
CARING FOR YOUR FURNITURE

Welcome to the incredibly comforting world of Collins & Hayes. We are glad to see your furniture has arrived!
Sofas are our sanctuaries; where we go to rest, recover and put the world to rights. A place for a cup of tea (and some biscuits, of course), an impromptu catchup or a three-course meal; Sofas are the life and soul of a home.
At Collins & Hayes, we have been manufacturing quality pieces of furniture since 1870. We pride ourselves on crafting Sofas that withstand everything life throws at us. So much has changed over the past 150 years, but we have dedicated ourselves to evolving with the world around us. Sofas, after all, are made to be lived on. That’s why we design and handcraft furniture inspired by homes of every shape and size.
Each piece of Collins & Hayes furniture is created to mould to family life, stand out in chic show homes or fit into whatever kind of lifestyle you lead. We want our Sofas to stay in your home for a very long time; that’s why they are each individually handmade by one of our incredible craftspeople, specifically to your taste, allowing your bespoke furniture to become an intimate part of your home.
So, without further ado, pop the kettle on, take a seat and read through the following instructions to learn how to keep your Collins & Hayes furniture looking brand spanking new for as long as possible. Your Collins and Hayes models will look after you for years to come if you look after them, so take the time to show your Sofa a little bit of love when you can.
Here at Collins & Hayes we believe everyone’s ideal Sofa is different. That’s why we offer a variety of different interiors for you to choose from.
Seat Cushions: All of our furniture can be ordered with a Foam or Fibre seat interior. Foam Seat Cushions retain their apperance and give a firmer sit, whereas Fibre Seat Cushions provide the same level of comfort but give a softer sit.
Back Cushions: All of our Back Cushions and Pillow Back Cushions come with Feather as standard but can be switched to Fibre at the time of ordering. Feather & Fibre offer the same comfort levels but Fibre is more suitable for any allergies.
Scatter Cushions: Our Collins & Hayes Scatter Cushions come with Feather as standard but can be switched to Fibre at the time of ordering.
We’re so confident and proud of the quality of our craftsmanship, we offer a range of different guarantees with your Sofa.
25-Year Frame and Frame Construction Guarantee.
This covers the Timber Frame and Frame construction on models despatched from April 2024 onwards. Springs and Fabrics are not included.
10-Year Spring Guarantee. This covers all models.
2-Year Manufacturing Guarantee. This covers materials and workmanship.
All Collins & Hayes guarantees cover claims by the first owner of products with normal use, purchased from our approved stockists only. They do not cover damage caused by abnormal use or storage conditions, accidents, negligence by you or a third party or any commercial or institutional use. Failure to follow the written instructions in the Care Guide or provided with the product will invalidate the claim. Any alterations or repairs carried out without our written permission will also invalidate the claim. We do not recommend or endorse any form of stain protection on our fabrics. Our guarantees do not affect your Statutory Rights.
Don’t forget to visit www.collinsandhayes.co.uk to register your furniture by clicking on the ‘Register your guarantee’ button on the homepage.
Our website is also home to a range of information on our product collection, materials and also an electronic copy of this guide.
We hope you’ve found the time to try your new Collins & Hayes furniture out for size! A lot of love and care has gone into crafting your furniture; we hope you adore it as much as we do.
We understand that a lot of living happens on your Sofa, so each piece of Collins & Hayes furniture has been crafted with this in mind! We’ve perfected our Sofas for those ‘oops’ moments, ensuring there really is no need to cry over spilled milk, muddy paw prints or sticky little fingerprints. Each and every Collins & Hayes Sofa, Armchair and Footstool is crafted in the UK using the finest materials to guarantee each sit, snuggle and snooze is met with immense comfort.
• Sitting on the edges of the Cushions or on the arms may lead to premature wear or distortion of the Fillings or Fabric.
• Allowing people or animals to jump on furniture may result in permanent damage.
• Do not allow pets to snag the Fabric. If a snag does occur don’t pull it, carefully feed through to the back of the Fabric with a blunt needle.
• Take care with sharp edged objects and jewellery around your Sofa or Chair.
• Furniture should not be exposed to long periods of direct heat which could cause frame distortion or strong direct sunlight which may cause fading.
• Avoid sitting on upholstery with non-colourfast or heavily soiled clothing.
• Make sure your Sofa is kept in a well ventilated room. Upholstery fabrics have better longevity under normal humidity circumstances
Breeze: Our Breeze Fabric is a super soft knit velvet, made from 100% Recycled Polyester. Breeze is knitted from yarns extruded from post-consumer PET bottles, repurposing thousands of plastic bottles bound for our oceans or a life in landfill. Breeze benefits from an easy clean finish, as such stains can easily be spot cleaned with warm water and a mild household soap soloution. For a deeper clean this Fabric is machine washable at 30 degrees or suitable for dry cleaning.
Dune: Our Dune Fabric benefits from Aquaclean® technology. This is a treatment that enables your to clean away stains using water only. For a deeper clean this Fabric is machine washable at 30 degrees or suitable for dry cleaning.
Flourish & Harmony: Our Flourish and Harmony Fabrics are made from Chenille yarns. Chenille yarns are often used to create an uneven, random texture. Chenilles can be subject to ‘pile movement’, particularly in areas of heavy use. This can create a shading look which is a natural characteristic and not a fault in the fabric. Our Flourish and Harmony Fabrics also benefit from Aquaclean® technology. This is a treatment that enables you to clean away stains using water only. For a deeper clean this Fabric is machine washable at 30 degrees or suitable for dry cleaning.
For more information on our washable Fabrics please refer to page 10 of this care guide.
For more information on Aquaclean® Maintenance please refer to page 13 of this care guide.
Genesis: A top quality Semi Aniline leather which will gain character over time. Most scuffs and scratches will appear and fade during use. Some colour variations may occur due to the tendency of the leather to accept dyes differently in specific areas. Every hide is unique and will exhibit colour fluctuations.
Our leathers are not machine washable or suitable for dry cleaning.
All of our Accents (excluding Bloom & Celestial) are a velvet like Fabric. All velvet like Fabrics have a distinctive crushed look which is part of their natural beauty. With time, the angle of the pile will alter, which may result in areas of the pile appearing lighter or darker in shade. A light steaming or gentle brushing in the direction of the pile will be beneficial and reduce pressure marking. Avoid heavy or hard brushing as this may damage the Fabric. All of our Accent Fabrics are not machine washable or suitable for dry cleaning.
In order to maintain your furniture in the pristine condition in which it was delivered, please take a little time to read the following helpful tips.
• If you have purchased a Fabric care treatment for your upholstery, please consult your care treatment provider for cleaning advice.
• Some colour variation can occur between Fabric batches. Although we monitor this very closely, it is advisable to order pieces together if you want to place them in the same room.
• Some Fabrics have a pile, such as velvets and chenilles, which may shade, show pressure marks or flatten. Heavy object for example can leave pressure marks. Creases may form in seat and back cushions where fillings flex. These are normal characteristics of pile Fabrics, and should not be regarded as a fault.
• A light steaming or gentle brushing in the direction of the pile will be beneficial and reduce pressure marking.
• Accumulated dust and dirt will accelerate wear and can dull colours. We recommend you carefully vacuum your upholstery, at least once a week to keep it in good condition.
• Dust removal may be improved by pre-brushing with a soft brush.
• It is advisable to have heavy soiling cleaned by a Professional Upholstery Cleaning Service.
Collins & Hayes cannot accept responsibility for any damage caused through incorrect cleaning.
Collins and Hayes leathers are selected from premium tanneries worldwide, they are natural products and every hide has a unique life story. Leather will stretch and move, and may display traces of the past, such as healed scars, insect bites, growth marks, veins, sometimes even brand marks. These are all hallmarks of hide and in no way detract from wearing qualities of leather.
No two hides are alike, grain structure will always vary. The dyes and finishes penetrate to varying degrees in different areas of the hide to give an attractive finish, perfect colour matching between individual pieces cannot be guaranteed.
These factors mean that after a few weeks of use, wrinkles and creases will form naturally in the leather giving a ‘puddling’ effect. These behaviours should cause no concern, in fact they give a soft inviting look. Collins & Hayes use top quality leather which will gain character over time.
All leather furniture can be wiped weekly with a damp cloth to remove any dirt.
Do not allow any hair products, bodily oils, hand cream or hand sanitisers to settle on your leather as this could break down the finish over time.
We do not endorse or recommend any leather cleaning products as polishes, detergents, solvents and stain remover may damage the leather.
Life is full of those ‘whoops’ and ‘oh dear’ moments; that’s why some of our furniture models come with the option of Loose Covers. If you accidentally spill a glass of red wine on your Sofa upholstery, discover some unexpected muddy paw prints on your Seat Cushions or someone gets their sticky mitts all over your Loose Covers, they can simply be removed and popped in the washing machine, on a cool cycle and come out looking spick and span.
How to wash your loose covers at home:
BeforeremovingyourcoverspleasecheckifyourFabricissuitableformachinewashingby referringtopage7ofthiscareguide.
Step 1: Turn your Loose Covers, Back Cushion and Seat Cushion cases inside out.
Step 2: Put your Loose Covers, Back Cushion and Seat Cushion Cases into your washing machine. Depending on the size of the washing drum, you may need to separate the Cushion Cases from the larger Loose Covers. If this is the case, ensure you wash all Loose Covers and Casings on the same cycle, for the same amount of time, to avoid differences in Fabric tones.
Step 3: Choose the correct setting on your washing machine.
• Only use your preferred detergent to wash your Loose Covers.
• We recommend washing your Loose Covers and Cushion Cases on a delicate cycle (hand wash or wool).
• Select 30̊C and 400 revs spin (or lower).
• Do not use bleach, stain removers or lightening detergents.
• Do not use fabric conditioner.
• Do not spin dry.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Do not iron.
Step 4: Once your washing machine has finished its cycle, remove the Loose Covers and Cushion Cases.
Step 5: Holding each corner, shake your Loose Covers and Cushion Cases, gently stretching them along the seams to keep them tight. Repeat this for each Case and Cover. Do not squeeze or wring.
Step 6: Lay your Loose Covers and Cushion Cases on a flat surface to reduce creases; this way they will dry nice and evenly, reducing crease marks. Do not dry in sunlight.
Step 7: Your Loose Covers and Cushion Covers should be fitted back onto your Collins & Hayes Sofa when slightly damp. Once fitted, steam your covers and cases to reduce creases and give a perfectly pristine look.
Et voila! There you have it; perfectly washed Loose Covers that show no signs of muck and grime. If you’d prefer not to wash your Loose Covers at home, you can take them to your local dry cleaner and have them professionally cleaned - the choice is completely yours!
If you’re looking to mix up your living room style, you could purchase a few spare Covers and swap them as and when you feel like it. That way, you can pop a fresh set of Loose Covers on whilst your others are in the wash; it’ll feel like you have a brand-new Sofa every time you change your Loose Covers!
• Simply wipe any timber or Show Wood areas of your furniture with a soft duster.
• Clean periodically with a diluted solution of warm water and vinegar then buff with a soft duster to restore the shine.
• We advise that you do not use spray furniture polish.
• Any wood on show is manufactured from natural timber and so the grain and colour can vary.
Regular dressing of your furniture should be carried out to ensure it remains in good condition.
All Loose Cushions should be plumped regularly, with a minimum of six plumps (3 back and front) to minimise creasing and flattening. This is particularly relevant for any Pillow Back sofas.
Reversible Cushions should be turned at regular intervals and their positions swapped around to enhance their appearance and comfort and minimise wear and tear.
Fixed Seat and Arm Cushions require plumping and re-dressing after every use to keep them in excellent condition. Ensure that the Cushions and Fabric are straightened and ‘smoothed out’ to their original position.
Reversible Cushions, if provided, should be rotated daily on Sofas and chairs in order to avoid localised excessive wear or soiling.
All Scatter Cushions should be plumped up on a daily basis especially if they are fibre or feather filled. This will not only enhance the look of your furniture but will help prolong its life.
We recommend that Feather Cushions or Feather Mix Cushions are not vacuumed, only brushed.
What to do if you spill something.
In the event of a spillage, prompt action can reduce the likelihood of permanent staining.
Remove as much of the spillage as possible with a spoon or blunt palette knife.
Work towards the middle of the spillage to prevent spreading the stain.
Soak up liquids with a clean cloth, towel or kitchen paper without rubbing the stain.
Blot as much of it up as possible using a damp cloth (not wet) with warm clean water, again without rubbing.
We strongly advise against using any liquids or damp cloths to clean velvet-style Fabrics.
Seek specialist upholstery cleaning advice if required.
Worry Free Fabrics with Aquaclean® Technology have an advance protector, which covers every fibre of the Fabric with an invisible molecular layer, enabling the majority of household stains to be removed with just water.
It is best to clean stains as soon as possible and the following steps should be taken.
1. Remove any excess residue from the upholstery.
2. Apply water on the stain, either directly or using a damp cloth and wait a few seconds.
3. Press down over the stain with the damp cloth and rub gently over the Fabric using circular movements.
4. If the stain does not come off completely, repeat the process as required. For larger or tough stains seek professional upholstery cleaning advice.
For normal sofa maintenance we recommend that you vacuum the entire Sofa regularly with a brush fitting.
1. Prepare your Cover by placing it over the Seat Cushion.
2. Stand your Seat Cushion up and place the back cover over the back corner of the Seat Cushion.
3. Now turn the Seat Cushion over and compress the corner of the Seat Cushion into the Cushion Case.
4. Lay your Seat Cushion flat and pull the cover down, ensuring the top of the Seat Cushion is pulled into the corners fully and lines up correctly.
5. Ensure the cushion fills the bottom of the cover.
6. Gently zip the Cushion Cover closed.
1. Firstly hold out the Loose Cover, taking care to line up the Loose Cover to each Sofa Arm end.
2. Ensuring the seams run down the centre of the Sofa lay the Loose Cover on top of the Sofa in position.
3. Take the arm of the Loose Cover and pull this over one of the Sofa arms.
4. Move to the back of the Sofa so you can begin pulling the cover fully across.
5. You can then repeat for the other side of the Sofa.
6. Pull the Loose Cover over the back of the sofa.
7. Line the seams up and pull the front of the cover down, ensuring the Sofa valance runs straight.
8. Secure any velcro areas together and close all zips. If applicable; add your Twist Pins under the arms.
1. Some of our Loose Cover models come with 8 Twist Pins (4 per arm).
2. To refit your Twist Pins simply push the pin in under the arm.
3. Then twist clockwise to secure.
4. Repeat this for the Twist Pins under each arm. Ensure they are evenly spaced under the arm. Remember to remove the pins before removing your Loose Covers.
WARNING: Small parts are a choking hazard - keep away from children and pets.
1. To connect Modular Units together, firstly identify your silver connecting plates.
2. Position the unit so the silver plate facing down (1) is aligned above the silver plate facing up (2).
3. Slowly lower the unit into place.
1. Lie the Sofa on its back.
2. On the underneath of each Sofa next to the arm there will be a zip. Gently unzip to reveal the bolt holes.
3. Use a ratchet to loosen the bolts.
4. Once all the bolts have been removed the arms will detach from the Sofa. Take care to ensure all the bolts are kept together for reassembling.
5. Reverse the first 4 steps to bolt arms back to the Sofa. Ensure the bottom of the Sofa is lined up with the bottom of the arm for reassembly.
6. Close the zips. On chaise end models and corner groups there may be more zips, ensure they are all closed before placing the Sofa back on its feet.
Do not allow children or pets to access the underside of the product, this product is not a toy and should not be treated as such. Please also be aware of sharp edges.
If you require any more information please don’t hesitate to contact us.
www.collinsandhayes.co.uk
Telephone: 01773 309599
Email: customer.service@collinsandhayes.co.uk
Address: Collins & Hayes Furniture Limited, Hampton Park West, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6GU
If you are looking for inspiration on how to style your Sofa, visit our social media channels and blogs.
facebook.com/CollinsandHayesFurnitureLtd/
@collinsandhayes
www.pinterest.co.uk/collinsandhayesfurniture/