A comprehensive guide to cleaning and maintaining the quality of different types of furniture

Home furniture pieces determine the style of interior spaces, and they require proper care and maintenance, periodically, to preserve the beauty of the pieces, make them look their best, and last for a long time.

By following a set of tips for cleaning furniture pieces, i.e. dusting them regularly, treating stains promptly, and paying attention to the care methods for each type of material and fabric, the pieces will last. The following lines will guide you to these tips, in order to maintain the appearance of your furniture. And its functionality.

Home furniture cleaning tips

A sofa with a blanket spread over it to protect the fabric (image via unsplash)

Taking proper care of your furniture will keep it looking beautiful for a long time, including: Regular dusting, using a lint-free cloth, and removing stains quickly.

Caring for Wooden Furniture

In general, wooden furniture requires the use of a mild detergent, avoiding excessive moisture, vacuuming regularly, and polishing by applying a thin layer of lemon oil or beeswax, using a towel, and wiping gently, following the direction of the grain for best results.

On the other hand, keep wooden furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources by using curtains to filter out UV rays, which can fade and damage the wood. Furniture should also be placed away from heating appliances.

Softwood furniture, such as pine or cedar, requires gentle handling: Pine or cedar, requires gentle handling, as dusting with a soft brush and wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient.

To scrub stains, make a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda or vinegar and water, testing the homemade cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.

Upholstered Furniture Care

Upholstered furniture, in turn, needs to be vacuumed on a regular basis, removing dust, allergens, and debris that can build up in the fabric fibers. For optimal furniture care, use a soft vacuum brush to clean gently, without damaging delicate materials. To remove stains, in addition to using a suitable detergent, it’s a good idea to test products on inconspicuous areas first, gently wiping rather than rubbing, to avoid spreading stains.

It’s also a good idea to place blankets on upholstered furniture, which protects against spills and stains. To care for leather furniture, use a high-quality moisturizer to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.

Furniture and décor cleaning

• metal: To maintain metal surfaces, such as: Stainless steel or aluminum, clean regularly with a mixture of mild soap and water, using a metal protector to prevent rust. To remove “stubborn” rust stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water to gently scrub the affected areas, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
• Glass: Glass tables and shelves add a touch of elegance to any space; clean them with glass cleaner, a lint-free cloth, and a scratch-free cloth, using coasters, tablecloths, and avoid moving heavy objects across glass surfaces.
• Plastic: Plastic furniture is low-maintenance; simply wash the pieces with soap and water, then rinse.
• Natural fibers: These include reeds, bamboo, and require the use of a soft brush or vacuum attachment to remove dust. For stains, use a mixture of a mild detergent and water, scrubbing gently with a soft brush.
• Outdoor furniture: It withstands the harshest weather, but should be wrapped in weather-resistant covers, with cushions stored indoors during rainy seasons. Clean outdoor fabrics with a mixture of a mild detergent and water, rinse thoroughly, and dry.