Nell Hill's Maintenance & Care Guide

As we ease toward the coziness of fall, it feels like the perfect moment to slow down and give a little love to the pieces that make our homes feel welcoming every day. We adore beautiful furniture, but we also believe it should be lived in, gathered around, and enjoyed without hesitation. With a few simple care habits, your favorite pieces can last for decades and even be passed along to someone starting a new chapter, whether that’s a college dorm or a first apartment.

Today we’re sharing a gentle reminder of the little things that help your furniture stay lovely for years to come. We’ve also created a dedicated page on our website so you can revisit this guide anytime you need it.

 

 

UPHOLSTERY CARE

Understanding Cleaning Codes

Every upholstered piece includes a care tag with a cleaning code. These codes determine which cleaning methods are appropriate for your fabric.

• W — Clean with water‑based upholstery cleaners
• S — Clean with solvent‑based upholstery cleaners
• WS — Water‑ or solvent‑based cleaners are acceptable
• X — Vacuum or light brushing only
• D — Dry clean only

Before using any cleaner, test it on a hidden area or extra swatch to see how the material reacts.

 

Everyday Care

Routine maintenance keeps upholstery looking fresh and helps prevent long‑term wear.

• Vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment (including under cushions).
• Use a lint roller to remove pet hair and debris.
• Lightly steam (if appropriate for your fabric) to refresh fibers.
• Dust leather with a soft, dry cloth.
• Avoid aggressive rubbing or brushing, which can cause fuzzing or pilling.

 

Seasonal & Annual Maintenance

A few simple habits make a noticeable difference over time.

• Rotate and flip cushions to distribute wear. We recommend doing this monthly.
• Fluff cushions to maintain loft and shape.
• Expect natural “comfort wrinkles” as foam and fill soften with use.
• Keep upholstery out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Schedule an annual professional cleaning for long‑term care.

 

Spot Cleaning

When spills happen:

• Identify the cleaning code before treating the area.
• Blot gently — never rub.
• Use only cleaners appropriate for the fabric or material.
• Test any product before applying broadly.

If you’re unsure how to treat a stain, pause and consult a professional.

 

When to Call a Professional

Professional cleaning is recommended for:

• Large spills (wine, oils, dyes)
• Pet accidents or lingering odors
• Set‑in stains
• Delicate, vintage, or non‑performance fabrics
• Situations where home cleaning may cause damage

A professional cleaning can dramatically refresh and extend the life of your upholstery.

 

 

 

 

 

PILLOW & CUSHION CARE

How Our Pillows Are Made

Nell Hill’s pillows are crafted by hand with thoughtful pattern placement, custom sizing, and quality fills. Each pillow is designed to be both beautiful and durable, with hidden zippers for easy seasonal updates.

 

Daily & Weekly Pillow Care

• Fluff regularly to maintain fullness.
• Rotate pillows when possible to distribute wear.
• Handle pillows from the sides or top/bottom — avoid pulling from corners, which can distort shape.

 

Cleaning Pillow Shams & Inserts

• Most decorative shams and custom pillows should be professionally dry cleaned to maintain color and prevent shrinkage.
• Feather inserts can be refreshed in the dryer on low/air for 10 minutes with dryer balls.
• Avoid high heat, which can damage feathers.

 

Storing Pillows

• Clean shams before storing.
• Use breathable storage bags or pillowcases (avoid plastic).
• Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area.
• Store horizontally when possible to maintain shape.
• Reuse inserts and rotate shams seasonally.

 

 

 

FABRIC & MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Different fibers require different care.

• Cotton, linen, performance blends, leather, and synthetics all behave uniquely.
• Performance fabrics are durable but not indestructible — routine care still matters.
• Fabric labels (double rubs, repeats, etc.) help determine durability and use‑case.

If you’re unsure how to care for a specific fabric, consult the manufacturer or a professional cleaner.

 

 

REUPHOLSTERY AND LONG-TERM CARE

Reupholstery can extend the life of a well‑made frame. When considering a project:

• Evaluate fabric repeats, yardage, and construction details.
• Blend new and reupholstered pieces thoughtfully for a cohesive look.
• Determine whether a piece is a good candidate for reupholstery or better replaced.

 

 

 

 

NATURAL AGING AND WHAT TO EXPECT

Some characteristics develop naturally over time:

• Softening cushions
• Comfort wrinkles
• Feather migration
• Slight variations in texture or appearance

These are normal signs of use and not defects.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE

These care tips are meant to be general guidance to help you keep your pieces looking their best. Every item is unique, so it’s always a good idea to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you ever feel unsure about a cleaning method, a professional cleaner can offer the safest advice for your fabric or finish.

 

For easy reference, you can revisit our full guide anytime here: Maintenance & Care Guide – Nell Hill's

 

Join Us for Our Fall Open House

Friday & Saturday, August 21–22 | 10 AM – 6 PM

We’re welcoming the season with two festive days of inspiration throughout the shop with fresh fall looks, new stems, pillow shams, décor, and more. It’s one of our favorite weekends of the year, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on! Plus, the first 200 shoppers each day will receive a mini pecan pie as a sweet kickoff to fall.

Come stroll, gather ideas, and celebrate the season with us. Until next time - Happy Decorating!