Care Instructions & Care Products

To care for cover fabrics, simply vacuum regularly to remove dust and fluff using an upholstery nozzle. Stain removal: fresh spots and spills can usually be treated by blotting immediately with an absorbent, lint-free cloth. To prevent ring marks, work from the outer edge of the spot towards the centre. Use household-grade distilled water to avoid mineral residue on darker fabrics after drying. Treating stubborn stains: stubborn spots can be removed by brushing dry stains lightly with a soft brush (for example, a clothes brush). Depending on the type of stain, the use of solvents may be necessary. In such cases, it is essential to consult a professional cleaner.

Cover fabrics should never be rubbed vigorously. Please seek advice from a specialist before using any solvent-based cleaning product.

Vitra plastics are very robust, with excellent shape retention and colourfastness, making them resistant to a variety of chemicals and other substances. Furthermore, special additives retard the fading of colours due to UV radiation. However, prolonged periods of direct sun may cause a change in colour over time. For this reason, limited exposure to sunlight is advisable. Clean plastic surfaces with a soft, damp, non-abrasive cloth and dry gently. Stain removal: for stain removal, we recommend using a mild, commercially available cleaning product.

Never use abrasive cleaning agents such as powders or pastes, or aggressive “all-purpose cleaners” like alcohol, as these may damage the surface.

Leather furniture should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should be kept at least 30 cm from sources of heat; otherwise, the leather can dry out and stiffen. To ensure that leather remains soft and supple and retains its natural protective film against water and grease, we advise treating your Vitra furniture once or twice a year with a mild cleaner. Stain removal: superficial dirt can be removed with a damp cloth, taking care not to saturate the leather or apply direct pressure. You should also avoid rubbing too hard. For cleaning, we recommend using a special leather cleaner in foam or liquid form. Minor stains or pen marks are best removed with a colourless pencil eraser. After such treatment, you should always apply a trusted leather care product from a specialist retailer to prevent the surface from drying out. Liquids should be dabbed away immediately with a cloth and, if necessary, wiped off with a little water.

Please do not use any aggressive agents such as stain removers, turpentine, shoe polish, etc.

Stain removal: should polished gloss chrome, matt chrome or aluminium surfaces become stained, household glass cleaner can be applied, wiping the surface gently with a clean, soft cloth and then buffing dry. For stainless steel, we recommend using a spray or other cleaning agent especially designed for such surfaces, or ordinary washing-up liquid. Powder-coated surfaces should be cleaned with water-based solutions containing pH-neutral detergents (pH 5-8) and soft, non-abrasive cloths, rags or absorbent wadding.

Always clean metal surfaces carefully and without scrubbing to prevent scratches. Never use cleaning agents containing abrasive grains or powders, acetic acid or citric acid.

Wood is durable and long-lasting, especially when its natural characteristics are properly respected and cared for. Furniture made of wood reacts to its environment; exposure to light, for example, alters its colour. It is also able to adapt its moisture content to that of its surroundings. Excessive fluctuations in temperature and humidity, however, can cause it to crack and warp. Vitra treats its solid wood table tops with oil to highlight and protect the properties of the natural material. To avoid stains and other damage, liquids should be wiped up straight away. Vitra seals its veneers with a high-quality lacquer finish. Solid wood and veneer surfaces can therefore be cleaned in most cases with just a soft, slightly damp cloth – or with a mild detergent for stubborn dirt. Wet surfaces should be dried immediately with a cloth. A care set is included for the treatment of solid wood surfaces and should be used at regular intervals.

Do not use any harsh cleaning agents or care products containing silicone or abrasives. If possible, avoid rubbing the surface while cleaning, as this can give matt finishes a shiny appearance and create a static charge that attracts more dust. We do not recommend using furniture polish or floor wax. These products contain unsuitable solvents and/or colour additives and leave a coating that is very difficult to remove.

Some Vitra furniture items are suitable for outdoor use. To ensure a long service life despite exposure to the elements, including sun, humidity, frost and snow, you should observe the following instructions for use, care and storage.

Do not allow water to accumulate on your furniture. We suggest positioning chairs at a slight angle when not in use. Wipe down the surface if it has become wet after rain or snowfall, and immediately clean up any spilled liquids or sunscreen.

Furniture made of plastic dries quickly and is therefore weather-resistant. However, excessive exposure to direct sunlight can make the material brittle and dull over time, as well as alter the colour – even though Vitra employs special additives to retard fading caused by UV radiation. We therefore recommend that plastic not be left in the sun for longer than necessary.

Bird excrement should always be removed as quickly as possible. When using furniture near the sea, please note that the salty air can have an adverse effect on steel and aluminium components. Avoid prolonged contact with objects that retain water or moisture (e.g. a flowerpot on the table). Only cover your furniture with breathable materials.

Before putting garden furniture away for the winter, it should be thoroughly cleaned. Remove dust, dirt and rust and store it in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, sheltered from the elements and safe from knocks or bumps. Good air circulation prevents the formation of mould, and although plastic products are very robust, they should be protected from freezing temperatures.