THE PRODUCTS
A new quality padded product, may feel stiff; however it will get softer with use till it settles: the products with polyurethane padding give maximum comfort after being used for a couple of months. A reduced thickness in cushions by 2-3 cm is justified by the adjustment of the different padding components.
For proper maintenance of the sofa, from time to time, you just have to move all back and seat cushions (if possible) by swapping their position (the left one to the right and the right one to the left); this will be useful for uniform and regular softening of all parts.
The cushions with eider-down padding are to be regularly beaten by hand, and left out to air, in order to recompose their padding uniformly and prevent them from getting flabby and becoming creased. To remove dust or other dirt, just use a very soft brush, if necessary dampened with tap water, avoiding the use of a carpet-beater or vacuum cleaner, which could damage the padding and the upholstery.

THE FABRIC COVERS
The fact that our covers are removable is one of the most appreciated features, which means guaranteeing not only function but also fabric performance and washable characteristics. Our fabrics are extremely varied and fashionable, as far as patterns and materials are concerned; they have previously been subject to use and maintenance tests. Some are preshrunk or treated to make them washable in water. The essential characteristics we require for fabric are resistance to rubbing and abrasion, and fastness to light and colour.

CLEANING OF FABRIC COVERS
All our padded products have been studied to allow easy cleaning and simple maintenance, in order to ensure a long life. The recommendations given in this brochure are only indicative, but we strongly suggest you will follow them. In case of any hesitation or doubts, you should contact our customer service or, in case of dry cleaning, a specialised dry cleaner. In terms of cleaning, a distinction must be made between ordinary cleaning and stain removal. The former is used to eliminate daily and uniform dirt; the latter to remove accidental stains. There are two ways of cleaning the product:
- washing in water, which can be done at home, carefully following the instructions supplied with each product.
  dry cleaning, which can be done by a dry cleaner. In any case better not to wait until the upholstery is heavily   
  dirty; frequent cleaning is a very good precaution.

The recommendations below do not bind Black Tie: every stain is a special case on which only a specialised dry cleaner can give a correct suggestion.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT FOR SOME TYPE OF STAIN
• Coffee / Red wine: treat with water lightly acidified with white vinegar.
• Ink: use an ink correction pen, following the same method used for stains on paper.
• Fruit / Tea: sponge with a solution of water and alcohol and add one or two drops of diluted white vinegar. For very red fruit use some sodium bisulphate with a few drops of diluted white vinegar.
• Grease: sponge with white spirit or trichloroethylene. Cover with absorbingpowder. Brush and vacuum-clean.
• Blood / Milk / Eggs: brush to remove any superficial dried bits. Treat with cold water added with ammonia, spreading some laundry soap, then rinse out.

WASHING IN WATER
Important never use steam, neither when ironing nor when cleaning. The covers must always be washed with great care and well stretched when hung up to dry, without being wrung. Avoid spinning them and piling them up untidily after washing.
To facilitate fabric covering after washing, it is suggested to slip the fabric on, when it is still a little damp, because it is more adaptable to the model shapes.
For correct washing of the covers, it is necessary to read carefully the instructions supplied with each product. To help you understand the symbols correctly, a useful legend is following.

THE LEATHER COVERS
The choice of leather starts by locating the best grazing grounds and the most selected cattle breeding; the best cattle come from Europe and their average size is mostly around 5 m2. Each piece of leather has its own features: shadows, scrat- ches, unequal tone reflexes, streaks due to natural wrinkles and a difference in grain, which distinguish it from artificial products.
The hides are tanned with chromium and certain types are retanned with vegetable products.
Dyeing is carried out in vats by means of aniline through dyes with the use of lightfast colours.

PRESENCE OF SUBSTANCES WHICH CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO PEOPLE, THINGS OR THE ENVIROMENT
With regard to the presence of toxic or noxious substances on the hides used by us, in conformity with the current laws, we specify that our products NOT contain:
• pesticides
• Formaldehyde
• Azodyes
• heavy metals
• hexavalent chromium

CLEANING OF LEATHER COVERS
Leather sofas do not need any special maintenance, you just have to dust them frequently (once a week) with a soft cloth lightly dabbed, and take care not to leave them exposed to the sun.
The Company is not liable for claims relating to cleaning procedures unsuitable for leather.
In case of stains: absorb immediately with a sponge, blotting paper or cotton wool, then wipe with a cloth soaked in water diluted with mild soap.
In case of superficial dirt: use mild soap diluited in warm water. Use a wet squeezed soft cloth, or a soft sponge, to spread the soap very gently without rubbing, letting it absorb without drying.
Do not use too soft soap, or detergent, or washing powder.
It is very important to dab the whole surface quickly, so as to prevent haloes from forming. The left-over soap will protect the leather and give it the necessary shine. Wait till the padded product is perfectly dry before using it.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT FOR SOME TYPE OF STAIN
• Grease / Oil / Butter: start by removing the stain with a dry cloth. Then try with a light detergent solution (similar to hair shampoo).
• Coffee / Beer / Soda: clean with a cloth and lukewarm water, rub- bing all the surface concerned. In the case where the stain remains, repeat the operation with a soap solution.
• Chewing gum: cool with some ice cubes, held in a cellophane bag, then remove with great care. In the case of any traces left, remove them with a very soft eraser.
• Ink / Pencil: use a very soft eraser, rubbing with care so as not to affect the colour.
• Body grease: remove with a soap solution.