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maintenance & care guide

nell hill's

Thoughtful care keeps your pieces beautiful for years to come.

PHILOSOPHY OF CARE

Your upholstered furniture, pillows, and custom textiles are meant to be lived with and enjoyed. With thoughtful care, they’ll stay beautiful, comfortable, and ready for everyday life. This guide outlines general best practices for maintaining your pieces at home. Because every item is unique, always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer.

UPHOLSTERY CARE

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.

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.

A few simple habits make a noticeable difference over time.

  • Rotate and flip cushions to distribute wear.
  • 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.

When spills happen:

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

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 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.

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 guidelines are general recommendations. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your furniture or textile manufacturer. Nell Hill’s is not responsible for damage resulting from cleaning methods or products used at home.