Generally, items that are well-maintained and cared for always look good. Proper usage conditions for your favorite table, dresser, or sofa can add years to its life and save you a lot of money.
Careful and proper furniture care is not just about keeping your home clean and tidy, but it also links to comfort and coziness in your home. Want to keep your furniture looking like new for longer? Remove scratches and stains from its surface? And spend minimal time doing it? AdmiGram.com will teach you how.
Everything you need to know about furniture care
Wooden furniture
© Amari James / Unsplash
Care: Regularly wipe lacquered furniture with a slightly damp, then dry cotton cloth. To “polish to a shine” an already clean surface, wipe it with a soft cloth and polish. If you don’t have polish on hand, lemon juice and vegetable oil in equal proportions will be a great substitute.
Usage: Protect wooden furniture from moisture and temperature fluctuations, which are detrimental; the wood will start to swell and deform. Therefore, place hot pots and cups only on special stands. Keep all chemicals far from your favorite wooden table. Wooden furniture should be kept at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from heating devices.
MDF furniture
© Pickawood / Unsplash
Care: Remove dust from MDF surfaces with a dry soft cloth, avoiding heavy dirt build-up. Suitable materials include felt, flannel, and plush. For serious stains, use a light soap solution or a safe cleaner. Furniture wax of the appropriate shade can help eliminate scratches on the surface. Before applying, thoroughly wipe the dust from the furniture, and once the wax dries, polish the surface with a soft cloth.
Usage: MDF furniture should not be exposed to high temperatures, so cleaning with a steam cleaner and close proximity to heating devices is a no-go. Store away stiff brushes, metal or plastic-coated sponges, and abrasive cleaners containing chlorine. MDF furniture should be used in rooms with a relative humidity of about 70% and an air temperature of at least 50°F (10°C).
Mirrored and glass furniture
© Francesca Tosolini / Unsplash
Care: You’ll need a soft cloth and a special cleaner for mirrors and glass. However, wet cleaning alone won’t suffice. To avoid streaks, you’ll need to buff the glass and mirror surfaces with a dry cloth. If food has dried on the glass or mirror furniture, soak it with a damp cloth before cleaning to avoid scratching the surface.
Usage: Do not use rough materials with abrasive fibers for cleaning, as they can scratch the surface. Glass and mirrored furniture can be used in the bathroom without worry — it won’t be harmed by high humidity. It’s not recommended to place hot food directly on glass surfaces. Instead, use napkins, tablecloths, and special stands to play it safe.
Metal furniture
© Lotus Design N Print / Unsplash
Care: Dust and dirt should be wiped away weekly using soft sponges or cloths. Wet cleaning should be done at least once a month with liquid or gel-based cleaners. Avoid using iron brushes or sponges. Annually check for any signs of rust on the metal surface. If you notice any rust, address it immediately by priming and painting the affected area.
Usage: Unfortunately, many types of metal are prone to rust and corrosion. To prevent this, maintain a low humidity level in the room where the metal furniture is kept. Periodically treat the metal with anti-corrosion products. Metal furniture does not require mechanical sanding or abrasive paper, but soft compounds designed for gentle smoothing of scratches and irregularities can be useful.
Plastic furniture
© Kara Eads / Unsplash
Care: Dust can be wiped away with a damp cloth, and soft cleaning agents can be used for stain removal. Never use brushes, scrapers, or abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching the surface.
Usage: Plastic furniture should be kept away from high temperatures and open flames. Avoid placing heavy items on plastic chairs or tables to prevent the legs from spreading and losing stability. Do not use plastic furniture in low temperatures, as the material may become brittle and crack.
Upholstered furniture
© Spacejoy / Unsplash
Care: Regularly vacuum or wipe down upholstered furniture with a slightly damp cloth. Do not rub stains vigorously, as this can cause the dirt to penetrate deeper into the fabric. Use a sponge and mild soap solution to clean stains with gentle circular motions from the center outward.
Usage: Avoid placing upholstered furniture near heat sources, ideally keeping it 8-15 inches (20-40 cm) away. Protect it from direct sunlight to prevent the fabric from fading. Optimal conditions for upholstered furniture are a humidity level between 50-70% and an air temperature not below 50°F (10°C).
Leather furniture
© Paul Weaver / Unsplash
Care: Regular maintenance is essential for leather furniture. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft damp cloth for regular cleaning. If dirt gets on the leather, gently blot it with a dry cloth or clean the surface with a damp cotton pad in circular motions.
Usage: Solvents, stain removers, and other harsh cleaners are not suitable for leather furniture. If water or mild soap solutions fail to remove a stain, use only specialized leather cleaning products. If water spills on leather furniture, blot it with a dry cloth immediately. Do not use a hairdryer to dry leather.
image on top: Pickawood / Unsplash
