Our bed experts have put together some tips and techniques for the general, day-to-day care of your new McKenzie & Willis bed as a quick reference for when life happens…

It may seem obvious but…when you receive your new bed always ensure you remove all the packaging before use!

There are three simple care tips to give you and your bed a quality life together:

Rotate your mattress

Rotating your mattress regularly will help increase the life of your mattress. We recommend rotating it every 2 weeks for the first 4 months and then at the change of every season.

Keep your mattress clean & dry

We recommend you protect your mattress with a quality, washable mattress protector. You should vacuum your mattress regularly to prevent any dust from settling into the fibres.

Spot Clean

For spills it is important to clean them immediately, remove as much of the excess as possible by gently scraping with a knife ensuring your work from the outer edge inwards to avoid spreading it even further. Use warm soapy water as a general cleaning agent to remove the residue and blot the area repeatedly with a cloth. We recommend always testing any cleaning agents on a small, non-visible area first to see if it will affect the fabric.

Ensure you do not saturate the fabric when spot cleaning and do not scrub your mattress with a brush or use dishwashing or laundry detergents.

Dry the area thoroughly in the shade, away from direct heat.

We also think it is also important to note the following:

• The average lifespan of a quality mattress is approximately 10 years. After 10 years the comfort features begin to deteriorate and support capabilities diminish.
• There may be a settling period of 8 to 12 weeks with your new mattress as the materials need time to conform to your body shape and weight. It is guaranteed to feel different from the mattress you have been sleeping on but you will soon adjust.

By following this simple advice you will get the most out of your top quality McKenzie & Willis bed. our sales consultants are always available to offer further advice on any of our beds should you need it, simply call your nearest McKenzie & Willis showroom.

Please Note: All McKenzie & Willis beds come with care instructions from their individual manufacturers. It is important that you read these carefully and refer to them as they are specific to the product and the materials used in its construction.

Our furniture experts have put together some tips and techniques for the general, day-to-day care of your new McKenzie & Willis furniture piece as a quick reference for when life happens…

Fabric

• For general care of your fabric furniture it can be either washed or dry cleaned. However, it is important to check the manufacturers care instructions before you do either.
• For spot cleaning remove as much of the excess as possible by gently scraping with a knife, ensuring you work from the outside in to avoid spreading even further, and gently blot the area with a damp cloth to remove the stain. Do not over-wet the fabric as it may cause water marks or rub too hard as it may remove some colour. Always test on a hidden section of fabric first.
• The list of individual stains your fabric furniture is susceptible to is almost infinite and you should always refer to the manufacturers care instructions before attempting to clean the fabric for example, oil based stains will require dry cleaning.

Leather

With so many different types of leather on the market its important that you use the correct care products that suit the leather you have chosen. Our specialist leather consultants can advise you at the time of purchase on the great range of Pelle products available to use on leather.

• For general care of your leather furniture we recommend you regularly dust it with a clean, dry cloth.
• Do not place your leather furniture close to heaters or in sustained, direct sunlight as over time this will cause the leather crack and/or fade.
• For spot cleaning greasy stains use an absorbent paper towel and apply just enough pressure to remove the bulk – a specialist leather technician is suggested for this.
• There are great leather treatment and care products available- we recommend the use of Pelle Care products every 3 months on your furniture to extend the life of the leather. All Pelle products are non-toxic and safe for use on everyday household and personal clothing items. Please ask us about the best products in this range for your specific piece.

Cushions & Sofa Inserts

• For general care we recommend you plump and rotate cushions and inserts regularly. This is the best way to even out the pressure of daily use.
• Over time cushions and inserts will lose volume. You can have these professionally refilled to reinvigorate your furniture and expand its lifespan.

Wooden Furniture

For general care we recommend dusting with a clean, dry cloth, or wiping down with soft cloth wrung dry with water – always ensure you leave the surface dry after cleaning. If the timber is a rough, recycled or raw surface, additional care must be taken not to cause soling or catching from the cloth used.

Natural Oiled Wood

• Common stains can be quickly removed from this surface with a damp cloth. It is important to remove them as quickly as possible to avoid the stain seeping into the wood.
• Regular polishing will enhance the look and longevity of your wooden furniture.
• We have a range of waxes and polishes available so please ask us for more information.

Lacquered Finish Wood

• Painted timbers are susceptible to peeling if they become too wet so using a slightly damp cloth for cleaning is recommended.
• Frequent dusting is also recommended to avoid dust accumulating in the porous surface causing the wood to crack.
• For stains you should quickly remove with a slight damp cloth and dry immediately.
• As this finish seals the timber we do not recommend the use of products such as Pledge, Spray and Wipe or the like, a damp cloth will be sufficient.

By following this simple advise you will get the most out of your gorgeous McKenzie & Willis piece. Our sales consultants are always available to offer further advice on any of our furniture should you need it, simply call you nearest McKenzie & Willis showroom.

Please Note: All of the items in the McKenzie & Willis range come with care instructions from the individual manufacturers. It is important that you read these carefully and refer to them as they are specific to the product and the materials used in its construction.

Our home linens experts have put together some tips and techniques for the general, day-to-day care of your new McKenzie & Willis linen as a quick reference for when life happens…

Before your read further it is important to note that we always recommend you refer to the care label attached to your linen in the first instance as it is the tried and true best practice for that specific item.

General Care Information

With regular care and attention you will maintain the softness and performance of your linen and ensure years of sleeping comfort. So it is important to…

• Air your linen regularly
• Shake feather and down products regularly to restore loft – the ideal time is when you make your bed each day
• Wash all dark colour separately
• Launder items as regularly as the care label dictates

Give me… the specifics

We sell a great range of different linens, constructed from a great range of fabrics and materials, which require greatly varying amounts of attention. So here are our recommendations for your everyday linen…

Duvet Inners

• Sunlight and fresh air is very important to your duvet inner so air it regularly outside
• Shake your duvet inner each day when you make the bed to restore the loft
• Do not hand or machine wash your duvet inner, they must be professionally cleaned

Pillows

• Pillows should be washed a minimum of twice a year
• Most pillows can be machine washed, however check the care label first
• Wash your pillows in pairs to keep the washing machine balanced and then run them through the rinse cycle twice to ensure they are fully rinsed
• Make sure your pillow is thoroughly dried as a damp pillow can lead to mould. You can dry them in the dryer or outside out of direct sunlight, but check the care label first

Quilts and Bedspreads

• Avoid spot cleaning or soaking your quilts and bedspreads as this may cause the fabric to bleed
• Most quilts and bedspreads can be machine washed on a delicate cycle in lukewarm water. Many manufacturers will recommend using a professional dry cleaning company to wet wash and line dry their product, however check the care label first
• Hang to dry promptly after washing, avoiding direct sunlight, never leave quilts or bedspreads damp
• You can gently pull the item back into shape while still damp to lessen any shrinkage

Sheets and Pillowcases

• Sheets and pillowcases should be laundered each week to avoid discolouration – especially for white items
• Always wash dark colours separately
• Most manufacturers recommend not drying your sheets and pillow cases in the dryer. If you must use the dryer choose a lower heat setting. Best results are achieved by hanging them outside on the clothes line.

Towels

• Pre-soak towels in cold water before using them for the first time
• Do not wash your towels in water over 40 degrees Celsius
• Stay away from bleach and fabric softeners and watch the amount of detergent you are using as this can affect the colour of your towel. We recommend using a wool wash as most detergents contain optical brighteners that can strip the colour from your towels, this also helps the towels feel softer.
• Any pulled pile should be trimmed to avoid it getting worse
• Drying your towels in the dryer is the best method as it fluffs the pile
• Avoid hanging towels on the clothes line if living near the sea (salt dries out your towels)

By following this simple advise you will get the most out of your gorgeous McKenzie & Willis linen. Our sales consultants are always available to offer further advise on any of our products should you need it, simply call your nearest McKenzie & Willis showroom.

Please Note: All of the products in our Home Linens department come with their own set of care instructions from the individual manufacturers. It is important to read these carefully before use as they are specific to that product and the fabrics used. Duvet inners and pillows cannot be refunded due to health regulations so please choose these items carefully.

Our Interior Designers have put together some tips and techniques for the general, day-to-day care of your new McKenzie & Willis fabric, wallpaper or window furnishings as a quick reference for when life happens…

Curtains

Installation

Train your curtains to hang in folds – when hung on tracks, pleated headings (i.e. Pinch Pleat, Inverted or New York Pleat) need to have the heading pushed forward between the pleats to hang their best. After a week or two the buckram inside should form a ‘memory’ of how to sit. For pleated curtain that are hung on rods (i.e. Single, Double or Triple Pleat) the pleat part of the heading should be sitting to the fore and the flat space between the pleats pushed back behind the rod.

When the curtains are hung on tracks, the outside edges of the curtains should be ‘wrapped’ around the ends of the track to hide them from view.

Give your curtains time to settle – the fabric often needs 3 to 4 weeks to relax into its folds and any light creasing to drop out.

Roman blinds need to be pulled up slowly, keeping the cords behind the blind and may need encouragement to sit in their folds perfectly.

Once the blind is pulled up, ensure the cords sit behind the folds, not pulling across the front of the fabric.

Creasing

Some creasing in your new curtains is unavoidable, however, with warmth from your home and sunlight most creases will drop out in 3 to 4 weeks.

Fabrics with a high percentage of natural fibre, or ‘crunchy’ taffeta type fabrics will show creases more readily than others. It is not always possible to remove all creasing from these fabrics and you should regard it as an inherent part of their look.

If you are concerned about creasing in your new curtains, please contact us as we may be able to resolve the issue for you.

Fabric Movement

Natural fibres such as linen, cotton, rayon or hemp will both rise and fall depending on atmospheric conditions.

Under floor heating or heat through floor to ceiling windows may also have an effect on fabric movement.

While we will have advised you of the possibilities of fabric movement when you are selecting your fabric, it is not always possible to predict the reaction a particular fabric will have to the conditions of your home.

Some movement may be unavoidable, but please contact us if the movement appears extreme and is of concern.

Minimising Fading

All fabrics with natural fibres as part of their composition will fade.

Fading can be lessened by hanging sheers, voiles or sunscreen blinds to protect your curtains and other furnishings. Where possible, you should swap your curtains from side to side on the tracks or rods to share the exposure to sunlight and thus slow the fading process.

Fabrics with a high polyester content should stand up to sunlight better than those in mainly natural fibre.

UV tinting of glass does not completely protect against fading.

Cleaning Advice

Vacuum your curtains regularly. Always use an upholstery attachment to prevent damage to your curtains and lower the suction.

Allow air to move around your curtains by regularly opening windows and door – mildew loves damp, dusty environments.

Spot clean marks as they appear but always test on a hidden areas first. Spot-clean shades and blinds with soft cloth or sponge moistened with lukewarm water, add a mild detergent if needed. Blot gently to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric – do not rub. Spot cleaning may result in a cleaner appearance in that area and always test on a hidden part of the fabric first.

Dry clean with caution – washing or dry cleaning your curtains may cause them to shrink and discolour.

Please Note: The individual manufacturers care instructions are available to your on request if you require them.

Luxaflex Products

There are full care instructions available for all Luxaflex products on the Luxaflex website – as well as a full list of approved cleaners and repairers for their products.

Here are some basic tips for your Luxaflex window treatments…

Dusting

Regular light dusting with a feather duster or soft cloth maintains a like-new appearance of most blinds, shades, sheers, shutters and window panels.

Vacuuming

For deeper cleaning, vacuum gently with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Most products can be vacuumed using vertical strokes; however do not use a brush attachment on Luminette® Privacy Sheers.

Spot Cleaning

Spot-clean curtains and blinds with soft cloth or sponge moistened with lukewarm water, add a mild detergent if needed. Blot gently to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric – do not rub. Spot cleaning may result in a cleaner appearance in that area and always test on a hidden part of the fabric first.

Please Note: Certain Duette fabrics should not be spot-cleaned, please see us for more information.

Please Note: The individual manufacturers care instructions are available on request if you require them.

Wallpaper

The care instructions for wallpaper will depend on the type of wall covering you select. Most modern wall coverings have an easy-care vinyl coating which is designed to withstand normal day-to-day activity however, some wallpapers are designed simply for their aesthetic value, and are not vinyl coated so must be treated accordingly. The type of paper and the care it requires will be identified on the roll label, we recommend keeping the label for future reference.

Any marks should be removed as soon as possible. If it remains on the paper too long, permanent discolourations could occur.

Washable Wall Coverings

Can be washed with warm water, soap and a soft sponge. If your roll of paper is ‘scrub-able’ you are able to use a soft brush when cleaning.

For best results always wash from the bottom of the paper to avoid any dirty water running down the wall, taking care not to over wet the surface of your wallpaper, rinse thoroughly with clean warm water and blot dry with a soft, lint free cloth. Do not use any products that contain bleach or solvents of any kind.

Before cleaning, always ensure you test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Delicate, Non-Washable Wall Coverings

Only clean delicate, non-washable wall coverings when it is absolutely necessary. To clean this type of product use a dry-cleaning sponge or eraser. Before cleaning, always ensure you test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Paintable Wall Coverings

Once the wall covering is painted clean only when it is absolutely necessary and follow the paint manufacturers care instructions.

Before cleaning, always ensure you test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

By following this simple advice you will get the most out of your McKenzie & Willis fabric, wallpaper and window furnishings. Our sales consultants are always available to offer further advice on any of our furnishings should you need it, simply call your nearest McKenzie & Willis showroom.

Please Note: The individual manufacturers care instructions are available to you on request if you require them.

Our in home curtain and blind consultation is designed to make the whole process as stress free as possible. The interior design team specialise in window furnishings but can also assist you in selecting your floor coverings, furniture, wallpapers, beds, bed linen and accessories. They can also provide advice on selecting paint and tile colours.

We believe that your outdoor space should be an extension of your beautiful home. The pieces you choose should be characterised by quality and perfect finishes that compare to the finest interior furnishings.

Our furniture experts have put together some tips and techniques for the general, day-to-day care of your new McKenzie & Willis furniture piece as a quick reference for when life happens…

Teak

Teak is used in the entire outdoor range, because we know there is nothing better for outdoor furniture.  All teak is sourced from Indonesia where it is grown in sustainable forests, purely planted for manufacturing purposes.

Grade A teak taken from the heart of the wood at the centre of the teak tree is characterised by a close grain and a warm honey colour, with very few knots present in the wood. Due to its exceptionally high quality and impeccable finish, we choose to use A grade teak across our entire outdoor range.

Teak is rich in natural oils that protect the teak from splitting, weathering and other potentially harmful elements. All teak is sold with a shield coating on it, which offers an extra layer of protection against the harsh New Zealand climate.

In the first year you can expect the teak will begin to silver off, this can depend on your climate as to how quickly this can happen. Over the first 2 years you can expect the teak to completely silver in the sun, it often looks even more stunning this way. Due to its high level of natural oil, teak will bleed or ‘leach’ out the excess oil, this can be seen as tiny black spots which will fade as the teak silvers off.

If you choose to bring the teak back to its original colour it will require a little maintenance:

• Every 6 months, simply sand with a light sander, using long strokes and light pressure, this will bring your teak back to its natural golden colour.
• Once sanded, take Devon Teak protector and apply sparingly to all areas. This protector will keep your teak looking golden for longer and protect your items from water but won’t protect against food and oil, therefore we recommend a shield for all dining tables etc.
• Once a year, a teak shield can be applied on top of protector but it doesn’t last as long because it can’t penetrate the wood as well, therefore use the shield onto raw teak where possible for year round protection.
• Click here to watch a short video on teak maintenance.

Powder Coated Aluminium

All metal used throughout our outdoor collection is powder coated aluminium, the best metal for outdoor use. Aluminium is resistant against rust, therefore doesn’t break and is incredibly durable against the natural elements.

The second layer of strength is the powder coated colour that is sprayed then baked onto the aluminium frame giving another protective layer.  The added advantage of this is it’s very hard to scratch, so perfect for vertical surfaces like dining tables.

Maintenance:

• Your powder coated aluminium outdoor furniture requires little to no maintenance. Simply just spray with the hose and wipe with a soft cloth.
• Mild soapy water can be used if required and within minutes your furniture will be perfectly clean and dry.
• Click here to watch a short video and learn more about powder poated aluminium.

Rope & Weave

Many of our outdoor items are hand woven by families in Indonesia that have handed the skill down from generations before. Each woven item is hand woven onto a frame as most items can’t be done by machinery giving each piece its own unique touch. All woven products have a powder coated aluminium base for strength and longevity to support the weave.

Traditional wicker, though beautifully textured and woven can become dry and cracked, which has led to the development of the synthetic wicker. Made from synthetic fibres it performs extremely well against heat/sun/salt and is treated to withstand fading and cracking.

Our rope is made from a blend of textaline and polyolifin which is UV resistant and very strong.

Maintenance:

• Only requiring simple maintenance, we recommend keeping dirt build up at bay by regularly cleaning with clean or soapy water and a cotton cloth or soft brush.

Concrete

The concrete range is made from glass fibre reinforced concrete, giving you the look of concrete but much lighter. Surfaces are coated with a food safe water-based sealer that will protect the porous concrete material and creates a layer that limits staining and scratching of the table surface.

Maintenance:

• Simply clean the surface with a damp microfibre cloth.
• For more stubborn stains use a mild household cleaner such as washing up liquid, be careful not to use anything abrasive or that contains chlorine/bleach or ammonium.
• Water spotting may occur if large patches of water can dry naturally, say a large spillage.
• Do not place hot objects directly onto the surface, always use a table mat or trivet where possible.
• Consider resealing your table after 12 months for extra protection.

Cushions & Fabric

All fabric in our outdoor collection is Marine grade fabrics, specially engineered for the outdoors. Outdoor fabrics are saturated with highly UV stable pigments, making them resistant to fading and damage from sunlight as well as resilient against mould or mildew.

The cushions inner are Quick-dry foam which features an open cell structure for easy drainage and fast drying cushions.

Click here to watch a short video and learn more about Quick-dry foam.

Maintenance:

• When needed, use soapy water and a cloth or soft brush to remove built up dirt from the surface.
• In exceptional wet conditions, we recommend storing your cushions in a cool dry place.

Umbrellas

Our collection of outdoor umbrellas is made from a powder coated aluminium frame with a granite base. All fabrics are solution dyed acrylic yarns from the Sunbrella® PLUS Marine collection. All fabrics have a surface finish that makes the fabric waterproof, mildew and stain resistant and keeps its drying time to a minimum.

Maintenance:

• The frame of the umbrella should be cleaned with a damp cloth, mild soap and water to remove any dirt build up.
• To avoid staining to your outdoor umbrella fabric, spot clean and brush of any dirt build up when required. Simply use a damp cloth or soft brush and mild soapy water, rinse well to remove any soap and allow the fabric to air dry before folding down.
• For extra protection, you can apply an invisible film to make the canopy stain and water repellent by using a textile protector.
• When not in use, cover with a protective cover and store in a dry place.
• We also recommend inspecting the installation fittings, mount bolts, rib spacers, etc. on a regular basis and tighten if necessary.

By following this simple advice you will get the most out of your gorgeous McKenzie & Willis outdoor furniture. Our sales consultants are always available to offer further advice on any of our furniture should you need it, simply call your nearest McKenzie & Willis showroom.

Please Note: All of the items in the McKenzie & Willis range come with care instructions from the individual manufacturers. It is important that you read these carefully and refer to them as they are specific to the product and the materials used in its construction.