Furniture Care 101 - Tips to Maintain Wood, Leather and Fabric Pieces
To make your home stylish and comfortable, investing in high-quality furniture is a must. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your furniture pieces will last and maintain their beauty. Each material, including wood, leather, and fabric, requires a different approach. This guide provides you with tips and tricks on how to care for different types of furniture. It will help to prolong their life span and keep them looking like new.
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Care for wood furniture: Preserving natural beauty
Wood furniture such as bookcases, dining tables, and bed frames add warmth and elegance to any space. Wood is susceptible to scratches and dents as well as environmental changes. Proper care is essential.
How to maintain wood furniture:
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Dust regularly: Dust wood surfaces often with a soft, non-lint cloth to avoid dirt accumulation. If dust is not removed, it can lead to scratches.
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Clean with Gentle Products. Use a non-abrasive, mild cleaner that is specifically designed for wooden surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage or strip the finish.
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Protect wood furniture from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the wood to fade and crack. Use window coverings or keep wood furniture away from direct sunlight.
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Polish to Maintain a Shiny Surface: Polish your wooden sideboards and coffee tables periodically to maintain their shine. To avoid damaging your wood, make sure that the polish you use is appropriate for it.
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Use coasters and placemats. To avoid water rings or heat stains, place coasters beneath glasses and placemats underneath hot dishes.
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Keep Humidity Levels Low: Excessive moisture or drying can cause wood furniture to warp or crack. To ensure that your wood furniture remains in the best condition, keep humidity levels between 40-45% in your home.
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Repair Scratches Quickly: Use wood filler or a repair marker to cover minor scratches. This will help to maintain your furniture's original look.
Maintenance of Leather Furniture: Comfort and Luxury for Years
Leather furniture such as sofas, recliners, and ottomans add sophistication and comfort to any living area. Leather requires regular maintenance to keep it from cracking, becoming discolored, or drying out.
How to maintain leather furniture:
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Cleaning with a Soft Fabric: Use a soft fabric to dust your leather chairs or loveseats on a regular basis. Avoid rough materials as they can scratch the surface.
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Use Leather Cleaner. For a deeper clean, use a leather cleanser that is safe for your furniture. Use a damp, soft cloth to apply the cleaner, and then buff the leather with a buffed surface.
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Leather needs moisture, just like skin. Use leather conditioners every 6-12 months to prevent the material from drying out and keep it supple.
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Avoid direct heat: Leather can crack if exposed to extreme temperatures. Avoid direct heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and heaters.
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Protect against Spills: Wipe up spills immediately with a dry, clean cloth to avoid stains setting in. Leather absorbs liquids, so it is important to act quickly.
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If you have removable cushions on your leather chair or sofa, fluff and rotate them frequently to keep their shape.
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Test Cleaning Products. Always test cleaning products or conditioners on a small area to ensure that they do not cause damage.
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(813) 392-1000
Keep Fabric Furniture Fresh: Caring for Soft Surfaces
Fabric furniture such as sofas, sectionals, and accent chairs can be difficult to clean because of the different materials and textures. Fabric pieces can be kept clean and vibrant with the right method.
How to maintain fabric furniture:
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Vacuum regularly: Use an attachment for your vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust and crumbs from cushions and armchairs. Vacuuming regularly prevents dirt accumulation and keeps furniture looking new.
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Spot clean stains: To remove small stains, use a damp cloth with mild detergent. Scrubbing can damage fabric fibers.
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Deep Clean Periodically Depending on fabric type, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaner or using a steamer designed for upholstery.
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Fabric Protectors are a great way to protect your furniture from spills and stains. Test the product first on a small area to prevent discoloration.
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Regularly rotate your cushions to ensure an even wear. This will help maintain the shape of your cushions and keep them from getting flat or misshapen.
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UV rays may cause the color of fabric to fade. Use curtains to diffuse light or keep fabric furniture out of direct sunlight.
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Refer to the cleaning codes: Check out the care labels on your fabric furniture to see if you should use solvent-based or water-based solutions to clean it.
Furniture Maintenance: Tips for all types of furniture
There are some general tips that will help you maintain the best possible appearance of your furniture, no matter what type of material it is made out.
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Avoid Excessive Moist: Moisture is a major cause of damage to all types of furniture, particularly wood and fabric. Wipe up spills as soon as possible and avoid placing furniture near areas that are prone to moisture.
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Use furniture pads: Use felt pads to protect the legs of tables, chairs, and sofas against scratches and dents. It is important to do this for floors with a hard surface.
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Check for loose screws and bolts on pieces such as bed frames, desks, or bookshelves. To prevent wobbling and damage, tighten the screws or bolts as necessary.
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Arrange your furniture: Rearrange your furniture to prevent uneven wear caused by sun exposure, foot traffic, or other environmental factors.
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Check the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning products before using them to make sure they are suitable.
Protect Your Investment
It's not only about cleaning but also about protecting your investment. Furniture care is essential to ensuring that your pieces last for many years. Use furniture covers if necessary, particularly if you own pets or have young children. Proactive maintenance will save you money over time by reducing the number of repairs and replacements.
How to preserve furniture for a long time?
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Keep extra parts: Store any extra hardware that comes with your furniture for future use.
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Place rugs and mats under heavy furniture to prevent scratching of wood or laminate flooring.
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Refinish or Reupholster. Instead of replacing worn-out furniture, consider refinishing wooden pieces or reupholstering furniture with fabric for a fresh look.
Keep Your furniture beautiful for years
Furniture can serve as an attractive and functional piece of furniture for years to come with the right care. Each piece of furniture, whether it is a leather recliner or a wooden coffee table or a fabric sectional requires specialized maintenance to maintain its beauty and durability. Follow these easy care tips to keep your furniture looking good and enhancing its durability.