Tips

Furniture Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Pieces Looking New

Furniture is an investment that adds comfort, style, and functionality to your home. Whether it’s a luxurious leather sofa, a sleek wooden dining table, or a cozy fabric armchair, properly caring for your furniture ensures it stays beautiful and functional for years to come.

Without regular maintenance, wear and tear can take a toll, leading to fading, stains, scratches, and a general loss of charm. Fortunately, by following a few essential care tips, you can preserve the condition of your furniture and keep it looking as good as new.

In this blog, we’ll cover effective furniture maintenance tips for various types of materials, including wood, fabric, leather, and more.

1. Regular Cleaning: The First Step in Maintenance

Cleaning your furniture regularly is key to maintaining its appearance. Dust, dirt, and spills can accumulate over time, dulling surfaces and causing stains. Regular cleaning not only keeps your furniture looking fresh but also prevents damage from becoming permanent.

For Wooden Furniture:

• Dust Frequently: Dust wood surfaces regularly using a soft, dry cloth or a microfibre duster. This prevents dust particles from scratching the surface or settling into crevices.
• Use a Gentle Cleaner: For deeper cleaning, use a wood cleaner or a mild solution of water and dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or all-purpose cleaners, as these can damage the wood finish.
• Polish Occasionally: Use a wood polish or furniture wax to restore the shine and protect the finish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and avoid over-polishing, which can cause buildup.

For Fabric Upholstery:

• Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris from fabric upholstery. This helps prevent dirt from embedding into the fabric fibres.
• Spot Clean Spills Immediately: If a spill occurs, blot the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the liquid. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric. Use an appropriate fabric cleaner or a mild detergent solution for tougher stains.

For Leather Furniture:

• Wipe Down Weekly: Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to wipe down leather furniture weekly. This helps remove dust and debris while keeping the leather surface hydrated.
• Condition Periodically: Leather requires conditioning to maintain its suppleness and prevent cracks. Apply a leather conditioner every 6-12 months to keep the material soft and flexible.

2. Protect Furniture from Sun Damage

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading, discoloration, and damage to your furniture. This is especially true for fabric, leather, and wooden pieces.

For Wooden Furniture:

• Use Curtains or Blinds: Protect your wooden furniture from harmful UV rays by closing curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours. This will prevent the wood finish from fading or drying out.
• Rotate Furniture: If possible, rotate wooden pieces occasionally to ensure even exposure to sunlight, reducing the risk of uneven fading.

For Upholstered Furniture:

• Move Upholstered Pieces: Rearrange fabric-upholstered furniture to prevent constant direct sunlight from hitting the same areas. Consider placing sofas and chairs away from windows or using window treatments to reduce sun exposure.

For Leather Furniture:

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep leather furniture out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the leather to fade and crack over time. If your leather sofa or chair is near a window, consider using UV-protective window film to minimize damage.

3. Prevent Scratches and Dents

Scratches and dents can ruin the appearance of wooden furniture and cause wear to other materials. Taking preventive measures will help protect your furniture from everyday damage.

For Wooden Furniture:

• Use Coasters and Placemats: Place coasters under drinks and placemats under dishes to prevent water rings, spills, and heat damage on wooden surfaces.
• Apply Felt Pads: Attach felt pads to the bottom of table legs, chairs, and other furniture to avoid scratching your floors and damaging the furniture when moving it around.
• Avoid Dragging Furniture: Lift and carry furniture instead of dragging it to prevent scratches and dents in both the furniture and the floor.

For Upholstered and Leather Furniture:

• Pet Protection: If you have pets, place blankets or covers on upholstery and leather pieces to protect them from pet claws, fur, and spills. Consider using pet-friendly fabrics that are more resistant to wear and tear.

4. Care for Cushions and Upholstery

Cushions and upholstery are often subjected to heavy use, leading to sagging, staining, or premature wear. Regular care will help them maintain their shape and appearance.

For Upholstery:

• Fluff and Rotate Cushions: Fluff your sofa cushions regularly to maintain their shape and comfort. Rotating the cushions ensures even wear, preventing one side from flattening over time.
• Use Removable Covers: If your furniture has removable cushion covers, wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep them clean and fresh. Removable covers also allow for easier maintenance in case of spills or stains.

For Leather and Fabric Upholstery:

• Avoid Excessive Moisture: For both leather and fabric upholstery, avoid using excessive water during cleaning. Always blot spills rather than soaking the material, and use only appropriate cleaning solutions designed for the fabric type.

5. Perform Periodic Deep Cleaning

In addition to regular cleaning, periodic deep cleaning is necessary to remove stubborn dirt, grime, and buildup that accumulates over time.

For Wooden Furniture:

• Deep Clean Annually: At least once a year, use a high-quality wood cleaner to thoroughly clean your wooden furniture. This removes any hidden dirt and restores the original lustre.

For Fabric Upholstery:

• Steam Cleaning: Fabric upholstery benefits from professional steam cleaning every 12-18 months to remove embedded dirt and stains. Alternatively, you can rent a steam cleaner or use a home upholstery cleaning machine.

For Leather Furniture:

• Professional Leather Cleaning: Leather furniture may benefit from professional cleaning every couple of years, especially if it shows signs of heavy use or discoloration. Regular conditioning treatments will also extend the life of the leather.

6. Know When to Call a Professional

While most furniture maintenance tasks can be done at home, there are times when professional help is needed. If your furniture has stubborn stains, deep scratches, or structural damage, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner or restorer.

• For Upholstery: Professional cleaning services can handle tough stains and deep-seated dirt, ensuring your fabric upholstery looks fresh and new.
• For Wood Restoration: If your wooden furniture has deep scratches, dents, or faded areas, a professional refinisher can restore its beauty with specialized tools and techniques.
• For Leather Repair: For cracks, tears, or fading in leather furniture, seek the help of a leather specialist who can repair and condition the material to bring it back to life.

Conclusion

By following these furniture maintenance tips, you can preserve the beauty and functionality of your pieces for years to come.

Regular cleaning, protecting from sun damage, preventing scratches, and periodic deep cleaning are all crucial steps to keeping your furniture looking new.

Whether you have wood, fabric, or leather furniture, proper care will ensure that your investment continues to enhance your home’s style and comfort.

At Arrow Furniture, we offer a range of high-quality, durable furniture to suit every style. Visit us in-store or online to find the perfect pieces for your home—and rest easy knowing they’ll look great for years with the right care.