Address
24 Brixton Rd, London SW9 6BU,United Kingdom
Telephone
+44 2077358235
E-mail
service@markalou.com
Business Hour
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (UK time)
Product Care & Help Guide
Last Updated: 26 August 2026
Thank you for choosing Markalou (markalou.com)! We offer a range of brand new office furniture including Office Chairs, Office Desks, Office Cabinets, Office Storage Cabinets, and Office Furniture Sets. This guide will help you care for your office furniture to ensure it remains functional and professional for years to come. We recommend reviewing these tips upon receiving your furniture.
1. Upon Receiving Your Furniture
When your office furniture arrives, please follow these steps:
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Inspect Immediately: Carefully inspect the packaging and the item for any damage that may have occurred during transit. If you notice any damage, note it on the delivery receipt and contact us within 48 hours.
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Unpack Carefully: Remove all packaging materials carefully to avoid scratching or damaging the furniture.
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Assemble Correctly: If assembly is required, please follow the instructions provided. We recommend assembling the item in the room where it will be used to avoid moving it later.
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Position with Care: Once assembled, place the furniture in its desired location. For larger items, use appropriate lifting equipment or ask for assistance to prevent injury or damage.
2. Daily Care & General Maintenance
Regular care will help maintain the appearance and longevity of your office furniture:
General Guidelines:
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Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to dust surfaces. For wood furniture, dust in the direction of the grain.
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Clean Spills Immediately: Blot (don't rub) spills with a clean, absorbent cloth. Use appropriate cleaning products for the specific material.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or discolouration. Position furniture away from windows or use blinds/curtains to filter light.
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Control Humidity: Extreme humidity can warp wood or cause rust. Maintain a consistent indoor humidity level (ideally between 40-60%).
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Prevent Scratches: Use felt pads under objects, and avoid dragging items across surfaces. Keep sharp objects away from furniture.
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Lift, Don't Drag: When moving furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it to prevent damage to legs and floors.
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Check and Tighten: Periodically check screws, bolts, and joints and tighten them if necessary.
3. Care by Furniture Type
| Furniture Type | Care Instructions |
|---|---|
| Wood Office Furniture (Desks, Cabinets) | Dust with a soft, dry cloth regularly. Use a high-quality furniture polish or wax every few months to nourish the wood. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent water rings. Avoid placing hot or wet items directly on the surface; use coasters and trivets. |
| Metal Office Furniture (Chairs, Storage) | Clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust. For metal parts, apply a protective wax or sealant annually to protect against corrosion. |
| Glass Office Furniture (Desk Tops, Shelves) | Use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glass. Check and tighten any fittings regularly. |
| Upholstered Office Furniture (Chairs) | Vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris. For stains, use a specialist upholstery cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions. Consider professional cleaning for deep cleaning. |
| Leather Office Furniture (Executive Chairs) | Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and mild leather soap. Condition with a leather conditioner every 6-12 months to prevent cracking. Keep away from direct heat sources. |
4. Care by Product Category
| Category | Specific Care Tips |
|---|---|
| Office Chairs | Vacuum upholstery weekly. Check and tighten bolts and castors regularly. Clean armrests and base with a damp cloth. Avoid overloading beyond the recommended weight limit. |
| Office Desks | Wipe down surfaces daily with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Use coasters and desk mats to protect the surface. Check and tighten any loose screws or fittings. |
| Office Cabinets & Storage | Dust regularly. Clean handles and surfaces with a damp cloth. Check that doors and drawers open and close smoothly; apply wax to runners if needed. Do not overload shelves beyond the recommended weight capacity. |
| Office Furniture Sets | Follow care instructions for each individual component (as above). Regular maintenance ensures the set remains coordinated and functional. |
5. Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Scratches on Wood | Use a wood touch-up marker or wax stick that matches the finish. For deeper scratches, consult a professional. |
| Water Rings on Wood | Gently buff with a soft cloth and a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda, or use a specialised wood ring remover. |
| Loose Joints or Screws | Tighten screws or bolts using appropriate tools. If the problem persists, contact us for advice. |
| Fading or Discolouration | Move the furniture away from direct sunlight. Consider using UV-protective film on windows. |
| Wobbly Desk or Chair | Check all screws and bolts are tight. If the item has adjustable feet, adjust them for stability. |
| Squeaky or Stiff Drawers | Apply a small amount of beeswax or paraffin wax to the drawer runners. Avoid using oil-based lubricants. |
| Rust on Metal | Remove rust with a wire brush or rust remover, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer and paint. |
| Stains on Upholstery | Blot immediately. Use a specialist cleaner appropriate for the fabric type. For stubborn stains, consult a professional cleaner. |
| Castors Not Rolling Smoothly | Clean castors to remove dust and debris. Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant if needed. |
6. Assembly Assistance
Most of our office furniture requires assembly. Please read the instruction manual carefully before starting.
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Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools (usually a screwdriver, allen key, or hammer) before you begin.
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Spare Parts: If any parts are missing or damaged, contact us immediately. Do not attempt to assemble with missing parts.
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Professional Assembly: For larger or more complex items (e.g., large desks, multi-bay cabinets), we recommend hiring a professional assembly service. We can provide recommendations upon request.
7. Warranty and Faulty Items
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Statutory Rights: Your office furniture is covered by UK consumer law. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be as described, fit for purpose, and of satisfactory quality.
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Warranty Period: Please refer to the product page for specific warranty information (if applicable).
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Faulty Items: If you discover a fault or issue that is not due to normal wear and tear, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and clear photographs. We will assess the issue and provide an appropriate remedy (repair, replacement, or refund) in accordance with UK law.
8. What to Do in Case of a Problem?
If you experience a problem with your office furniture within 48 hours of receipt, or if you have any concerns about its quality or condition, please contact us immediately. In accordance with our Returns & Refunds Policy, we will work to resolve the issue promptly, which may include a repair, replacement, or refund after verification.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about caring for your office furniture, please contact our customer service team:
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By Email: service@markalou.com
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By Phone: +44 2077358235
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By Post: 24 Brixton Rd, London SW9 6BU, United Kingdom
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Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (UK time)
10. Website Hosting Information
In accordance with legal requirements, we provide the following information about our website hosting provider:
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Hosting Provider Name: SHOPLINE HOLDINGS LIMITED
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Registered Address: 21/F, NAM WO HONG BUILDING, 148 WING LOK STREET, SHEUNG WAN, HONG KONG
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Contact Number: +852-81207281
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Email: support@shopline.com