Furniture that’s well cared for simply looks better — and lasts longer. A little know-how about proper care and use can add years to your favorite table, dresser, or sofa, and save you real money down the line.
Taking care of your furniture isn’t just about keeping your home clean — it’s also part of what makes a space feel comfortable and inviting. Want your furniture to look new for longer? Get rid of scratches and stains? Do it all without spending hours on it? We at AdmiGram.com will tell you everything you need to know.
Everything You Need to Know About Furniture Care
Wooden and Lacquered Furniture
© Amari James / Unsplash
Care: Wipe lacquered furniture regularly with a slightly damp cloth, then dry it with a cotton one. To bring a clean surface to a shine, buff it with a soft cloth and furniture polish. No polish on hand? A mix of equal parts lemon juice and vegetable oil works as a substitute.
Use: Moisture and temperature swings are wood’s worst enemies — they cause it to swell and warp. Always use coasters and trivets for hot cups and pots, and keep chemicals well away from wooden furniture. Wood pieces should sit at least 3 feet (1 meter) from any heating device.
MDF Furniture
© Pickawood / Unsplash
Care: Dust MDF surfaces often with a dry, soft cloth — felt or flannel work well — so dirt doesn’t have a chance to build up. For tougher stains, use a mild soap solution or a cleaner made for MDF. Furniture wax in a matching shade can hide light scratches: wipe away all dust first, apply the wax, then buff with a soft cloth once it’s dry.
Use: Skip the steam cleaner, and don’t place MDF furniture near heating devices — high heat damages the surface. Avoid stiff brushes, metal or plastic scouring pads, and any cleaner containing chlorine or other abrasives. MDF furniture does best in rooms with moderate humidity (around 40-60%) and a temperature of at least 50°F (10°C).
Mirrored and Glass Furniture
© Francesca Tosolini / Unsplash
Care: Clean with a soft cloth and a dedicated glass or mirror cleaner. Wiping alone tends to leave streaks, so finish with a dry cloth to buff the surface. If food has dried onto the glass, soften it with a damp cloth first to avoid scratching.
Use: Skip anything abrasive — rough sponges or scouring pads will scratch the surface. Glass and mirrored furniture can handle a bathroom’s humidity just fine. Avoid setting hot dishes directly on glass; use a trivet, placemat, or tablecloth instead.
Metal Furniture
© Lotus Design N Print / Unsplash
Care: Wipe away dust weekly with a soft cloth or sponge. Once a month, give it a deeper clean with a liquid or gel cleaner — skip steel wool or wire brushes. Check for rust once a year; if you spot any, prime and repaint the affected area right away.
Use: Metal is prone to rust, so keep humidity low in the room where it’s kept, and treat the surface periodically with a rust-inhibiting product. Skip sanding or abrasive paper — a gentle polishing compound is enough to smooth out minor scratches.
Plastic Furniture
© Kara Eads / Unsplash
Care: A damp cloth handles dust, and a mild cleaner takes care of stains. Never use brushes, scrapers, or abrasive cleaners — they’ll scratch the surface.
Use: Keep plastic furniture away from heat and open flames. Don’t overload plastic chairs or tables — too much weight can splay the legs and make them unstable. Cold weather makes plastic brittle, so avoid using it outdoors in low temperatures.
Upholstered Furniture
© Spacejoy / Unsplash
Care: Vacuum regularly, or wipe down with a slightly damp cloth. Blot stains instead of scrubbing — rubbing just pushes dirt deeper into the fabric. For tougher spots, use a sponge and mild soap, working in gentle circles from the outside in.
Use: Keep upholstered pieces 8-15 inches (20-40 cm) from any heat source, and out of direct sunlight, which fades fabric over time. It does best with humidity between 50-70% and a temperature no lower than 50°F (10°C).
Leather Furniture
© Paul Weaver / Unsplash
Care: Vacuum or wipe down with a soft, damp cloth regularly. For spots, blot gently with a dry cloth, or clean with a damp cotton pad using small circular motions.
Use: Skip solvents and harsh stain removers — they’ll damage leather. If soap and water won’t lift a stain, switch to a cleaner made specifically for leather. Blot spills immediately, and never use a hairdryer to speed up drying.
image on top: Pickawood / Unsplash
