Someone cleans a leather arm rest with a sponge Furniture upkeep through cleaning and maintenance is important to its longevity. So, roll up your sleeves, it’s time to put in a little time and effort to help your prized possessions look their very best. This cleaning and care guide will aid you in maintaining your furniture’s luster — or even revitalize a piece that has seen its day. Having a handle on how to care for common furniture materials can give your favorite pieces an opportunity to shine in your home or office. There are tried and true techniques that will help your wood, upholstery, leather, and stainless steel items display at near showroom quality. Depending on your level of dedication, you may be able to maintain coveted heirlooms for future generations. With the right TLC, furniture can last a lifetime. One important note about all of the methods mentioned below: always start by testing a small portion of the desired supplies on a test section (preferably a portion not noticeable) to determine its effect on the material.

Wood

Wood is one of the most common materials used in household furniture, acting like the “bones” for many furniture pieces. For light cleaning, soak a towel in a non-abrasive mixture of dishwashing detergent and water, then gently rub the wood surface. For a deeper clean, replace the dishwashing detergent with mineral spirits. Use a dry towel to remove any remaining cleaning solution to ensure no residue remains, as it could cause unsightly spotting.

Upholstery

Proper upkeep and cleaning techniques are essential for adding years to the upholstered fabrics of your favorite chairs and couches. Generally speaking, cleaning upholstered fabrics is broken down into the following categories:
  • Water-based cleaning
  • Solvent-based cleaning
  • Solvent-based or water-based (either method is acceptable)
  • Professional cleaning only
The important thing to note about upholstered fabrics is that each fabric comes with its own set of rules. In the case of colored upholstery, it is imperative to check for bleaching agents in the cleaning materials to ensure no discoloration will occur upon cleaning. For general upkeep, apply a healthy amount of the specific solution to the surface of the upholstery. For a stain, apply pressure with a damp cloth until the stain is lifted. Remember to dry the spot to prevent a buildup of mildew.

Leather

Maintaining the look and feel of brand new leather is not an easy task. The wrong treatment could permanently damage luxurious leather furniture items. But with proper care, leather will stand a better chance at retaining its beauty and provide a long-time investment. Always begin the leather cleaning process with a thorough, once-over clean with a vacuum cleaner. Once the piece is debris-free, apply a healthy amount of specially-made leather cleaner to a damp cloth. Wipe all surfaces equally, and use a separate clean towel to dry the leather afterwards to reduce its chances of cracking. Applying a small amount of nail polish remover or toothpaste is a common stain-removal tactic. But there are other treatments for specific stains: for imperfections caused by a permanent marker, use an aerosol hairspray; eucalyptus oil can be applied to ink stains; baking soda does a tough job against grease; and lemon juice and tartar sauce beat dark stains on light leather. Cleaning kits that contain protective treatments and stain removal products can help simplify leather care.

Stainless Steel

Whether you have stainless steel accent pieces inside, or a full set of furniture outdoors, it’s important to clean the material to promote longevity. Plan to thoroughly clean any stainless-steel furniture twice per year, unless you notice high levels of dirt, debris or pollen. Avoid using bleach or chlorine-based cleaners. Instead, use a PH-neutral soap and a soft cloth or sponge. For tough dirt or stains, use an abrasive pad. Stainless steel material will not scratch through use of these typical scrubbing sponges. The most important takeaway from any cleaning project is the process itself. Without proper instruction and materials, a simple cleaning job can actually damage the furniture instead of making it look better. One cleaning option does not fit all, so make sure you prepare adequately. There’s no reason you should wait for an annual spring overhaul to get your furniture in shape — these tips make it easy. Happy cleaning!