High-quality furniture ages well when treated correctly, and poorly when treated incorrectly. Most damage is not caused by use, but by using the wrong cleaning agent. Here you will find what each material requires and what you should avoid.
Marble, Travertine, and Onyx
Calcareous stone is sensitive to acid. Lemon, vinegar, red wine, and many household cleaners etch dull stains into the polished surface that cannot be wiped away. Therefore: immediately absorb spilled liquid instead of spreading it, clean with clear water and a soft cloth, and regularly impregnate the stone, once or twice a year for light travertine. Coasters are not a furniture store sales tactic for coffee tables, but the only effective protection.
Brass, Bronze, and Stainless Steel
Brushed brass is intended to darken. Polishing it to a shine removes the layer that gives it its warm tone and accelerates tarnishing. Dry dusting is sufficient; for fingerprints, use a slightly damp cloth and immediately dry thoroughly. Do not use metal polish on antiqued surfaces; the patina is applied and can be rubbed off. For luminaires, switch off the power before any cleaning and never leave the metal wet.
Leather and Velvet
Leather requires distance from heating and direct sunlight, otherwise it will become hard and fade. Dust weekly, and re-grease once or twice a year with a suitable care product. Velvet and chenille on sofas do not tolerate moisture: dab stains, do not rub, and then brush the pile in one direction. Occasionally fluff up seating areas and swap cushions to distribute wear evenly.
Wood
Oiled wood occasionally needs oil, lacquered wood only a damp cloth. Both dislike standing moisture and abrasive microfibers. For dining tables, the rule of thumb is: never place hot pots directly on the surface, as the heat shock will cause light rings. Scratches on oiled surfaces can be sanded and re-oiled; this is not possible with lacquered surfaces.
Outdoor and Rugs
Outdoor furniture can withstand rain, but continuous moisture in winter is a different matter. Teak naturally grays and remains stable, aluminum and synthetic weave are insensitive, textile cushions belong indoors in a dry place. How to get your patio through the winter is described in the guide Eichholtz Outdoor. For rugs, rotating them 180 degrees once a year helps ensure that light and foot traffic do not cause uneven wear; more on this can be found under Eichholtz Rugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to impregnate marble?
For light, absorbent stone like travertine, once or twice a year; for dense, polished marble, less frequently. A drop of water that soaks in darkly instead of beading is the signal.
May I polish brass?
It is better to only dust brushed brass. Under no circumstances should antiqued surfaces be polished, as the patina is applied and can be rubbed off.
What should I do about a stain on velvet?
Dab immediately, do not rub, use clear water and then brush the pile in one direction. For stubborn stains, it is better to ask before trying a cleaning agent.
Consultation by an Authorized Dealer
Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the official dealer directory of the brand and offer personal consultation, online as well as in our showroom in Essen. Send us wall dimensions and a room photo to info@casa-luxury.de, and we will recommend the appropriate size.
Each Material in Detail
This page provides an overview. For each material, there is a dedicated page with explanations, characteristics, and mistakes that cannot be undone: Marble · Travertine · Brass · Stainless Steel · Oak · Glass · Leather · Velvet · Bouclé · Rattan and Wicker.
Eichholtz Care: Marble, Brass, Leather and Wood: Models from the Collection
A selection from the areas discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Eichholtz Quality and Materials · Eichholtz Outdoor · Eichholtz Sofas · Eichholtz Overview