Rinse and repeat
Caring for your pieces
Date: 11.02.2026
Looking after your surfaces
After project completion, operation and maintenance manuals and care instructions given at handover can be lengthy, complicated and often end up stored away and forgotten. But how a surface is cared for plays a major role in how well it performs, how long it lasts and ultimately, how sustainable it really is.
We’ve put together a simple guide to help extend the life of your surfaces, fixtures and joinery - from everyday care and maintenance through to repair, refinishing and reuse.
Over 20% of the furniture collected at the kerbside was assessed as being re-usable in its current condition with a further 25% assessed as re-usable with slight repair.
Protect and extend the lifespan
Simple changes can make a surprisingly big impact over time. Adding wool felt pads beneath heavy ceramics, glass jars and accessories helps minimise scratching, reducing the wear and tear from being moved around. Occasional oiling or polishing can revive materials and keep finishes looking their best for longer. Preventative maintenance is often what stretches the time between repair, refinishing or replacement.
Buff and shine
With any material or finish, it’s worth questioning whether harsh cleaning products are actually necessary. Bleach, antimicrobial sprays and aggressive chemicals can gradually degrade finishes, etch surfaces and negatively impact indoor air quality or leach harmful chemicals into waste water. If surfaces that have been specified are already hygienic, non-porous or resistant to harbouring bacteria, simple cleaning methods are often more than enough. In many cases, warm soapy water or plant based surface cleaners can maintain appearance and performance while reducing the need for unnecessary chemicals.
It’s also worth reconsidering the tools used for cleaning. Many conventional microfibre cloths are made from virgin plastics and shed microplastics into waterways during washing. Reusable bamboo cloths paired with a suitable cream cleaner or polish can offer a lower-impact alternative, particularly in high-use areas.
Speak to the experts
Well-made surfaces and joinery that are designed to last can often be revived, repaired or adapted rather than replaced. If an asset has been damaged, no longer suits the space or just needs a bit of care, speak to specialists before considering replacement. Often, refinishing or reworking an existing piece can significantly extend its useful life while reducing waste, cost and carbon.
If you've got quality assets that have taken a knock, you need a change or some TLC - reach out to us to discuss how to revive or adapt your piece.
