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