Care & Maintenance
With regular care and maintenance, your Herman Miller product will provide many years of superior performance and satisfaction. To maintain quality, please follow the cleaning procedures outlined here.
The instructions for the care and maintenance of Herman Miller Products are provided to you as a service. No warranty is implied since results may vary.
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Polished Aluminum
For normal cleaning, apply a pre-softened paste wax to polished aluminum components following the manufacturer's instructions. In humid atmospheres near salt water, apply the wax once a month. In other areas, apply wax every three months to maintain the appearance of the aluminum.
Coated Metal
For normal cleaning, wash coated metal surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in detergent and warm water; rinse thoroughly and dry. Remove scuff marks from low-gloss coatings with pre-softened paste wax, following the manufacturer's instructions. Remove scuff marks and scratches from high-gloss coatings using automotive polishing compounds, either liquid or paste. After polishing, apply a pre-softened automotive paste wax to restore original sheen. For assistance in determining the appropriate color and gloss for Herman Miller touch-up paint, contact your Herman Miller Customer Service Representative.
Plastic
For normal cleaning, wash plastic surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive kitchen cleaners.
Wood & Veneer
This includes Herman Miller products finished with wood veneer or recut wood veneer, except the oiled Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Rosewood, Oiled Walnut, or Oiled Santos Palisander veneer unless specifically noted.
Normal Cleaning
Dust regularly with a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth in the directionof the wood grain.Spills should be immediately wiped up with a damp cloth.
Once a month
Clean the surface with a soft cloth dampened with a quality cleaner formulated for wood furniture. Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain to remove dirt and fingerprints. Wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth.
Twice a year
Apply a good quality furniture polish with a soft cloth. Do not use aerosol-powered cleaners or polishes. Also, do not use polishes containing waxes or abrasives, or polishes that are oil based.
Stains
Herman Miller veneers meet strict testing standards for resistance to wear, light, stains, water, and pressure. To reduce the risk of damage, take some precautions: Use coasters for glasses and mugs. If a glass top is added to the veneer surface, be sure it rests on felt pads. Don’t place a potted plant on a veneer surface unless it’s in a water-tight container or in a drip tray.Don’t let vinyl binders stay on a surface for very long. Use protective pads under equipment with “rubber†cushioning feet. Some chemical compounds used in the feet on office equipment, such as printers and monitor stands, may leave permanent stains or marks.
Minor repair of water rings, stains, and scratches
Rub the surface lightly in the direction of the wood grain using No. 000 steel wool. Apply a scratch-removing polish with a color and value that simulate the veneer. If the scratches are deep, consult a professional furniture refinisher.
Other Damage
Wood is susceptible to bruising and scratching from heavy office equipment, so we encourage a protective surface is placed underneath. Objects should be lifted instead of dragged across a surface. Protective pads should be used under items with a rough bottom, like pottery. Denting, caused by extreme pen pressure when writing, can also damage veneer. Use desk pads or some other protection where a lot of paperwork is done. Sunlight can damage veneer as well, so veneer surfaces should not be in direct sunlight. To help a surface age evenly, users can periodically move items on their desks so that the entire surface is exposed to an even amount of light over time. In addition to light, extremely high or low humidity is a damaging environmental factor. Herman Miller suggests maintaining a relative humidity of 35-65 percent.
Oiled Wood & Veneer
This includes the Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Rosewood, Oiled Walnut, or Oiled Santos Palisander veneer.
Routine Care
For normal cleaning, dust furniture daily with a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth in direction of the wood grain. To maintain the oiled veneer, very lightly brush wood areas with a fine Scotchbrite pad moving in the direction of the grain to open the pores of the wood and remove fingerprints and dirt. Never use wax-based products (Pledge, Endust), aerosol-powered cleaners, polishes, waxes, abrasive cleaners, or oily polishes.
Oiled Finish Maintenance
Only apply oil when the product looks dry.
To oil Eames product wood parts, prepare the product prior to applying the oil:
Rub the entire surface with No. 000 steel wool in the direction of the grain to remove small surface mars, light scratches, and any build-up from previous oiling. Improve the appearance of deep scratches nicks by sanding the wood veneer lightly with no. 360 grit sandpaper in the direction of the grain. Use caution on veneered surfaces to avoid sanding through the veneer. Apply small amount of gunstock (boiled linseed or tung) oil to a clean, soft, cotton cloth. Wipe small sections at a time in direction of grain using a circular motion until the entire veneer is coated. Be sure to apply oil to all exposed edges of the veneer.
NOTE: Only apply oil on veneer surfaces.
Immediately wipe off any oil that makes contacts with leather, plastic, or metal parts. Wipe off excess oil with a clean, soft, dry cotton cloth and smooth in the direction of the grain. Within 10 minutes, rub again with a soft dry, clean cloth until the entire surface is dry. After about three hours, polish with a soft dry, clean cloth. Allow the oil to dry for 24 hours before sitting in it to avoid transfer to clothing. As the oil builds over time, the period between applications will extend. Only apply oil when the product looks dry.
NOTE: Properly dispose of rags used with oil as they can accidentally combust. Rinse oily rags with water and hang over a line to allow air to get to all fibers.
Fabric
For normal cleaning, vacuum upholstery fabric using an upholstery attachment. If further cleaning is needed, dry-clean or spot clean fabric with solvent cleaner.
Do not brush fabric or use a vacuum attachment with a rotary brush. Brushing may permanently damage the nap or change the character of the fabric.
Do not apply water or any liquid solution. Wetting the fabric with any liquid solution may result in permanent damage.
Leather
For normal cleaning, vacuum or dust frequently with a clean, dry cloth. If leather is soiled, it can be wiped with a damp soft cloth and a lather of any mild soap and a minimum amount of lukewarm water. Do not spot clean leather; clean the entire surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry with a clean, soft cloth.
For spots and spills, wipe excess liquid immediately with a clean cloth or sponge; let the leather air dry. If the spot is still visible, further cleaning may be necessary. Sponge the entire surface—seat, back, or chair arm—with clean, lukewarm water. Let the leather air dry; never use a hair dryer or other heat source to dry leather.
For stubborn spots and stains, apply a mild, nonabrasive soap solution with a clean, wet sponge. Rinse well and let air dry. For butter, oil, or grease, wipe the leather with a clean, dry cloth and let the remainder of the oil dissipate into the leather. Do not apply water or try to wash a grease spot.
Do not use saddle soap, cleaning solvents, oils, furniture polishes, varnishes, abrasive cleaners, detergents, or ammonia on leather; they will ruin the finish, causing it to become sticky and cracked.