Tips on Cleaning Every Type of Furniture

Painted, wood, leather, upholstered and natural wicker

What is the #1 rule of maintaining your furniture?

Yes, the #1 rule of maintaining your furniture beautiful for years is by keeping them out of sunlight and away from heat sources. These can dry out wood, paint finishes, leather, and rot even upholstered fibers.

Proper care and cleaning are crucially important too in preserving your furniture for years. Hence, there are easy steps to cleaning them based on the different materials of furniture you have at home!

Painted Furniture

For everyday care Painted furniture is the easiest to clean! Dust or wipe clean with a dampened cloth (with just water) every week. Ensure to not leave water spots on the surface as this will dry and leave permanent marks on furniture.   

For special cleaning Supposed your painted furniture has visible stains on the surfaces or scratches, gently sand the spots, making sure you do not damage more painted finish. Then, glue and clamp any loose joints. Match the paint as best you can, or you may select a new color to paint. Then, add an oil finish for better protection.

Solid Wood Furniture 

For everyday care There are tons of wood cleaners or sprays that can be used daily. Use a lint-free cloth and spray just a little on the cloth and rub the surface for a beautiful shine. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain whenever possible.  

For special cleaning Wood finishes tend to fade off over time. You can polish your furniture with cleaners and conditioners to remove any built-up wax. Then, you can sand the wood surface and apply wood oil to coat the furniture for a beautiful refinish. 

Read : Optimal sizes for the bedroom furniture!

Leather Furniture 

For everyday care Leather may dry out and crack over time, it is recommended to always keep away your leather furniture at least 50-60 cm away from heat sources or any direct sunlight. To clean, use a damp sponge or soft cloth and dust regularly.

For special cleaning If you have an excessive soil, mix ¼ cup of white vinegar and ½ cup water to clean with a soft cloth. Then, wash with leather saddle soap. Rub the furniture with a dry soft cloth. 

Upholstered Furniture

For everyday care Like leather, upholstered furniture out of direct sunlight as fabrics can fade. Vacuum weekly and flip cushions and pillows regularly.

For special cleaning When it comes to cleaning upholstered furniture, start by wiping any spills and spots as soon as you see them with a dampened cloth. Make sure to wipe immediately. 

Wicker Furniture

For everyday care Furniture with natural wicker/rattan tend to dry out easily. Therefore, it is very important for you to keep them away from direct sun and any heat sources. Dust regularly and vacuum often to get rid of the dust out of the cracks in the finishes. 

For special cleaning To restore and moisture to natural fiber seating, place the wicker in a bathtub full of warm mater or spray with a hose outside. This helps to remove splitting of fibers and lengthen the life of your pieces.