Roman and Williams Guild: Furniture & Home Decor Care Instructions

Care Instructions

Wood Finish Care Guidelines

To honor the characteristic beauty of our solid wood, we exercise restraint in its treatment, avoiding stains and water-tight lacquers that dye and obscure its inherent qualities. Though prevention is the best care for wooden furniture, our conservative approach is designed to accommodate generations of simple maintenance and easy damage repair without the need for working through layers of finish.

To preserve your wood furniture, we recommend protecting all pieces from direct sunlight, which may alter or fade the finish. Do not use furniture polishes, which may damage the surface, nor ammonia or bleach-based cleaners, which can tarnish your piece. Do not use oil-based treatments on our oak finishes, which can stain and discolor the grain. We recommend following the finish-specific care instructions below, including the specific products listed within them, which have been tested for efficacy and safety. Roman and Williams Guild cannot guarantee the effects of other cleaning and maintenance products.

Old Growth White Oak Soaped Wood Finish

General Maintenance

Upon receiving your Roman and Williams Soaped Oak furniture piece, we recommend soaping frequently during the first three months (as often as once per week) when the furniture is most vulnerable to spills and staining. For instructions on preparing your Soap Finish, see below. This will ‘build up’ the finish resulting in a beautiful and durable coating. Following this initial coating regimen, your piece requires occasional soaping approximately once per month or as needed.
To keep your piece free of dust, gently wipe with a dry lint-free cloth.
For heavier dust and dirt, gently clean your piece with a damp lint-free cloth.
Avoid using ammonia-based or bleach-based cleaners, which can tarnish your piece, and oil-based treatments, which can stain and discolor the grain.
To help protect your piece from water rings, we recommend placing coasters under beverages and placemats under plates.

Annual Maintenance

Lightly buff your piece with a Scotchbrite pad, always following the direction of the wood grain.
Prepare and apply a liberal coat of Soap Finish to your entire piece using a cotton cloth. (For instructions on preparing your Soap Finish, see below.) Wipe off any excess soap and buff the soap finish into the wood.
Allow the Soap Finish to dry for at least one hour.
Gently and lightly buff your entire piece with a Scotchbrite pad before applying additional coats. We recommend applying two to three coats until the desired finish is achieved.
After applying the final coat, allow your piece to dry overnight. The following day, buff it with a cotton cloth.

Preparing Soap Finish

In a large-mouthed jar or tall mixing bowl, mix two teaspoons of Pure Original Ingredients Natural Washing Soda into ½ cup of hot, near-boiling water.
Whisk the mixture until the soap has dissolved, creating a thick, dense froth, akin to a meringue—a process that should take two to four minutes. The froth should have firm peaks and should not run. We recommend using a handheld mixer to quickly achieve the right consistency.

Treating Water Spots and Glass Rings

Using a clean cotton cloth dampened with warm water, gently rub the affected area—running along the wood grain—until marks are removed. Apply less pressure to the edges of the affected area, feathering and blending it with the surrounding finish.
If a ring is still visible after the water dries, apply a thin coat of Soap Finish to the damaged area and surrounding finish using a cotton cloth.
Allow the affected area to dry for at least one hour. Once it has dried, buff it with a clean, dry cloth as needed.

Oyster Waxed Oak and Oxidized Oak Wood Finishes

General Maintenance

To keep your piece free of dust, gently wipe with a dry lint-free cloth.
For heavier dust and dirt, gently clean your piece with a damp lint-free cloth. A mild, diluted neutral liquid soap can be used for heavier grease or spills.
Avoid using ammonia-based or bleach-based cleaners, which can tarnish your piece, and oil-based treatments, which can stain and discolor the grain.
To help protect your piece from water rings, we recommend placing coasters under beverages and placemats under plates.
To touch up fine scratches or scuffs, we recommend applying Virginia Boys All Natural Wood Finishing Wax to your piece with a clean lint-free cotton cloth. Allow the affected area to dry for five to ten minutes, then buff your piece with another clean lint-free cotton cloth until reaching your desired finish. The more you buff, the more polished the finish will become.

Black Inked Oak Wood Finish

General Maintenance

To keep your piece free of dust, gently wipe with a dry lint-free cloth.
For heavier dust and dirt, gently clean your piece with a damp lint-free cloth. To address heavier grease stains or spills, you may clean your piece with a mild, diluted neutral liquid soap and a damp lint-free cloth.
Avoid using ammonia-based or bleach-based cleaners, which can tarnish your piece, and oil-based treatments, which can stain and discolor the grain.
To help protect your piece from water rings, we recommend placing coasters under beverages and placemats under plates.
To touch up fine scratches or scuffs, we recommend using a Minwax Stain Pen—in Ebony—to color the affected area.

Claro Walnut Danish Oil and Brilliant Polish; Figured Black Walnut Danish Oil and Brilliant Polish; and Oxidized Maple Wood Finishes

General Maintenance

To keep your piece free of dust, gently wipe with a dry lint-free cloth.
For heavier dust and dirt, gently clean your piece with a damp lint-free cloth. To address heavier grease stains or spills, you may clean your piece with a mild, diluted neutral liquid soap and a damp lint-free cloth.
Avoid using ammonia-based or bleach-based cleaners, which can tarnish your piece.
To help protect your piece from water rings, we recommend placing coasters under beverages and placemats under plates.
To touch-up fine scratches or scuffs, apply a thin coat of Virginia Boys All Natural Wood Finishing Oil to your piece with a clean cotton cloth and buff it until it dries.

Stone Finish Care Guidelines

Honed Marble Finishes: St. Laurent, Arabescato Corchia, Calacatta Viola, Giallo Siena, and Nero Zebrino

General Maintenance

To keep your piece free of dust, gently wipe with a dry lint-free cloth.
For heavier dust and dirt, gently clean your piece with a damp lint-free cloth. To address heavier grease stains or spills, you may clean your piece with a mild, diluted neutral liquid soap and a damp lint-free cloth.
Twice a year, apply a matte sealer to your stone, which protects it against stains, dirt, and grease. Alternatively, you may use the traditional Italian method of periodically wiping clear mineral oil on your marble, which will help it develop a dark patina, enhance its natural aging process, and lend it a wet, glossy sheen. The more frequently you apply mineral oil, the darker your stone will become, and the glossier it will appear.
An important note: Sealers and oil do not make stone acid or stain resistant. Please be sure to wipe up anything spilled on your stone as soon as you can.

Honed Quartzite Finishes: White Macaubas

General Maintenance

To keep your piece free of dust, gently wipe with a dry lint-free cloth.
For heavier dust and dirt, gently clean your piece with a damp lint-free cloth. To address heavier grease stains or spills, you may clean your piece with a mild, diluted neutral liquid soap and a damp lint-free cloth.
Twice a year, apply a matte sealer to your stone, which protects it against stains, dirt, and grease. Alternatively, you may use the traditional Italian method of periodically wiping clear mineral oil on your marble, which will help it develop a dark patina, enhance its natural aging process, and lend it a wet, glossy sheen. The more frequently you apply mineral oil, the darker your stone will become, and the glossier it will appear.
An important note: Though Quartzite is resistant to acid and stains, it is not impervious to them. Please be sure to wipe up anything spilled on your stone as soon as you can.

Lighting Metal Finish Care Guidelines

Burnished Brass, Blackened Brass, French Silver, Burnished Nickel, Pewter, and Rose Gold Metal Finishes

General Maintenance

Our metal finishes are finished by hand using traditional methods and organic compounds that contain no synthetics. They are living finishes, and are intended to change over time depending on exposure to the elements, handling, and cleaning.
Handle your lighting fixtures gently wearing clean cotton gloves. Avoid touching your fixture without wearing gloves; over time, even trace amounts of natural oils from your hands can prematurely tarnish the finish.
To keep your piece free of dust, gently wipe it with a dry lint-free cloth.
If you wish, you may periodically wax your metal finish with Clear Carnauba Paste Wax, which will help prevent small debris and dust from sticking to its surface. After applying the wax, lightly buff your piece with a soft cotton cloth.
An important note: Please refrain from applying cleaning products or water to your metal finish. Doing so will void Roman & Williams Guild’s one-year warranty.

Rex Fur Care Guidelines

General Maintenance

Do not wash or bleach your fur.
Keep your fur out of sunlight for prolonged periods, as well as any other strong source of light or heat, which can cause its color to fade.
If your fur becomes wet, shake out the water. Then place it in a well-ventilated room, allowing it to air-dry naturally. After it has dried, shake it out once more, then smooth the fur with your hands.
Refrain from exposing your fur to substances with a strong odor—such as smoke, perfume, insect sprays, hairspray, and mothproofing products—whose scents can become permanently embedded in the fur.
Avoid taking your fur to a dry cleaner who does not have the proper equipment to clean fur without potentially damaging it. Instead, have it cleaned only by a fur specialist.
Never apply an iron to your fur, which can permanently damage it.

Rex Fur Bean Bag

When moving your bean bag, take care to only pick it up by its leather bottom— and never by the fur itself—to avoid damaging it.

Rex Pillows and Blankets

While our pillows and throws are crafted with double-stitched seams for added resistance to wear and tear, fur hides are inherently fragile. To maintain its integrity, refrain from putting undue stress on one area of your fur pillow or blanket, and avoid picking it up from a single point.

RW Guild Collection Leather Care Guidelines

Unwaxed Dyed Leather

General Maintenance

Sourced from the United States, our leather is made to age and wear gracefully, developing richer color, glossier shine, and deeper softness over time. Careful handling, as well as avoiding exposure to water and excess sunlight, will ensure its patina and texture evolve naturally.
Unwaxed Leather is unfinished, meaning it will contain characteristic details that may seem like imperfections, but are in fact a hallmark of quality and singularity.
To keep your leather free of dust and other particles, sweep or vacuum it.
Soak up any spills with a dry cloth as soon as you can. If necessary, use a damp cloth to soften the edge of any stains. Stains must be blotted—never rubbed— and always allowed to dry naturally.
For heavier stains, use a light abrasive 3M pad to buff your leather in short, gentle strokes. This method will lift your leather’s natural fibers, minimizing the stain.

Waxed Dyed Leather

General Maintenance

Waxed leather is treated with natural wax for a protective finish that allows the material’s natural character to show through while deepening the color and lending it a worn, antique appearance.
Our Waxed Dyed Leather will contain characteristic details that may seem like imperfections, but are in fact a hallmark of quality and singularity.
Though less prone to stains than our Unwaxed leather, waxed leather is not impervious to them. Use a damp cloth to wipe away spills as soon as you can.
For heavier stains, use a light abrasive 3M pad to buff your leather in short, gentle strokes. This method will lift your leather’s natural fibers, minimizing the stain. If necessary, you may then apply a thin coat of clear carnauba wax to the affected area, which enhances its shine, and buff it to the desired finish.

Suede Care Guidelines

General Maintenance

Soak up any spills with a damp cloth as soon as you can. Stains must be blotted—never rubbed— and always allowed to dry naturally.
To revitalize your suede nap after extended use, brush it with a suede brush, taking care to do so gently and to always move in one direction as opposed to brushing back and forth.
To clean spots and stains, gently rub baking soda or another all-natural suede cleaner into the affected area. If further treatment is needed, use a nubuck stone and suede brush to lift your suede’s natural fibers and minimize darkening from cleaning products. When using a nubuck stone or suede brush, take care to work gently; applying too much pressure risks wearing away the top layer of color.

Jersey Leather Care Guidelines

General Maintenance

This vegetable-tanned cowhide is known for its strength and durability. It contains characteristic details that may seem like imperfections, but are in fact a hallmark of quality and singularity.
Keep your leather free of dust and other particles with a dry lint-free cotton cloth.
For heavier dust and dirt, lightly clean your leather with a dampened lint-free cloth.
Refrain from using cleaning products, which may damage Jersey Leather.

Roman & Williams Guild Fringe Washed Linen Care Guidelines

General Maintenance

Our linens are enzyme-washed for exceptional softness and crafted to age gracefully; they will continue to soften further over time with use.
Machine-wash your linens in cold water with like colors, and hang or tumble-dry them.
Avoid using bleach or bleach derivatives, which may damage your linens.
Refrain from ironing, which may damage your linens. Instead, press them.

Roman & Williams Guild Collection Silk Velvet Care Guidelines

General Maintenance

It is common for velvet to exhibit pressure marks in the pile, especially following transport and handling. As it adjusts to its environment and certain humidity levels, pressure marks may gradually disappear. If they do not, they can be lessened or removed by steaming, vacuuming, and brushing your velvet.
The pile of velvet will change over time with use. To best maintain the pile, we recommend gently vacuuming and brushing your velvet weekly, using a fine-toothed brush with anodized aluminum bristles, which are made specifically for use on velvet.
When vacuuming velvet, use an upholstery attachment on a low suction setting to gently lift the pile without damaging it.
If you feel the need to clean your velvet, lightly steam it. Refrain from ironing, which can damage your velvet.
Keep your velvet out of excessive sunlight, strong lighting, and heat, all of which may cause the color and sheen of your velvet to fade.
Soak up any spills with a dry cloth as soon as you can. If necessary, use a damp cloth to soften the edge of any stains. Stains must be blotted—never rubbed— and always allowed to dry naturally.
For heavier stains, we recommend using a professional cleaning service.
Never use cleaning products, bleach or bleach derivatives.

Roman & Williams Guild Collection Belgian Linen

General Maintenance

Soak up any spills with a dry cloth as soon as you can. If necessary, use a damp cloth to soften the edge of any stains. Stains must be blotted—never rubbed— and always allowed to dry naturally.
For heavier stains, we recommend using a professional cleaning service.
Never use cleaning products, bleach, or bleach derivatives, all of which may damage your linen.

Sheepskin Throw Care Guidelines

General Maintenance

Brush your throw regularly with a wire brush. If vacuuming, use an upholstery attachment on a low suction setting to gently lift the pile without damaging it.
To treat stains and spills, spot clean your throw with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking it.
Never use cleaning products, bleach, or bleach derivatives, all of which may damage your throw.
Keep your throw out of excessive sunlight, strong lighting, and heat, all of which may cause fading, and never iron it.
Refrain from exposing the leather hide to water, which will cause it to harden.

Roman & Williams Guild Wool Shearling Throw Care Guidelines

General Maintenance

To treat stains and spills, spot clean your throw with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking it.
Never use cleaning products, bleach, or bleach derivatives, all of which may damage your throw.
Keep your throw out of excessive sunlight, strong lighting, and heat, all of which may cause fading, and never iron it.
Refrain from exposing the leather hide to water, which will cause it to harden.