Furniture Care Guide
FurnishMyHome.ca Furniture care guide provides tips and advice for keeping your furniture looking beautiful and well-maintained. Whether you’re caring for wood, marble, high gloss resin or fabrics and leathers, our guide offers practical solutions to ensure your furniture lasts for years to come. Read on for expert advice on dusting, polishing, cleaning and what to avoid to preserve the beauty of your furniture.
Caring for Wood Furniture:
Dusting:
- Always use a soft, clean cloth to dust wood furniture.
- Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.
- Avoid using feather dusters or dry cloths that may cause scratches.
Polishing:
- Use a polish that is appropriate for the finish of your furniture.
- Do not switch between oil-based or wax-based products as this can create a foggy effect or build-up on the surface.
- Apply the polish with a soft cloth and buff gently.
- Avoid using too much polish or applying it too often, as this can attract more dust.
Cleaning:
- Do not use soap and heavy amounts of water to clean wood furniture as this can damage the wood.
- When spills occur, wipe immediately with a soft, dry cloth.
- For stubborn stains or build-up, dilute 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 quart of water and lightly dip a cloth into the solution.
- Rub the surface of your furniture softly until dry.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough cloths that may cause scratches.
What to Avoid:
- Do not place any hot beverages or dishes directly on your furniture, as this can create a chemical reaction and produce a white spot on the finished surface.
- Avoid placing accessories onto your furniture without protective pads or felt lining to prevent scratches or chemical reactions.
- Do not place furniture near sources of extreme heat such as radiators, as this can cause excessive and localized drying of the wood.
- Avoid exposing furniture to direct sunlight as this can cause fading and drying of the wood.
Caring for Marble Furniture:
- Use a soft, clean cloth: To avoid scratching the surface, use a soft, clean cloth when cleaning marble furniture.
- Wipe up spills immediately: Marble is a porous stone and can easily stain if spills are not wiped up immediately. Use a soft, clean cloth to absorb any spills as soon as they happen.
- Avoid using acidic cleaners: Marble is sensitive to acidic cleaners, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Avoid using any acidic cleaners or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the surface.
- Use a specialized marble cleaner: For a deeper clean, use a specialized marble cleaner that is formulated for use on marble surfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
- Seal the surface: Marble can be sealed to prevent staining and damage. Check with the manufacturer to see if the marble has been pre-sealed or if it needs to be sealed. If it needs to be sealed, use a good quality sealer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What to Avoid:
- Do not place hot items directly on the marble surface: Hot dishes or hot beverages can cause the marble to crack or discolor. Always use coasters or protective pads to avoid this.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, can damage the marble surface. Stick to mild cleaners and avoid using any abrasive materials.
- Do not use rough cloths or sponges: Rough cloths or sponges can scratch the surface of the marble. Always use a soft, clean cloth when cleaning marble furniture.
Caring for High Gloss Resin Furniture:
High gloss resin furniture is known for its modern and stylish appearance, and it requires special care to maintain its shine and beauty. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your high gloss resin furniture:
- Use a soft, clean cloth: When cleaning high gloss resin furniture, always use a soft, clean cloth. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive sponges as they can scratch the surface.
- Avoid glass cleaning solutions: Never use glass cleaning solutions on surfaces with a high gloss finish. The chemicals in these solutions can destroy the finish.
- Use coasters or protective pads: When placing hot liquids or hot dishes on your high gloss resin furniture, always use a coaster or protective pads to prevent heat damage.
- Clean spills immediately: If a spill occurs on your high gloss resin furniture, clean it up immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- Dust regularly: To prevent the build-up of dust and dirt on your high gloss resin furniture, dust it regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
Caring For Fabrics & Leathers:
- Professional cleaning is recommended: For fabric items, professional cleaning is recommended to ensure that the fibers are maintained and looking fresh. Leather items should also be cleaned professionally to ensure that they stay in top condition.
- Frequent vacuuming: To maintain the fibers of fabric items and keep them looking fresh for longer, it’s important to vacuum frequently. This will eliminate the build-up of dust particles that can accumulate over time.
- Wiping with a damp cloth: For leather items, frequent wiping with a clean damp cloth can help to eliminate dust particle build-up. Make sure the cloth is not soaked, as this could damage the leather.
- Use recommended leather conditioners: To keep your leather feeling soft and supple, you can use recommended leather conditioners. Always test a small area prior to cleaning to ensure that the product is suitable for your specific type of leather.
- Avoid brightening or bleaching products: Never use any brightening or bleaching products to clean your upholstered fabrics or leather items. These products can cause irreversible damage to the fibers and materials, and could ruin your furniture.