Quality furniture is an investment that should last for years — sometimes decades. But even the best pieces need proper care to maintain their beauty and function. Here's our comprehensive guide to caring for every type of furniture in your home.
Wood Furniture Care
- Dust regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth or microfiber duster. Dusting prevents buildup that can scratch finishes over time.
- Clean gently: For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth followed immediately by a dry cloth. Never leave water sitting on wood surfaces.
- Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays fade and dry out wood finishes. Use curtains or blinds in rooms with strong sun exposure, or rotate decorative items periodically to ensure even aging.
- Use coasters and placemats: Water rings and heat marks are preventable. Always use coasters for beverages and trivets for hot dishes.
- Polish occasionally: Use a quality furniture polish or wax 2–4 times per year to nourish the wood and maintain its luster. Avoid silicone-based polishes that can build up over time.
- Handle humidity: Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes. Try to maintain consistent indoor humidity (40–60%) to prevent cracking and warping.
Leather Furniture Care
- Dust and vacuum: Wipe leather weekly with a dry cloth. Vacuum crevices monthly to remove crumbs and debris.
- Condition regularly: Apply a leather conditioner every 6–12 months to prevent drying and cracking. This is the single most important thing you can do for leather furniture.
- Clean spills immediately: Blot (don't rub) spills with a clean, dry cloth. For stubborn stains, use a leather-specific cleaner — never household cleaners, which can damage the finish.
- Keep away from heat: Don't place leather furniture near radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents. Heat dries leather out faster than anything.
- Embrace the patina: Quality leather develops a beautiful patina over time. This is a feature, not a flaw — it's what makes real leather special.
Fabric Upholstery Care
- Vacuum weekly: Use the upholstery attachment to remove dust, pet hair, and crumbs from cushions and crevices.
- Rotate and flip cushions: If your cushions are reversible, flip and rotate them monthly to distribute wear evenly.
- Treat stains quickly: Blot stains immediately with a clean cloth. Check the care tag (W = water-based cleaner, S = solvent-based, WS = either, X = professional only).
- Professional cleaning: Have upholstered furniture professionally cleaned every 1–2 years, especially if you have kids or pets.
- Protect from sun: Fabric fades in direct sunlight. Rotate your furniture periodically or use window treatments to protect colors.
Mattress Care
- Use a mattress protector: This is non-negotiable. A waterproof, breathable protector prevents stains, dust mites, and allergens from reaching your mattress.
- Rotate every 3–6 months: Rotate your mattress 180 degrees to promote even wear. Most modern mattresses don't need flipping (they're designed with a specific top and bottom).
- Don't jump on it: Excessive force can damage springs and foam layers. This goes for kids too.
- Let it breathe: When changing sheets, leave the mattress uncovered for 30 minutes to let moisture evaporate.
- Proper support: Ensure your bed frame or foundation provides adequate support. A sagging foundation will ruin even the best mattress.
General Tips
- Follow manufacturer instructions: Always check care tags and warranty documentation for specific guidance.
- Lift, don't drag: When moving furniture, lift it to avoid damaging legs, feet, and floor surfaces.
- Use felt pads: Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches on hardwood and tile floors.
- Address issues early: A loose screw, wobbly leg, or small tear only gets worse with time. Fix small problems before they become big ones.
Questions About Furniture Care?
Our team at Urban Styles Furniture is always happy to provide care instructions for any piece you purchase. We want your furniture to last as long as possible — that's good for you and good for our reputation.