Menu
The product you have purchased has unique characteristics and care requirements. Last Ditch Design has thoughtfully selected and combined materials for the best natural experience.
The proper care of this product is an important factor for the overall enjoyment of ownership and use.
We hope that you will embrace the design’s aesthetics that you have been drawn to, as well as the product material’s natural state of being and future evolution, which we refer to as a “living” finish.
A living finish is a material’s surface state of being that will react to its environment and your physical interaction with it.
A living finish will change over time developing a patina and will reflect the natural elements of the sounding environment (air, sun, temperature and moisture) as well as your interaction with the surface.
The surface finish and/or surface patina you see now will not be the surface finish (patina) you see in the future.
We have selected these materials and finishes, as we know they will age well and evolve beautifully over time, developing a unique personality of their own.
Taking care of high-quality furniture, can be as easy as almost doing nothing, so all you have to do is enjoy living with your purchase.
However, understanding the characteristics and care guidelines for your furniture will assure a lifetime of use and enjoyment.
Moisture and heat can immediately impact or damage any wood finish, so it is important to always follow these protective guidelines.
•Use coasters, placemats, table runners and trivets.
•Always wipe up moisture promptly with a dry microfiber cloth.
•Use felt pads to help prevent scratches. (avoid cork and rubber pads as these may react with the wood finish)
•Wood will expand and contract with seasonal humidity changes. Maintain consistent humidity levels to minimize movement in the wood and prevent warping.
•Over time, air and sunlight will change the color of natural wood. Occasionally rotate the items placed on your wood furniture to allow a more uniform color to develop.
Care for your wood furniture according to its finish. Do not use commercial cleaners, solvents, synthetic waxes, sprays or ammonia-based cleaners.
Microfiber cleaning cloths have electrostatic properties that have a high dust attracting power, making it unnecessary for the need to use additional cleaning products. Studies have shown that microfiber fabrics used to clean surfaces can lead to a reduction in bacteria content by 99%. Most conventional cleaning materials only reduce this number by 33%. Care for your microfiber textiles by washing in regular washing detergent only. Do not use self-softening, soap-based detergents or fabric softeners as they will reduce the effectiveness of the textile.
Note: Not all cloths are of the same quality or fabricated with the same fibers, so take care in selecting your cleaning cloths. Cotton or other fibers can leave layers of fine scratches in surfaces over time with use.
Spills- Immediately cover area with ultra-absorbent paper towels and then remove without wiping. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove remaining moisture and residue.
Spot Cleaning on Wood- A damp microfiber cloth with distilled water may be used. In the case of residue or heavily soiled surfaces a very diluted solution of distilled water and Ivory Soap bar lather is the most neutral cleaner, but too much soap can damage wood surfaces. Dampen microfiber cloth in the solution and remove excess water from cloth, apply to affected area, then immediately dry with another dry microfiber cloth to remove all moisture.
Note: Professional furniture care services are recommended for any other product care or repair issues. Contact your sale representative for further assistance as needed.
If you are looking for something comfortable and contemporary for your home, you can’t go wrong with a fabric sofa. However, while many people admire them for their beauty, they are often thought to lack durability, especially when compared to leather’s hardwearing qualities. With the right approach and level of care, fabric upholstery can be kept in top condition as long as any other material.
To ensure that your upholstery is always in its best condition, it is recommended to clean it regularly. This is because the fibers in your upholstery tend to collect dirt particles and keep them hidden below the surface level.
•Dust and dirt cause fabric to wear faster, we recommend vacuuming regularly with a soft brush attachment and gentle movements for this task to avoid scratching or marking the material. This is especially important for delicate fabrics like velvet.
•Flip, rotate and fluff removable cushions regularly to ensure even wear and increase longevity.
•Feather and down cushions have excellent recovery, but much like down comforters or pillows will need to be fluffed frequently to restore their loft. Some feather loss is normal.
•Vacuuming with an upholstery attachment between the fabric casings and cushions will help prevent feathers from poking through the fabric.
•Tight (attached) cushions will stretch and wrinkle with use. You can easily restore their appearance by smoothing the surface and tucking excess upholstery into the sides of the seat or back.
•To minimize fading, avoid placing your upholstered furniture in direct sunlight. Dark fabrics and natural fibers like cotton are most susceptible to fading.
As not all fabrics are the same, for best results FIRST consult the fabric manufacturers recommended approach for cleaning and stain treatment.
For general care, always treat stains immediately. Blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean, dry, white cloth, working from the outer edge to the center of the stain. Do not rub. Apply a small amount of recommended cleaner to the stain and gently agitate it with your fingertips. Avoid oversaturation which can damage the fabric backing or cushions.
Continue to apply manufacturer recommended cleaner sparingly and blot until the stain no longer transfers onto the cloth. When you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible, blot any remaining cleaner from the fabric. If the spot cleaner recommends a water rinse, apply a small amount of distilled water to the stained area and blot to remove. Tap water may stain or discolor the fabric due to its mineral content.
The majority of upholstery fabrics only require a regular cleaning regime, but velvet requires an extra step to keep it looking and feeling great. To preserve the material’s natural sheen, you will need to go over it with a clothes brush or a specialized velvet brush, which will help it develop an antiqued ‘crushed’ appearance that will only improve with age. The best time to do this is immediately after vacuuming or when dry after deep cleaning.
NOTE: Do not dry clean or machine wash cushion casings as it may damage the fabric, backing or stitching. For large or persistent stains, contact an in-home professional upholstery cleaning company. Fibercare LA is recommended.
Leather is one of the more durable, low-maintenance surfaces for home furnishings. Keeping your leather UPHOLSTERY clean is relatively simple if you follow the proper steps. But different types of leather upholstery have different cleaning requirements, so you first need to know what type of leather you have. To find out what kind of leather upholstery you have, and the recommended care, start by checking the label or the written materials that came with the piece, or look up the item on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s website. If you don’t have access to care instructions and you’re not sure what kind of leather you have, here are some clues.
Aniline leather (unprotected)- Full aniline or unfinished leather has a soft, luxurious feel. The leather is dyed through with aniline dye but has no surface pigment color added. It has little or no protective coating other than perhaps a dirt-resistant treatment. Natural surface grains and markings may be seen on the leather, which can develop a beautifully aged patina. Aniline leather is more sensitive to staining than protected leather.
Semi-Aniline (protected)- Protected or finished leather may be labeled semi-aniline, aniline plus pigment or pigmented leather. Protected leather is more durable, stain-resistant and uniform in appearance than pure aniline. This leather is dyed and topped with a layer of pigment color. It has a soft feel like pure aniline leather but is a little more durable due to the protective pigment coating.
•Regularly vacuum your leather furniture with an upholstery attachment to remove dust.
•To minimize fading, place leather furniture where it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight.
•To assure even wear and longevity, regularly remove the zippered casings from seat and back cushions to fluff and rotate the cushion inside.
To properly protect leather, you must first clean away any oils and impurities with Chemical Guys leather cleaner. Only then can you condition the leather to restore a smooth silky texture and fresh new scent. Conditioner nourishes natural tanned leather hides and synthetic materials, preventing them from drying out, cracking, and fading from the wear and tear of regular use. Regular use of cleaner & conditioner keeps leather looking clean, feeling soft and resist to cracking.
All nubuck leather is sensitive to oil-based stains because of its texture. We recommend Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner to treat stains. Use a soft bristle brush to help lift the stain and also restore the texture of the nubuck. Apply Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner according to package directions after cleaning if the nubuck feels dry. Immediately blot spills with a clean white cloth, moving toward the center of the spill. Don’t rub. We also recommend Guardsman Clean & Renew to treat stains. For water-based stains, use leather cleaner according to package directions. Oil-based stains are more difficult to remove initially but dissipate into the leather over time. If the leather feels dry to the touch or appears lighter in color, apply Guardsman Protect & Preserve to restore softness and color.
NOTE: For large or persistent stains, contact a professional upholstery cleaning company.
True brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that tends to oxidize (tarnish) quickly when exposed to air, which is a major reason why brass can be given a clear coating of lacquer to prevent this condition. However, with un-lacquered brass a “living” finish may be desired to achieve an ever changing patina finish. It should be noted that lacquer is not permanent and can be chipped, scratched or broken down chemically due to its chemical production process. It is susceptible to oxidation in the atmosphere.
Before getting started there are a few areas of concern that you should be aware of when it comes to cleaning or polishing brass. Avoid using highly abrasive scrubbing cloths, metal bristled brushes, or steel wool; these will scratch the surface of the brass.
A weekly wiping with hot, soapy water or a weak water/ammonia solution on a soft microfiber cloth will help keep unlacquered brass shiny. If the tarnishing is not desired then the recommended conventional polishes such as Brasso and Twinkle, will clean and coat the raw brass with a thin film of oil to help inhibit future tarnishing. Additionally, these polishes contain solvents and detergents to remove the tarnish, mild abrasives to polish the brass and oils to act as a barrier between the raw metal and air. Do not over-use these metal polishes as they may create a smudging problem since fingerprints (human body oils) dissolve the solvency of the metal polish. Only a trace amount to create the thin film should be applied. If desired to prevent further tarnishing a thin coat of linseed or mineral oil can be applied to the cleaned brass with a soft microfiber cloth.
All-Metal Polish by Turtle Wax is recommended for the protection of polished brass surfaces. Wash and dry surface prior to application. Apply with a clean dry micro-fiber cloth and rub into the surface, one small area at a time, until a black residue appears. Continue polishing until all oxidation has been removed. Let dry to a light haze, then remove the black residue with a clean micro-fiber cloth.
Natural stone can be classified into two general classifications according to its composition: Siliceous Stone or Calcareous Stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products.
Siliceous Stone: Composed mainly of Silica or Quartz. (includes: Granite, Slate, Sandstone and Quartzite.)
Calcareous Stone: Composed mainly of Calcium Carbonate. (includes: Marble, Travertine, Limestone and Onyx.)
Note: Last Ditch uses only Calcareous Stone in its standard product ranges.
As a general rule of thumb, whenever a spill occurs, immediately blot the spill with a paper towel. Do not wipe the area; it will spread the spill. Flush the area with water and a mild liquid dishwashing soap. Rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft micro-fiber cloth. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Staining refers to the residual effect of a spill that cannot be removed with dishwashing detergent. Professional’s Choice Tile & Stone Cleaner is a pH neutral cleaner designed for all stone surfaces. This is a non-toxic cleaner that can handle the most difficult stains yet is gentle enough for everyday use.
NOTE: Deep-seated or stubborn stains may require using a poultice or consulting with a professional.
With varying degrees of desired final appearance there are two recommended products that will seal and protect your stone against stains while also enhancing the rich color of the stone.
511 Impregnator- Forms an invisible barrier that is resistant to moisture and stains. This is not a surface coating and will not alter the natural look of the stone. All surfaces treated will become harder and less slippery.
511 Seal & Enhance- Is a unique, solvent base formula designed to eliminate the need to use an impregnator before using a color enhancer for maximum stain protection and superior color enhancement. It will enhance the color and rejuvenate the appearance of honed and polished stones. This will also revitalize old and worn stone. It can be used successfully in both interior and exterior environments as it is freeze/ thaw resistant.
NOTE: Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use of these products, taking care to flush the area thoroughly with clean water. Protect yourself with rubber gloves and eye protection. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Now exposed to the vast range of cultural, art, design and architectural history of Los Angeles, we are proud to collaborate with those talented welders, stone masons, upholsters and makers to assure the best result in our furniture.
This encourages that we stay grounded in our inclusive approach to design and fabrication. Embracing relationships and the pride of these professionals for their craft.