Product Care & Maintenance Instructions
Last Updated: 26 August 2026
Thank you for choosing Markalou (markalou.com). We take pride in offering brand new, high-quality office furniture including Office Chairs, Office Desks, Office Cabinets, Office Storage Cabinets, and Office Furniture Sets. To help you protect your investment and keep your furniture looking and performing at its best, please follow the care and maintenance instructions below.
General Care Principles
Proper care will extend the life and preserve the appearance of your office furniture. Please observe these general principles:
-
Clean regularly using appropriate methods for each material.
-
Address spills immediately to prevent stains and damage.
-
Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperature or humidity changes.
-
Use furniture appropriately and avoid exceeding recommended weight limits.
Care Instructions by Material
| Material | Daily/Weekly Care | Periodic/Deep Care | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (Desks, Cabinets) | Dust with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. | Apply a high-quality furniture polish or wax every 3-6 months to nourish and protect the finish. | Always use coasters and trivets. Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface. Do not use silicone-based polishes. |
| Metal (Frames, Legs, Storage) | Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots. | Annually, inspect for scratches and apply a protective wax or rust-inhibiting sealant if needed. | Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the finish. |
| Glass (Desk Tops, Shelves) | Clean with a standard glass cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth. | Check fittings and brackets regularly to ensure they remain secure. | Avoid heavy impact and do not place excessive weight on glass surfaces. |
| Upholstered Fabric (Chairs) | Vacuum weekly using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Blot (do not rub) spills immediately. | For deeper cleaning, use a specialist fabric upholstery cleaner, following the manufacturer's instructions. Professional cleaning is recommended periodically. | Avoid placing furniture in direct, prolonged sunlight to prevent fading. |
| Leather (Executive Chairs) | Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Use a mild leather soap for occasional cleaning. | Apply a leather conditioner every 6-12 months to keep the material supple and prevent cracking. | Keep leather away from direct heat sources and radiators. |
Care Instructions by Product Category
| Category | Specific Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|
| Office Chairs | Vacuum upholstery weekly. Check and tighten all screws, bolts, and castors monthly. Clean armrests and base with a damp cloth. Do not exceed the recommended weight capacity. Lubricate castors with a silicone-based spray if they become stiff or noisy. |
| Office Desks | Wipe the work surface daily with a soft, damp cloth. Use a desk mat to protect against scratches and spills. Immediately clean any liquid spills to prevent surface damage. Check and tighten leg fittings periodically. |
| Office Cabinets | Dust the exterior and interior regularly. Clean handles and doors with a damp cloth. Check that doors and drawers open and close smoothly; apply a small amount of wax to runners if they become stiff. Do not overload shelves beyond their weight limit. |
| Office Storage Cabinets | Follow the same care as for standard cabinets. Regularly check locking mechanisms (if applicable) and lubricate with a graphite powder if needed. |
| Office Furniture Sets | For coordinated sets, follow the care instructions for each individual component (wood, metal, upholstery) as outlined above. Consistent maintenance ensures the entire set maintains its professional appearance. |
48-Hour Inspection and Problem Reporting
To ensure your satisfaction and protect your rights under UK consumer law, please follow this procedure:
-
Inspect Your Furniture: Upon delivery, carefully inspect all items for any transit damage, faults, or missing parts.
-
Report Issues Promptly: If you identify any damage, fault, or other problem, you must contact us within 48 hours of delivery.
-
Provide Evidence: When contacting us, please have your order number ready and provide clear photographs showing the issue.
-
Our Response: We will assess your report and provide an appropriate remedy, which may include a repair, replacement, or refund, in accordance with our Returns & Refunds Policy and your statutory rights.
Failure to report a problem within this 48-hour period may affect our ability to offer a full remedy, though your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Common Minor Issues and DIY Solutions
| Issue | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Scratches on wood | Use a wood touch-up marker or wax stick that matches the finish. |
| Water rings on wood | Gently buff with a soft cloth and a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda, or use a specialist wood ring remover. |
| Loose screws or joints | Tighten using the appropriate tool (e.g., screwdriver, Allen key). |
| Squeaky or stiff drawers | Apply a small amount of beeswax or paraffin wax to the runners. Avoid oil-based products. |
| Castors not rolling smoothly | Clean the castors to remove debris, then apply a silicone-based lubricant. |
| Minor scratches on metal | Use a touch-up paint designed for metal surfaces. |
Assembly Guidelines
-
Follow Instructions: Always read the assembly manual carefully before starting.
-
Check Parts: Ensure all parts and tools are present before you begin assembly.
-
Assemble in Place: Where possible, assemble the furniture in the room where it will be used to avoid moving it afterwards.
-
Professional Help: For large, complex items (e.g., large desks, multi-compartment cabinets), we recommend using a professional assembly service. We can offer recommendations upon request.
Warranty and Statutory Rights
-
Statutory Rights: Your furniture is protected by UK consumer law. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, all goods must be:
-
As described
-
Fit for purpose
-
Of satisfactory quality
-
-
Warranty: Specific warranty information (if any) is provided on the product page. This warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.
-
Faults: If a fault develops that is not due to normal wear and tear or misuse, please contact us to discuss your remedy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about caring for your Markalou furniture, or if you need to report a problem, please contact our customer service team:
-
Email: service@markalou.com
-
Phone: +44 2077358235
-
Postal Address: 24 Brixton Rd, London SW9 6BU, United Kingdom
-
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (UK time)
Website Hosting Information
In accordance with legal requirements, we provide the following information about our website hosting provider:
-
Hosting Provider Name: SHOPLINE HOLDINGS LIMITED
-
Registered Address: 21/F, NAM WO HONG BUILDING, 148 WING LOK STREET, SHEUNG WAN, HONG KONG
-
Contact Number: +852-81207281
-
Email: support@shopline.com