Furniture can be an expensive investment so why wouldn’t you want to care for it properly?  Caring for your furniture will help it last for many years to come.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your furniture looking great.  A little tender loving care goes a long way to keeping your furniture looking beautiful.

Always, always, always read the manufacturer’s care instructions.  You could permanently damage your furniture using the wrong cleaning materials.

Wicker furniture can be cleaned using a hose or pressure washer, 1200 – 1350 psi, a low setting is best.

  Simply remove the cushions and spray off dirt and spills. Dry furniture with a dry soft cloth, unsealed wicker absorbs moisture like a sponge. Vacuum, dust/dirt from wicker furniture with brush attachment going with the weave. If the wicker is especially dirty, use a sponge, mild soap and cold water to wash. Dry with dry soft cloth. For outdoor wicker furniture apply a paste wax to the frame to keep it shiny and water-resistant. Some types of wicker are weather-resistant, making care easier. Store cushions indoors and keep frames covered during the off-season. Try to keep wicker furniture away from direct sunlight, radiators, heating ducts, fireplaces, and wood burning stoves. As dry wicker has a tendency to split. Before using again allow wicker furniture to dry completely.

Upholstered Furniture should be cleaned according to the manufacturers instructions.  If you do not have the instructions contact the service department of where you purchased your furniture.

  Test cleaning product in a not easily seen area first. Preventive care is possibly the best way to care for upholstered furniture.  Most fabrics have protection that will last for years but that does mean you shouldn’t not care for your furniture. Keeping upholstered furniture clean is important.  Spills, dust, soil seep into the fabric and cushioning which will cause break down. Brush upholster furniture with upholstery brush or whisk broom. Remove cushions, if possible, vacuum frame of furniture using brush attachment. If considering shampooing or dry cleaning upholstered furniture, please refer to manufacturer’s instructions.  Remember, it is important to know what kind of material your caring for before using or doing something that could cause permanent damage. Also, check your local directories for professional cleaning services. Apply stain guard after purchase or a professional cleaning will help protect your furniture fabric.

Leather furniture can easily be maintained; knowing the type of leather material will go a long way with cleaning maintenance.  Always refer to manufacturer’s instructions when caring for furniture.

  Clean, dust furniture with a soft cloth or vacuum with soft brush extention. Clean spills immediately. If leather furniture is unsealed, dust and clean then seal with water repellant protection.  Unsure if sealed or not: test by placing a couple of drops of water in an inconspicuous location and watch to see if the water is absorbed.  If it is absorbed quickly your leather furniture needs to be sealed. Sealed leather furniture can be wiped down with a soft damp cloth with mild soap. Tougher stains use leather furniture cleaner.  Refer to manufacturer’s instructions for recommendations. To help keep furniture from fading or drying out keep leather furniture out of direct sun light and away from heating vents. Occasionally using professional cleaning products is recommended to maintain leather quality and softness.  Again, refer to manufacturer’s instructions for recommendations. Check your local directories for professional cleaners and restorers.

Aluminum, wrought iron and steel frames require cleaning with water and mild soap. Many modern metal frames are rust-resistant or rust-free. If your metal furniture is not, paste wax or naval jelly can be used to protect from corroding or rusting.

 

Wood Furniture should be care for regularly especially if used every day.

o       Dust and clean furniture with damp cloth and mild soap regularly.  Lift objects from table, do not slide across surface.

o       Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials when cleaning wood furniture.  Use specialize wood furniture polish and/or oil occasionally for furniture treatment and care. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions for recommendations.

o       Use coasters, table runners or clothes to help protect furniture from everyday use

o       Minor damage to solid hardwood furniture can be repaired quickly and effectively with the right materials, a bit of elbow grease, and some careful attention to detail. More complex repair or refinishing jobs are best left to professionals. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions.

o       Keep out of direct sun light and away from heaters, radiators and heat vents.

o       Do not set extremely hot or cold items directly on wood furniture; use a pot holder.

o       Check your local directories for furniture restorers, if needed.

 

Resources on Furniture Care:

http://www.furniturecaretips.com 

http://www.hardwoodinfo.com/display_article.asp?subID=26

http://www.guardsman.com/guardsman/index.jsp

http://www.homefurnish.com/bedbathstorage/bedroomfurniture/woodcare.aspx

http://interiordec.about.com/od/woodfurnitcare/Wood_Furniture_Cleaning_and_Care.htm

http://furniture.about.com/od/furniturecareandrepair/Furniture_Care_and_Repair.htm

 

 

If you have wood surfaced pieces of furniture at home, it is important to take extra care of it since wood entails extra special care compared to non-wood home furnishings. Thus, cleaning is an important measure in order for you to take good care of your things. Below are some helpful cleaning tips that may be handy:

1. Protect it from direct heat of the sun.

The pieces of furniture you have should be displayed in areas where it cannot be reached by the direct heat of the sun. Too much heat from the sun will make your wood furnishings dried out. On extreme cases, it can remove the color of the wood.

If however, your home furnishings have been exposed to sunlight and is susceptible to drying up, it is recommended for you to use a dehumidifier or humidifier. It helps to keep the wood surfaces from drying up.

2. Identify the type of wood finish.

Wood finishes come in different types. It varies from hard to soft finishes. Some comes in clear or painted finishes. Proper identification of the type of wood finishes will help you recognize appropriate cleaning methods.

3. Observe regular dusting.

For all types of wood finishes, it is a must to observe regular dusting. You can use a clean, fur-free permeable cloth for dusting. Dusting should be done more than a few times a week. As a result, you suspend fast accumulation of soil and other dirt on the surface.

4. Wash your wood furnishings.

One important cleaning tip for furniture is annually washing your wood furnishings. Mild soap and water should be used as washing solution. Use a soft cloth as your washing gadget. It is a must to immediately dry your wood furnishings right after you wash them. This is done in order to prevent moisture build-up.

5. Watch out for damage.

Cleaning is the best time to spot pieces of wood furniture that has damage. Early detection of damage can save you from major repairs or the possibility of abandoning important items in your home.

The level of care you impart on your home office furniture may depend upon how much is needed. It also might depend upon from what materials each item is created. 

Cleaning Tips by Type of Material

Veneer, Marble, or Treated Plywood This type of tabletop desk or shelf can most likely be wiped off with a mild soap and water. The easiest way to do this is to find a spray cleaner which you can apply and wipe off very easily.

This is true of most other cleaners that are available for use on any material. If you are in doubt of what material might be used for this purpose you might want to seek further advice. 

Metal The procedure you use mostly depends upon the type of metal, but it ordinarily is cleaned with either a damp cloth and then instantly wiped dry. If you are wiping chrome, steel, bronze, or other metal it may be a good idea to find a specialised cleaner. 

Usually you have no need to worry, though. Most furniture of this type (i.e. cabinets or shelves) contains some common metal such as steel or aluminum which is very easy to clean. As always, just make sure you wipe it dry immediately after wetting it down or it will become cloudy or streaked. 

Wood Remember to clean your wood furniture as frequently as possible, with a damp cloth and water or recommended cleaner. If you notice any liquid spills, make sure the problem is taken care of right away. 

Otherwise, the liquid could seep into the wood in time this liquid could cause it to rot. In the event you notice any flaws in your wood it may need to be sanded, repainted, and then possibly refinished.  

If you want to use polish to make your wooden pieces shine, you can do so on a regular basis with very little consequences, as long as you know when to say when. Nonetheless, make sure you are consistent in using the same time of cleaner, such as always using an oil-based polish or a wax-based type. 

This will avoid contradiction of solutions which can cause unpleasant smudging or stickiness. It will avoid any amount of mess at all, as a matter of fact. 

Glass To begin with, wipe piece off with a damp cloth to eradicate any excess dirt and buildup if the piece has not been cleaned in awhile. For this task you can use a web sponge to the surface as well, and either plain water or some ammonia and water. 

 Vinegar and water may be safer however, and has the same affect as ammonia. In any case too much cleaning solution, particularly if you use the ammonia. The reason why is because it could cause the glass to streak. 

This is only a start, but you have some idea of what care is needed before you purchase your home office furniture. It will also help you clean the items you already own.