTENDING TO SPILLS

Identifying the type of debris, spill or stain prior to removal will determine the correct approach to attending to the problem area. To ensure effectiveness, treat as quickly as possible.

Different cleaning methods are recommended depending on the type of material and construction of your rug. We emphasise that careful maintenance is essential to preserve these materials. Please also refer to the specific material information for more details.

• Always attend to a spill and stain immediately before it has the chance to dry.

• Absorb the spill as much as possible with a clean, white absorbent cloth or paper towel by gently blotting. For more viscous spills, first remove excess by carefully scraping with a spoon/blunt knife.

• Apply a small amount of cold water onto a clean, white absorbent cloth and gently blot until the stain has transferred. Always treat spills and stains by working from the outside into the centre. Do not rub in a circular motion as this will push the spill or stain further into the rug and potentially damage the pile.

• For water-based spills like soft drink, tea, coffee, milk, wine, juice, blood, urine and vomit: Spot clean as per steps 1 and 2 and take care to not over-saturate the stain. If the stain remains, repeat the process using a mild wool mix solution – 1 part soap to 9 parts water – or a certified rug cleaning product recommended by a professional.

• For oil-based spills like sauces, oily/cream-based foods and make-up: Spot clean as per steps 1 and 2 with lukewarm water and/or mild wool mix solution – 1 part soap to 9 parts water – or a certified rug cleaning product recommended by a professional.

After cleaning a spill or stain, allow the rug to dry completely by propping the area of the rug up off the floor so air can circulate and dry the rug from both sides. Never apply heat to the rug (eg. a hair dryer or portable heater), only dry naturally. If necessary, raise the pile using a soft brush.

PLEASE NOTE:
SPILLS CONTAINING COLOURANTS OR HEAVILY COLOURED (IE. CORDIAL, PAINT, RED WINE) AND ACIDIC (IE. URINE) CAN INTERFERE WITH THE FIBRES OR DYES WITHIN THE RUG AND BECOME PERMANENT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE GREAT CARE WHEN TREATING THESE SPILLS. IF AFTER FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS THE STAIN REMAINS, PLEASE CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL RUG AND CARPET CLEANING COMPANY.

NEW ZEALAND WOOL RUGS

New Zealand wool rugs are known for their durability and low maintenance. The natural fibres are strong, resilient and naturally resistant to dirt and dust, making them a reliable choice which is built to last. With proper care, a New Zealand wool rug can last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment for your home.

New Zealand wool rugs are allergen-free and hypoallergenic, have natural thermal insulating properties and reduce noise by up to 55%. They are also 100% renewable and naturally flame-resistant.

Moderate maintenance is required, refer general care advice above.

SILK-LOOK NYLON RUGS

Nylon is a resilient synthetic fibre which was originally created to mimic the look and feel of silk. High quality nylon rugs feel luxuriously soft underfoot but are also durable for high traffic areas. Nylon is extremely effective at resisting stains and responds well to steam cleaning due to the hydrogen molecule which constitutes the foundation of its structure. The heat from a steam cleaner will reactivate the hydrogen molecule so even after the extensive weight from human traffic, the carpet can be revived.

Nylon can be more fade-resistant to wool when treated with an extra layer of colourfastness.

Moderate maintenance is required, refer general care advice above.

BAMBOO SILK RUGS

Natural lustre, soft touch, fine yarn but very strong. Best for residential settings in adult spaces less likely to come into contact with spills.

Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial yarn makes them ideal for allergy sufferers.
Sensible maintenance is required, can fade if placed under skylights or close to glass windows and doors.

VACUUMING
Vacuum using a suction head only on a medium power setting. Never use vacuums with beater bars or rotating brushes as these may pull out the fibres and damage the pile.
Always vacuum following the direction of the nap of the fibres. Vacuuming against the nap may damage the pile of the rug and possibly change the look of the rug.

Try to minimise direct sunlight on the rug and if possible, rotate the rug regularly to even out wear.

Due to the delicate nature of silk avoid placing in high traffic areas.

SPILLS & STAINS
Always attend to spill and stain immediately before it has the chance to dry.

In addition to the general advice on spills and stains, please refer below:

Only use cold water to transfer the spill and never use any chemical cleaning agents on a silk rug.

Never apply heat to the rug (eg. a hair dryer or portable heater) as the silk can shrink and fade the fibres.

Only used professionals who are experienced and confident with cleaning silk/bamboo silk/viscose rugs. Please contact us and we will recommend a preferred professional cleaning company.

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

Our care and maintenance guide suggest general care methods only. Sally Caroline assumes no responsibility in relation to the use of this information and recommends seeking the advice and/or services of an experienced rug and carpet cleaner. If you require additional information about the materials and construction of your rug or carpet, please contact Sally Caroline for confirmation.