Well-crafted furniture is an investment in the beauty and functionality of your home.
From living rooms to dining areas, the perfect mix of quality furnishings creates a seamless decor that reflects your personal style. You’ll also want sturdy materials that can handle the rigors of kids, pets and the occasional mishap.
Once you’ve brought home that gorgeous new furniture, you’ll want to keep it looking fabulous for years to come. Regular care, such as dusting and cleaning, ensures that your wood, leather and upholstery will stand the test of time. And when you keep dust and grime at bay, you’ll also enjoy a healthier indoor environment.
Even better news? Furniture care is easier than you think!
Your first step is to ask about care instructions when you purchase new furniture. Regular preventive care is essential for keeping it in tip-top shape for the long haul.
In this article, we share easy tips for making furniture care a part of your routine!
Preserve & Protect Your Wood Furniture
Nothing compares to the natural beauty of wood for enhancing traditional and contemporary homes alike. Unfortunately, even the most beautiful wood coffee tables, dining tables and chairs can show a bit of wear and tear over time. Dust, dirt and scratches degrade the finish and mar the appearance of the wood. On top of that, improper care can do more harm than good by leaving unsightly streaks behind.
Regular Dusting
Dust builds up on the surface of the wood to create a dingy film. It also hurts indoor air quality, which can be harmful for people with asthma and allergies. Regular dusting helps you breathe easier and keeps your furniture looking fabulous.
- Every one to two weeks, dampen a microfiber cloth to gently remove dust.
- Wipe the surface using a smooth, circular motion.
- Follow up with a clean, dry terry cloth towel.
- Make sure all moisture is removed to preserve the wood.
Cleaning Wood
Dusting may not be enough to get rid of spills or smudges. Clean wood furniture as needed using the following steps:
- Buy a mild cleaning solution or use a homemade version using water and vinegar.
- Test the cleaner on a hidden spot before using it on the entire piece.
- Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth.
- Follow up with a clean, dry cloth to ensure that all moisture is removed.
Never use products containing ammonia or rubbing alcohol, as these can damage the finish.
Polishing & Waxing
Polish or wax your wood furniture every six to 12 months, depending on how much wear and tear it receives. This creates a protective layer against stains, streaks and other damage.
- Place the desired amount of the product at the center of a clean, cotton cloth.
- Wrap the fabric around the wax and massage to soften it.
- Gently rub the wax- or polish-soaked cloth on the surface of the wood, coating one small area at a time.
- Use a clean, dry cotton cloth to wipe off the excess wax.
- Finish polishing with a soft cloth or lamb’s wool pad.
Keep Leather Looking Like New
Leather is a natural, breathable material that brings an unmistakable elegance to any room in the house. Over time, leather furniture develops a patina which gives the piece even more character. Regular care keeps your leather looking its best, but many people get confused about which products to use and how to apply them correctly. Here are some basic tips to help you out.
Dusting & Cleaning
Once a week, dust leather surfaces with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt, dust and other debris. This keeps the material looking great and boosts indoor air quality, just like when you dust wood furniture.
- If your leather suffers dark stains, such as ink, dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol. Apply directly to the stain using very small, circular motions.
- For lighter stains, use a damp, soft washcloth and warm soapy water. Then dry the surface completely to avoid mildew. Apply a leather moisturizer or cream after it dries.
Leather Conditioning
Apply a leather conditioner at least once a month to minimize cracking, staining and discoloration. The conditioner moisturizes the leather and keeps it soft to the touch. For older, distressed leather, a serum or cream can restore the original color and shine.
Special Care Concerns
Always test new care products on an inconspicuous area, such as the back of a leather sofa, before using it on the whole surface.
Leather is vulnerable to oil and oil-based products. If your furniture comes into contact with oil, pour baking soda over it and gently rub in a circular motion. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil, then wipe away with a soft cloth.
Extreme hot and cold temperatures, as well as low humidity, may cause discoloration and cracking. Place your leather furniture away from direct sunlight to avoid unwanted changes to color and texture.
Use caution if you have pets with sharp claws. While leather is fairly easy to clean yourself, contact a leather repair professional if the material becomes scratched or torn.
Freshen Up That Upholstery Fabric
You can find beautiful upholstery fabrics in a variety of styles and colors. At Lifestyles Furniture, you can customize almost any piece of furniture with your favorite upholstery to create a one-of-a-kind look. But even a high-quality upholstery will get dirty and dingy over time. Check the tag for cleaning instructions for best results, and follow these basic steps for cleaning upholstered furniture.
- Vacuum: Use your upholstery attachment and crevice tool to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Stain remover: Use a commercial stain remover or homemade cleaner as needed. Gently scrub with a sponge or soft-bristled brush, rinsing in clear water as you go.
- Rinse: Dip a microfiber cloth in clean water, wring until damp and wipe away all soapy residue.
- Air dry: Don’t use the furniture until the upholstery is completely dry. Open windows or turn on a fan to speed up the process.
How often should you clean your upholstery? The following schedule is a good rule-of-thumb depending on the circumstances.
- Clean spills immediately. The sooner you act, the easier they are to remove.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture once a week. This keeps dust and debris from accumulating.
- Invest in a deep steam cleaning to remove germs, allergens and pests once or twice a year.
Invest in Quality Furniture That Lasts
At Lifestyles Furniture, you’ll find a wide assortment of quality new furnishings to update your home. From gorgeous living and dining sets to cozy bedroom furniture, our showroom is filled with fantastic options for every style and budget. And don’t forget to ask about customizing your purchase to match your life and style!
Give us a call at 573-874-1550 if you need more details, or contact us online at any time.
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