Care & Maintenance
Keeping your Gallus & Rea pieces looking beautiful for years to come.
Every Gallus & Rea piece is selected for quality and crafted to be lived with. Natural materials — timber, leather, stone and fabric — each have their own character and their own requirements, and a little regular care goes a long way toward preserving that character for years to come.
This guide covers the essentials for each material type. It is not a substitute for the care instructions supplied with your piece. We encourage you to read the manufacturer’s documentation carefully, retain your receipt and, where offered, register your warranty. Following the recommended care guidelines is what keeps a warranty valid — and keeps your furniture performing as it should.
LEATHER FURNITURE
Leather responds well to the same things your skin does: gentle cleaning, regular conditioning and protection from heat and harsh chemicals. Build a simple routine and it will reward you with decades of character and comfort.
Day to day
– Dust and vacuum regularly using a soft upholstery brush attachment. A quick wipe with a clean, lightly damp white cloth will lift surface dust and body oils.
– Attend to spills as soon as they happen — blot gently rather than rubbing, and allow the area to air dry naturally.
– Rotate and plump loose cushions regularly to encourage even wear and maintain their shape.
Seasonal care
– Clean, condition and protect the leather at least once each season using a product specifically formulated for leather furniture. Always test any new product on a hidden area first.
– A quality leather conditioner prevents the surface from drying out, cracking or losing its suppleness over time — particularly in air-conditioned or heated environments.
– Top up feather or fibre inserts as needed to maintain the profile of cushions.
What to avoid
– Direct sunlight, strong heat sources and air conditioning vents will dry and fade leather over time. Position pieces with that in mind.
– Standard household cleaners, solvents and spray polishes are not suitable for leather and can strip or damage the surface finish.
– Wet clothing, damp towels and pets on the surface can introduce moisture and abrasion that will affect the finish over time.
Always follow your manufacturer’s care instructions. Quality leather care products are available through our showroom and online store, and our team is always happy to point you in the right direction.
FABRIC UPHOLSTERY
Fabric sofas are incredibly liveable — and with a simple weekly routine and prompt attention to spills, they stay looking fresh for years. The key is consistency and using the right products for the fabric type.
Day to day
– Vacuum weekly with a soft upholstery brush attachment to lift dust, pet hair and loose debris before it works into the fibres.
– Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth — filtered or boiled water reduces the risk of water marks. Work from the outside of the spill inward, and allow to air dry completely.
– Rotate and plump cushions weekly. Loose cushions with fibre fills can be topped up as the fill compresses over time.
Deeper cleaning
– Use an approved fabric care product suited to your specific fabric type. Always patch test on a hidden area before applying to a visible surface.
– For stubborn marks, a small amount of approved fabric shampoo applied with a clean white cloth can be effective — follow the product instructions carefully.
– For significant staining or a full clean, engage a qualified upholstery cleaning specialist. Standard carpet cleaners are not appropriate for upholstered furniture or feather-filled cushions.
What to avoid
– Prolonged direct sunlight will fade most fabrics — use blinds or position furniture away from strong UV where possible.
– Heat sources, household chemicals and wet clothing can all affect the fabric surface and void warranty cover.
– Avoid rubbing spills, as this can drive the liquid deeper into the fibres and spread the affected area.
Always follow your manufacturer’s care instructions. Fabric care products are available through our showroom and online store.
FEATHER & DOWN CUSHIONS
Feather and down cushions are generous and comfortable by nature — they just need a little regular attention to keep them at their best.
– Remove each cushion and stand it on its side. Push down firmly on all sides to redistribute the fill evenly, then return cushions with zips facing the back of the sofa.
– Rotate seat and back cushions regularly so they wear at the same rate.
– New cushions can feel firmer initially and will soften with use — this is normal and typically settles over the first few weeks.
– Feather fills can be topped up over time as the cushion profile naturally softens. Ask our team about fill options.
– For cleaning, follow the care label on each cushion and refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines. Professional cleaning is recommended for heavily soiled cushions.
SOFA BEDS
Sofa bed mechanisms are engineered for regular use and will last well when operated with a little care.
– When seated, use the main frame rather than the arms or edges of the fold-out section.
– Always remove all bedding before folding the bed back into its sofa position — operating the mechanism with bedding inside can damage the frame and the mattress.
– Open and close the mechanism smoothly and avoid forcing or jarring it.
– For the mattress, follow the care label instructions and air it regularly when possible.
– Refer to your manufacturer’s documentation for specific guidance on the mechanism and mattress included with your piece.
RECLINERS & LIFT CHAIRS
Motion furniture is designed with balance and mechanics in mind. A little mindfulness in how you use it will protect the mechanism and extend the life of the piece.
Using your chair
– Lower yourself into the chair gently rather than dropping into it — sudden impact can strain the frame and mechanism over time.
– Always enter and exit the chair when it is in the fully upright position.
– Use the armrests for support when getting in and out, but avoid sitting on them.
– Operate the handle or trigger smoothly and allow the mechanism to complete its movement before adjusting.
Battery-powered and electric models
– Fully charge the battery before first use.
– Monitor the indicator light during charging — most models show a colour change when fully charged. Disconnect from power once charging is complete.
– Recharge when the low-battery alert sounds rather than waiting for the battery to fully deplete.
– If a charger or cable becomes damaged, replace it promptly. Do not use a damaged charger.
Upholstery care
The upholstery on your recliner — whether leather or fabric — should be cared for following the relevant guidance in this document and the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Always refer to your manufacturer’s documentation for specific guidance on your model, including weight limits, mechanism care and warranty conditions.
TIMBER FURNITURE
Solid timber and veneer pieces benefit from consistent, gentle care. Natural grain variation and subtle tonal differences are part of what makes each piece unique — not imperfections.
– Dust regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth, moving with the grain.
– Polish with a product approved for timber furniture once each season to maintain the protective finish.
– Wipe spills promptly and use coasters and placemats under hot or wet items.
– Lift accessories rather than dragging them across the surface, and rotate décor pieces occasionally to encourage even ageing.
– Position timber furniture away from direct sunlight, heat sources and air conditioning vents where possible.
– Silicone-based cleaning products are not suitable for timber and can break down the lacquer finish over time.
Always follow your manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific finish and timber type.
STONE & MARBLE
No two pieces of marble are ever the same. Formed over thousands of years, stone continues to develop its character throughout its life — and with a little care, that character only improves.
– Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry thoroughly to prevent water spotting. Avoid leaving liquids sitting on the surface.
– Attend to spills immediately — marble is porous and can absorb staining liquids quickly. Blot gently and dry completely.
– Use coasters, placemats and trivets consistently. Acidic substances including wine, citrus and many household cleaners can etch or dull the surface and damage the sealant.
– Rotate decorative objects occasionally to prevent uneven ageing.
– All marble products are intended for indoor use unless specifically noted as indoor/outdoor in the product specifications.
Always follow your manufacturer’s care and sealing instructions. Periodic resealing is recommended for most stone surfaces.
RUGS
Hand-woven rugs are made by skilled artisans and respond well to gentle, regular care.
– Vacuum regularly using a flat suction head and always follow the pile direction. Turbo or rotating brush heads can damage fibres.
– Some initial shedding is normal, particularly with natural fibre rugs, and will reduce over time with gentle vacuuming.
– Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth. For deeper stains, professional cleaning is recommended.
– A quality underlay helps the rug retain its shape, prevents slipping and extends its life.
– Rotate the rug every six months to encourage even wear and reduce UV fading. Australian sunlight is particularly strong.
– Sprouting — where individual fibres work their way to the surface — is a natural occurrence in hand-woven pieces. Simply trim any proud fibres to the surrounding pile height.
LIVING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
Natural materials respond to their environment, and a little awareness of that goes a long way.
– Timber, leather and stone may expand or contract subtly with changes in seasonal humidity. Minor movement or soft creaking can occur and is a normal characteristic of authentic materials.
– All natural materials will soften in colour gradually over time when exposed to light — this is part of how they develop their patina. Regular rotation of cushions and accessories supports even ageing.
– Keeping your home well ventilated and avoiding extreme temperature swings will help your furniture perform at its best through every season.
FURNITURE SAFETY & CHILDREN
Unsecured furniture poses a genuine risk for young children. A few simple precautions can make a significant difference.
– Tall or heavy furniture such as shelving, bookcases and wardrobes should be anchored to the wall or floor. Fixing kits are available from hardware stores and we’re happy to advise on options.
– Store heavier items on lower shelves to lower the centre of gravity.
– Secure televisions or position them well back on their cabinet rather than close to the edge.
– Keep attractive items and toys off high surfaces to discourage climbing.
– Drawer locks are a simple and effective way to prevent curious little hands from using drawers as a ladder.
If you have any questions about anchoring or securing your furniture safely, our team is always happy to help.
CARE PRODUCTS & ONGOING SUPPORT
Using the right product for the right material makes a real difference to how your furniture ages. Generic household cleaners are often not suitable — and in some cases can void your warranty.
Quality care products for leather, fabric, timber and stone are available through our showroom and online store. Our team is always happy to guide you toward the right product for your piece.
If you ever have a question about caring for your furniture — or a warranty concern — please get in touch. We’d much rather help you before a problem develops than after.
A NOTE ON WARRANTIES
Manufacturer warranties vary by brand and product. To protect your cover, please take the time to:
– Read the warranty card and care instructions included with your purchase.
– Register your warranty where the manufacturer offers this — we recommend doing this promptly after delivery.
– Keep your receipt in a safe place as proof of purchase.
– Follow the recommended care guidelines. Warranty claims that arise from misuse, use of unsuitable products or insufficient care may not be covered.
We want every Gallus & Rea piece to give you years of enjoyment. Caring for it well is the single best investment you can make in its longevity.