Looked after properly, a Davorel piece should outlast several sofas bought elsewhere. Most of that is simple maintenance. The one thing worth reading carefully is the fabric table — care instructions differ significantly between our ranges, and treating an Ardin sofa like a Glaciella one will damage it.
Fabric care by range
Check which range your piece is upholstered in before cleaning. If you are not sure, call us on 087 265 6952 with your order number and we will tell you.
| Range | Washing | Bleach | Tumble dry | Iron | Professional cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mistelle (Furrona) | Warm machine wash, normal cycle | No | Low heat | Low heat | Any solvent except trichloroethylene |
| Glaciella | Warm machine wash | No | Low heat | Low temperature | Any solvent except trichloroethylene |
| Luma | Warm machine wash | No | Low heat | No | Any solvent except trichloroethylene |
| Ardin | Do not wash | No | — | No | Dry clean only, any solvent except trichloroethylene |
| Clario (Cavura) | — | No | No | Low setting | Low-temperature professional process |
| FibreGuard (Varela) | Machine wash 30°C or 60°C | — | No | Moderate temperature | Do not dry clean |
Full specifications for each range are on the Fabric Guide.
Outdoor furniture covers
Our waterproof Oxford 600D covers need different handling again: wipe clean with a damp cloth only. Do not machine wash or dry clean them, and keep harsh chemicals and bleach away — all three strip the waterproof coating.
Dealing with a spill
Address spills promptly — that single habit does more for the life of upholstery than anything else. Blot rather than rub, work from the outside of the mark inwards, and let the area dry fully before using the seat again. Indoor ranges carry MasterGuard protection, Mistelle is water repellent, and outdoor fabrics are solution-dyed or FibreGuard-treated, so you usually have more time than you would expect — but time still matters.
Caring for the wood frame
Apply a nourishing maintenance oil once a year, or sooner if the surface starts to look dry. On timber already treated with our premium oil stain, this restores the natural oils within the wood, preserves the colour, strengthens durability and protects against moisture, heat and everyday wear — indoors or outdoors. This applies to all three of our timbers: Red Oak, Iroko and Saligna.
We are happy to recommend our preferred product. Ask us and we will point you at the right one for your finish.
Outdoor pieces specifically
Iroko is exceptionally durable and naturally resistant to rot and insects, but it is still wood in the sun. Oil it annually to hold its golden colour, or leave it and let it weather to a soft silver-grey — both are legitimate, it is a question of the look you want.
Fitted waterproof covers are available for the Cavura and Varela ranges and are worth using out of season, particularly through a Highveld winter.
What to avoid
- Cleaning methods not suited to your specific fabric range — see the table above
- Excessive exposure to direct sunlight, which fades any fabric over time
- Leaving spills to dry into the weave
- Sharp objects on or against the upholstery
- Excessive jumping, impact or overloading — frames are built to be sat on, not stood on
Warranty
Against qualifying manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship, we cover the frame and structure for five years, foam and cushioning for two years, and stitching and workmanship for two years. Damage from cleaning methods outside the guidance above is not a manufacturing defect, which is the practical reason the table matters.
Next
See the Fabric Guide, Timber & Stains, or our FAQ.