Care Guide & Maintenance
In this section, you'll find detailed material descriptions, as well as maintenance and care guides for the range of accessories and furniture from Kristina Dam Studio. Take good care of your latest design from Kristina Dam Studio. By providing the right care and maintenance, you’ll help preserve both its look and functionality, ensuring it remains a cherished part of your home for many years to come. Every material used in our production has its own specific care instructions.
Wood
Oiled Wood
Please be aware that wood is a natural material and every pieces is unique. Wood is a material changing imperceptibly over time. All wood reacts to sunlight, humidity, temperature and can vary slightly in grain pattern and coloration. Furthermore the woods structure and colour will evolve over time. The biggest changes occur in the beginning of a furniture lifecircle. Solid wood is particularly affected by changes in humidity. During the summer, wood expands and during the winter, wood contracts. This natural motion of the wood can cause small splits and cracks between the veins of the wood to appear. However, these do not damage the product and can often be successfully treated with a wood oil treatment. It is important to ensure that your piece of wooden furniture or accessory is continuously cared in order to maximise their lifespan. Oil treated wood is recommended to be oiled once or twice a year, or whenever the wood looks particularly dry. If the wood grains raise, slightly sand them with a 240-grain sanding paper in the direction of the timber grain. Make the cloth damp with oil and evenly distribute to the entire wooden surface in the direction of the grain. Wipe the oil off with a clean, dry cloth in the direction of the wood grain, and wait 10-20 minutes until the furniture surface dry completely. The wood you treat is likely to get a slightly darker colortone after applying oil. Please test on a small invisible part of the product before applying oil to the entire surface. If in doubt, please consult a professional for advice on how to treat the wood. Please note that wooden table legs can leave stains especially in connection with washing floors or cleaning carpets. Always protect the surface against heat, damp, and colored objects. Use trivets on tabletops. Red wine, coffee and other strongly colored fluids can leave a mark if you leave them on the tabletop and do not remove them right after a spill. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products on wood surfaces. Daily wipe your wooden product with a wrung-out cloth that had been immersed in a solution of soap and water. Dry off immediately with a clean cloth. Repair of serious damage should always be carried out by a professional.
Lacquered / Stained Wood
Lacquered and stained wood is stronger than an oiled surface and is usually used when a coloured or durable surface is desired. Compared to oiled wood, lacquered and stained wood withstand dirt and grease to some degree and requires minimal maintenance. For daily care it is recommended to clean the surface with a soft cloth wrung in a mild solution of lukewarm soap water. Always follow the wood grains and always dry with a soft dry cloth immediately after cleaning. Avoid use of abrasive cleaning agents and aggressive cleaning detergents as this will damage the surface of the lacquered or stained wood. Always protect the surface against heat, damp, and colored objects. Use trivets on tabletops. Please note that wooden table legs can leave stains especially in connection with washing floors or cleaning carpets. Never place furniture directly up against radiators or heaters. Red wine, coffee, and other strongly colored fluids can leave a mark if you leave them on the tabletop and do not remove them right after a spill. Protect your furniture from the sun to avoid sun bleaching. We do not recommending that you re-lacquer your product because it is very hard to reach the exact same color especially when your furniture is a couple of years old as the colour. Repair of serious damage should always be carried out by a professional.
Oiled Veneer Wood
Veneer Wood is easy to clean and durable and it is a worthy alternative to solid wood, despite mistakenly often considered inferior in quality. Wood veneer furniture is made from thin sheets of natural wood that are applied to a base of MDF, plywood or chipboard, giving the surface the appearance of solid wood. The production process ensures an even grain pattern where natural variations in the surface of the wood can be aligned for a more uniform look. Wood veneer does not age in the same way as solid wood, it is less prone to splintering and warping and provides additional support to the overall furniture piece, making it inherently more durable than solid wood designs. The surface is oiled and therefore need to be treated with the same care as solid oiled wood. To avoid cracks and other damage, wood veneer should not be placed close to direct heat sources or in humid environments. Daily wipe your wooden product with a wrung-out cloth that had been immersed in a solution of soap and water. Dry off immediately with a clean cloth. Do not scrub as this can damage the grain and leaving the surface patchy. Dry off immediately with a clean cloth. Oil treated wood is recommended to be oiled once or twice a year, or whenever the wood looks particularly dry. Make the cloth damp with oil and evenly distribute to the entire wooden surface in the direction of the grain. Wipe the oil off with a clean, dry cloth in the direction of the wood grain, and wait 10-20 minutes until the furniture surface dry completely. The wood you treat is likely to get a slightly darker colortone after applying oil. Please test on a small invisible part of the product before applying oil to the entire surface If in doubt, please consult a professional for advice on how to treat the wood.
Upholstery
Fabric Indoor Upholstery
The textile used on our indoor furniture called One Mario Sirtori Orsetto and is made from a yarn-dyed compostion. Possible irregularities of the yarn must be considered, it is a feature of the product as it’s natural yarn. Batch to batch chromatic variations must be seen as normal and be evaluated with the usual tolerance of this type of fabric. To keep your upholstery beautiful for many years, we recommend to avoid placing the upholstered furniture in direct sunlight or near a strong heat source to reduce changes in the colour. Dust and dirt wear down the textile and reduce its qualities. Regular cleaning is important in order to keep the upholstery looking its best and to prolong its life. Always vacuum clean the fabric frequently on medium power. Straighten the fabric with your hands from time to time. Always remove stains quickly before they can do any permanent damage to the furniture. Soak up spilled liquids immediately with an absorbent paper or cloth by dabbing gently towards the center of the stain. If the stain remains, we recommend to consult a professional before starting to clean the textile yourself. The upholstery is fixed and cannot be removed. Avoid improper use such as sitting on the back or armrests or standing on the furniture. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface with sharp objects. Please handle the furniture carefully to prevent scratches on the floor. Please do not use any chemicals to clean the stainless steel. Use only warm soap water and dry with a soft cloth. The textile is only for indoor use. For further specifications on the the textile please visit: https://onemariosirtori.com/fabrics/orsetto.
Fabric Outdoor Upholstery
The textile used on our outdoor upholstery called Sunbrella canvas and consists of 100% acrylic. The surface is non-PFOA water and stain repellent. The textile is usable for indoor and outdoor usage, but must stored safely inside during rain. Dust and dirt wear down the textile and reduce its qualities. Regular cleaning is important in order to keep the upholstery looking its best and to prolong its life. Always vacuum clean the fabric frequently on medium power. Straighten the fabric with your hands from time to time. Always remove stains quickly before they can do any permanent damage to the furniture. Soak up spilled liquids immediately with an absorbent paper or cloth by dabbing gently towards the center of the stain. If the stain remains, we recommend to consult a professional before starting to clean the textile yourself. For further specifications on the the textile please visit: https://www.sunbrella.com/clean-sunbrella-upholstery.
Leather
Aniline Leather
This soft, premium quality leather is made from highend raw hides. Aniline leather characteristic displays visible surface marks that reflect the life of the cow – including fat wrinkles, scars and bite marks. These subtle, natural markings bring a unique quality to each hide. Furthermore, slight colour variations are visible as hides react differently to the tanning process. These characteristics will become more pronounced as the leather ages. With open pores similar to that of human skin, the temperature of the leather will adjust to match that of the human body, offering additional comfort for the user when seated. Vacuum frequently with a soft brush to remove dust. For stains, use boiled water with a natural soap: Whisp 2-3 tablespoons of soap flakes into 1 litre of water and use the foam. When the water is room temperature, apply the foam over the leather with a soft cloth. Avoid soaking. When dry, polish the leather with a clean cotton cloth. Avoid bar soap, saddle soap, leather cleaners, household detergents or chemical products. Protect from direct sunlight, excessive heat and sharp objects.
Nubuck / Suede Leather
Nubuck is a top-grain leather that has been sanded to give a velvet-like surface, it is similar to suede, but is created from the outer side of a hide, giving it more strength and thickness and a fine grain. It is soft to the touch, scratches easily and water drops darken it temporarily, but when dried it returns to its original color. Avoid contact with water, liquids or creams. Suede and nubuck cannot be cleaned with water or soap flakes as described for aniline leather. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
Cotton Pulp
Cotton Pulp
Some of our artworks are handmade and created of 100% recycled cotton pulp. Cotton rag pulp is made from waste generated by garment manufacturers. The leftover garments are cut, cleaned and soaked in water to soften the fibersground into a slurry, breaking down the fibers and creating pulp. The pulp is diluted with water and poured onto a fine mesh screen or mold. The water drains away, leaving a mat of fibers which will afterwards transformed into our artwork. Small differences in shape and colour may occur. To clean the artwork, wipe with a dry cloth only as the artwork do not tolerate water. Keep away from wet or damp areas.
Marble & Stone
Marble
Marble carries the marks of history, not two pieces are alike. This unique material displays in the most elegant way the natural ”imperfections” that make each piece special. Our marble products have been sanded and polished to ensure that the stone retains its natural beauty. All liquids – including water should never be left to dry on marble, as this will damage the surface. Avoid contact with acidic fruit or harsh and abrasive chemicals. Cleaning of marble has to be as gentle as possible. Dust the surface and gently wipe the surface with a damp cloth when needed. Never use dusting sprays or abrasive cleaners on marble. To refresh the stone’s luster, we recommend that you use marble polish. You can add a bit of mild detergent. Ensure that the detergent is wiped away with a damp cloth immediately. Hard or abrasive objects may scratch the delicate and porous surface of the marble. Therefore arrange the marble sculptures and accessories with great care, to avoid breaking their corners or scratching their surface.
Travertine
Travertine is, like marble formed by nature and each piece is unique. Each piece variates in pattern and tonal qualities. Travertine is a soft stone material and may develop scratches over time due to everyday use. We recommend that you handle our travertine products with great care and keep them clean and avoid residues from food and cleaning agents. Clean up spills quickly with a damp cloth or a stone cleaning product. Any type of liquids (including water) should be removed quickly, as the liquid will seep through the stones pores and might cause discolouration. You can apply a stone sealer depending on the frequency of use. Hard objects might scratch the fragile surface of the travertine during cleaning and regular use. Clean the travertine gently and dust off the surface regularly and wipe with a damp cloth. Never use dusting sprays or abrasive cleaners on travertine.
Sandstone
All our sandstone products is untreated. Sanstone is very delicate, and when left untreated as ours, the stone is very sensitive. Any type of liquids will be absorbed by the stone very quickly leaving marks or stains. Dust the surface of the sandstone and gently wipe the surface with a damp cloth when needed. Only use a damp cloth when cleaning as a cloth soaked in soap water will leave marks on the sandstone. Never use dusting sprays or abrasive cleaners. We do not recommend that you impregnate or try to hone or polish the sandstone. Again. Any liquid will enter the stone pores and change the colortone and looks of the stone leaving the product with an uneven appearance that is impossible to change.
Glass & Mirrors
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is tougher than standard annealed glass, but it doesn't mean that it should be considered impact-resistant glass. Though it can be up to five times stronger than traditional glass, tempered window glass can still be easily shattered by impact. For regular cleaning, use a dry, lint free cloth. For heavier stains, use a soft brush with a standard detergent and rinse with a solution of vinegar and water. Avoid using chemicals as it might damage the surface of the glass. Please arrange the glass carefully to prevent scratching the surface or the glass itself.
Mirror Glass
Always handle mirrors with caution. Each time a mirror is moved there is a risk of damage. Therefore, keep any movement to a minimum. Sharp objects can easy damage the mirror surface. To clean mirror glass, use a soft clean cloth wrung with warm water. Do not allow the edges of mirror to remain wet for extended periods of time as stains can occur. Do not use acidic or alkaline cleaners on the mirror, and never use abrasive cleaners or powders or steel wool. For more thorough cleaning, use commercial glass cleaners without ammonia or vinegar.
Painted Glass
Our Opal Vases and Bowls are mouth blown, small differences in shape and color may occur. Only use warm soap water when cleaning the outside of the Opal bowls. Dry with a soft cloth. Don’t clean using a dishwasher. The colour of the Beige Opal Bowls comes from paint applied on the inside of the bowls hollow shape. We do not recommend that you clean the inside of the bowls. If you choose to do so, please be very careful and gentle. You might scratch of the paint applied to the glass. Please arrange the products carefully to prevent scratches on the surface or damage to the edges.
Opal Glass
Our Serif Vases are crafted from mouth-blown opal white glass, small differences in shape and color may occur. Opal glass is a milky white glass that is prepared by adding impurities which disperse as crystallites within the matrix of glass. Only use warm soap water and dry with a soft cloth. Don’t clean using a dishwasher. Please arrange the products carefully to prevent scratches on the surface or damage to the edges.
Ceramics
Earthenware
Terracotta is a type of earthenware, which is used in a wide range of our products.The term Terra-cotta comes from the Italian dictionary meaning “Baked-earth,” ceramic Pottery. It is made out of a fairly coarse, porous type of clay that is high in iron oxides. Our terracotta products are handmade, some are glazed with engobe, a rough slip glaze made from clay and others with a smooth, matt glazing. Small differences in shape and colour may occur. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface. Never use abrasive cleaners/powders or steel wool as this will damage the surface. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface with sharp objects. Don’t clean using a dishwasher. The product is not suitable for outdoor usage as they are not frost-proof. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as a thermal shock can cause cracks in the material. Please arrange your item carefully to prevent scratching the surface or the product itself.
Stoneware
Stoneware is a broad term for pottery fired at a relatively high temperature. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface. Our stoneware products are handmade, some are glazed with engobe, a rough slip glaze made from clay and others with a smooth, matt glazing. Never use abrasive cleaners/powders or steel wool as this will damage the surface. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface with sharp objects. Don’t clean your product using a dishwasher. All stoneware products are not suitable for outdoor usage as they are not frost-proof. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as a thermal shock can cause cracks in the material. Please arrange your item carefully to prevent scratching the surface or the product itself.
Vase Earthenware/Stoneware
The vases are handmade, and therefore small differences in shape and color may occur. The vases are impregnated on the inside with a silicone layer, making them waterproof. The vases’ ability to be watertight may deteriorate over time, please test them before usage. Vases should not be placed on delicate surfaces, as condensation or water seepage may occur. Please only use warm soap water when cleaning and dry immediately with a soft lint free cloth. The vases are not suitable for the dishwasher. Do not place the vases in a cold environment below zero degree, as the material is not frost-proof. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as a thermal shock can cause cracks in the material.
Textiles
Cotton
At Kristina Dam Studio we use a wide variety of textile qualities in our collection of blankets, throws, bedspreads, cushions etc. Cotton is a versatile natural fibre that offers softness and warmth. It has naturally soft, absorbent and breathable fibre. Robust fiber makes it durable and provides a longer life of the garments. Wash on a gentle cycle. Separate according to colour to avoid bleeding and in a separate load from other fabric types. Use a mild detergent and do not bleach. Do not overload the machine as this may prevent the fabric from being cleaned evenly.
Wool
Our Gradient Throw is made of 50% Alpaca and 50% Wool. The colours of the Alpaca and the Wool are all natural. Wool is dirt repellant by nature. Dry off and remove any liquids from the throw as fast as possible before these embed into the wool.
Fabric Covered Cardboard
All storage boxes for our Curved series are made of carton upholstered with 100% Cotton. The boxes are not suitable for outdoor usage and does not tolerate water. Please only use a dry cloth or lint brush when cleaning and dusting off the product. Don’t overload the boxes.
Feather Cushion
Our inner cushions are made of 100% cotton and filled with 80% duck feathers and 20% down. Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle and use only a detergent with no enzymes since enzymes will tear down qualities of the natural filling. Dry afterwards in the tumble dryer along with 2 or 3 tennis balls.
Metall
Powder Coated Steel / Iron
A broad range of our furniture are made of powder coated steel / iron. Powder coated surfaces are beautiful, durable and easy to clean. All products are handmade, small differences in shape and colour may occur. Avoid using abrasive materials or scouring pads during cleaning, and be cautious not to slide heavy or sharp objects directly on the powder coated steel surface. Incorporate regular maintenance into your routine. A simple wipe-down with a dry or damp cloth will help prevent the accumulation of dirt or grime. Only use a mild cleaning agent to remove grease stains. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface with sharp objects. Please arrange your item carefully to prevent scratching to the surface or the product itself.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is known for its durability, but it can still be susceptible to scratches. All products are handmade, small differences in shape may occur. Avoid using abrasive materials or scouring pads during cleaning, and be cautious not to slide heavy or sharp objects directly on the stainless steel surface. Incorporate regular maintenance into your routine. A simple wipe-down with a dry or damp cloth will help prevent the accumulation of dirt or grime. Only use a mild cleaning agent if necessary and alcohol or glass cleaner to remove grease stains and dry off immediately. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface with sharp objects. Please arrange your item carefully to prevent scratching the surface or the product itself.
Powder Coated Galvanized Steel
Our furniture suitable for outdoor are made from steel, galvanized and treated with powder-coating. The galvanisation process minimizes corrosion on the material, but please note that rust may occur over time. We therefore do not recommend exposing the products to water over a prolonged period of time. The products are suitable for outdoor use, but we advise you to store the products in a dry place during cold or wet weather, particularly if the temperature drops below freezing as the powder coating may crack. Sunlight will make the color fade slightly over time. Avoid using abrasive materials or scouring pads during cleaning, and be cautious not to slide heavy or sharp objects directly on the surface. Incorporate regular maintenance into your routine. A simple wipe-down with a dry or damp cloth will help prevent the accumulation of dirt or grime. Only use a mild cleaning agent to remove grease stains and dry off immediately. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface with sharp objects. Please arrange your item carefully to prevent scratching the surface or the product itself.
Casted Aluminium
Casted aluminium is a type of aluminium – it is made by pouring molten aluminium into a mold. It is then left to cool and solidify to take the shape of the mold. Different type of surface treatment will be done afterwards in form of colour, brushing or polishing. All products are handmade, small differences in shape and colour may occur. Avoid using abrasive materials or scouring pads during cleaning. Incorporate regular maintenance into your routine. A simple wipe-down with a dry or damp cloth will help prevent the accumulation of dirt or grime. Only use a mild cleaning agent to remove grease stains and dry off immediately. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface with sharp objects. Please arrange your item carefully to prevent scratching the surface or the product itself.
Rugs
Wool Rug
With the proper care and attention, your rug will look beautiful for many years to come. Wool is a great material with natural attributes that makes it naturally dirt repellent. Vacuum frequently to remove dust and dirt. Some fibre loss or ‘shedding’ is normal for new rugs and will diminish with frequent vacuuming over time. Rotate the rug regularly and do not rub wet stains, but absorb with paper towels and clean with a damp cloth. Avoid chemical cleaners which may set the stain, damage the pile or leave a sticky residue prone to re-soiling. Use professional carpet cleaning if needed. Wool rugs are made from animal fibres. If the rug becomes wet, it may emit an unpleasant odour. To eliminate and prevent this, dry well if it becomes wet. Our wool rugs are for indoor use only. Avoid using in damp areas such as cellars, bathrooms and kitchens. We recommend to place a non-slip underlay under the rug. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which may result in colour fading. Keep away from sharp objects and open fire.
Kelim Rug
Our Kelim Rugs are handmade, which is why the weave may differ slightly from rug to rug. The wool-cotton yarn is hand-dyed, and some shade variation may occur due to the nature of the wool and dye. The Kelim weave yarns has an unique, coarse feel that bring an added element of tactility to the rug, which is characteristic to traditional kelim rugs. Wool is a great material with natural attributes that makes it naturally dirt repellent. Vacuum frequently to remove dust and dirt. Some fibre loss or ‘shedding’ is normal for new rugs and will diminish with frequent vacuuming over time. Rotate the rug regularly and do not rub wet stains, but absorb with paper towels and clean with a damp cloth. Avoid chemical cleaners which may set the stain, damage the pile or leave a sticky residue prone to re-soiling. Use professional carpet cleaning if needed. Wool rugs are made from animal fibres. If the rug becomes wet, it may emit an unpleasant odour. To eliminate and prevent this, dry well if it becomes wet. Our wool rugs are for indoor use only. Avoid using in damp areas such as cellars, bathrooms and kitchens. We recommend to place a non-slip underlay under the rug. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which may result in colour fading. Keep away from sharp objects and open fire.
Candle Holder
Before usage place the candle firmly inside the candle holder. We recommend extinguishing the candles before they burn down to the holder, as this may discolor and/or damage the paintwork of the candle holder. Kristina Dam Studio is not liable for damage caused to the surfaces by candle wax, therefore we recommend using our candleholders together with a suitable base. Never leave candles unattended and always keep out of reach of children, pets and inflammable materials. The candleholders are not dishwasher safe. Please arrange the candle holder carefully to prevent scratches on the surface.
Lamps
Make sure the lamp is turned off and disconnected from the power socket before cleaning. Please do not use any chemicals on the material. Use only a hard-wrung cloth to clean the surface and dry immediately with a dry cloth. Your lamp must be completely dry before connecting again to the socket. All lamps are for indoor use only, as well keep away from wet or damp areas. For safety and warranty reasons consult a professional electrician when installing. Make sure that pedant and wall lamps are firmly fastened on the ceiling/wall before usage. Cone Lamp: Lightbulb not included (E27 / MAX 25W). Geometric Lamp: Non removable LED light source. Only approved for EU/NO/CH