Care tips for all types of furniture
Most of us spend a high amount of money on our furniture, so it makes sense to care for it in a way that will ensure it lasts a long time and looks new for years to come.
Upholstery Care
Maintaining clean and beautiful upholstery may seem tricky, but there are things you can do on a regular basis that don’t take up a lot of time and will keep all your fabrics looking lovely. First of all, make sure you plump up and rotate seat cushions on a daily basis so that they wear evenly and that you aren’t left with indentations. Also remember to vacuum upholstered furniture with an upholstery brush as often as you can.
To get rid of ugly stains, you’ll have to do some spot cleaning, although it’s always a good idea to stay away from chemical cleaners. Instead stick to tried and tested cleaners you know how to use so you avoid damaging the furniture. But no matter what cleaner you end up using, always spot test it before applying to the affected area. Simply turn over an unexposed section of the fabric (the bottom of a chair, for example) to ensure the product doesn’t permanently ruin the material.
For badly soiled upholstery (wine stains), you might want to call in the experts. The same goes for light-coloured furniture. Some other tips: don’t wash movable pieces, such as cushion covers, as extra washing may cause the colour to fade or the fabric to shrink. Keep dark fabrics, and silk, out of direct sunlight to avoid fading as well.
Always try to by upholstered furniture that comes with a stain guard!
Wood Furniture
Dust wood pieces using a soft, slightly damp cloth run under lukewarm water. Dry the surface after wiping to avoid cracking.
To maintain the wood’s beauty, wax or polish it once a year, but avoid chemical products.. Although wood polish is usually a good thing, make sure to use wax polishes that are vegetable-based , paraffin and beeswax also work well. Apply using a soft cloth with the grain of the wood, and then buff. Never use window cleaners on wooden furniture, as most of them contain ammonia, which can damage the finish.
If you want to get rid of unsightly nicks and scratches, a wax scratch remover stick should do the trick, or you can use a colour-matching furniture polish. Dents can be hidden using specialized wood cleaners that raise the wood grain.
Finally, place wood furniture away from direct sunlight and heating vents, to avoid discoloration of the wood.
If you follow these simple tips, your furniture will continue to look beautiful throughout the years.
Tags: care tips, furniture advise, furniture care, tips
