A Greener Tomorrow, One Sustainable Package at a Time
September 5, 2023
Keep Your Furniture in Tip Top Shape with These Cleaning Tips
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Cleaning furniture can seem like a daunting task without the proper steps to follow. Proper cleaning and care of your favorite pieces will help preserve their beauty for years to come. The biggest and easiest step to follow is to keep any pieces out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. These powerful sources can dry out wood, painted surfaces, leather, and even rot and fade upholstery. These cleaning tips will keep your furniture looking beautiful for years to come.
Wood Furniture
Wood furniture can be a bit tricky because before you can decide the proper steps in care you first must determine the finish. Find information about certain cleaners and conditioners that are best to use for each wood piece as some cleaners may remove the finish that helps to protect the furniture.
Use furniture polish on a regular basis with a lint free cloth to keep surfaces clean and shiny. When choosing a specific furniture polish make sure to maintain the same kind of formula, oil or wax based, to prevent any smudges. Also while cleaning the surface wipe in the same direction of the wood grain. If you are looking to remove built up wax make sure to use either mineral spirits or synthetic turpentine. Apply this over the entire piece using a soft lint free cloth. Finally, to help prolong the life of wood pieces you should use coasters to protect the finish from getting those unsightly rings.
Painted Furniture
Painted furniture is one of the easiest pieces to care for. On a weekly basis wipe away dust and grime before cleaning with a water dampened cloth. When complete make sure no water spots are left behind as they could dry and leave permanent marks on the surface.
If your painted piece ends up with stains, scratches, dings, or water marks it is best to gently sand that area down. After the area is sanded and you match the paint color add an oil finish to keep the surface protected. Try to avoid cleaners when wiping down painted furniture as it removes the layers that help to keep your pieces protected.
Leather Furniture
Leather furniture can easily dry out and crack so it is best to keep it out of direct sunlight and at least two feet away from any heat sources. Before trying any cleaning method be sure to try it in a hidden area to know how it will affect the material. For any small spots or spills try to clean the area up immediately with an absorbent soft cloth or sponge.
Dust leather furniture regularly and only clean with lukewarm water. Let the piece air dry naturally after this process. Do not use any cleaning solvents, abrasive cleaners, or furniture polish as this may permanently damage your piece. For minor scratches that appear on the surface use a chamois cloth to lightly buff out the scratches. Vacuum any leather couch or recliner with a stiff bristled brush and remember every 6-12 months to apply a good leather conditioner to keep this piece looking pristine longer.
Laminated Furniture
Laminated furniture offers the luxurious look of wood without the price tag and weight. By design, it is lighter and more affordable to appeal to more demographics. Using high quality laminate creates the look of nice wood but should be cleaned a little differently.
When cleaning laminated furniture, use a mild and non-abrasive cleaner, making sure to dry the surface thoroughly. A paper towel or microfiber cloth works well. In the case of a quick cleaning, simply wiping with a dry cloth may suffice. Leaving moisture on the surface can lead to bubbles or lumps that are not a desired effect. Be mindful to clean up any liquid and to use coasters to prevent damage.
Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture is sensitive to a lot of direct sunlight. It is best to keep it out of direct sunlight as it can cause fading and dry rotting over time. Vacuum these surfaces weekly while making sure to get all the creases to prevent build up of dust. To prevent some wear and tear if it is possible you should slip the pillows every few weeks, This makes sure that booths sides of the cushions wear evenly. Make sure to check with the manufacturer to decide which solvents are good for removing those heavy set-in stains. Spot testing in a place that is well hidden is always a good option before cleaning a larger area.
Another great cleaning tip is to steam clean the fabric if you have a steam cleaner at home. This helps loosen dirt and debris while deodorizing. After steaming and cleaning your furniture make sure to thoroughly dry it to make away chances of mold and mildew. Use either dry towels or dab up wetness or add a fan and open a window to keep the area well ventilated.
Stone or Tile Furniture
For those surfaces that are solid stone or tile, the most difficult part is keeping those pesky rust stains away. In the bathroom, keeping bottles and other loose accessories on trays helps to reduce water settling around those metal items, creating that pesky mark. To prevent these stains, make sure to wipe up spills immediately with a dry cloth. These surfaces should be cleaned daily but disinfected twice a week.
Cleaning furniture can be overwhelming but with just a few simple steps, you can keep your furniture looking new for longer. Steps such as watching where the water splashes from mopping the floors and wiping things down regularly help add life to any piece of furniture.
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