HomeCare & Maintenance

How to Clean & Care for Every Type of Furniture

Quality furniture is an investment. With the right care routine, your pieces will look better with age rather than worse. Here’s the complete material-by-material guide.

Solid Wood Furniture Care

Solid wood is the most rewarding furniture material to care for — and the most forgiving. With proper maintenance, solid wood furniture can genuinely last generations.

Daily & Weekly Care

• Dust with a soft, dry microfibre cloth — always along the grain
• Wipe spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly
• Never use abrasive cloths or multi-surface sprays on bare wood
• Keep away from direct heat sources and radiators — wood dries and cracks

Annual Care

Once a year, apply a quality furniture wax or oil to nourish the wood and restore its protective layer. Danish oil is excellent for general maintenance. Beeswax polish gives a beautiful, low-sheen finish. For oiled worktops or dining tables, reapply more frequently — every 3–6 months with heavy use.

Removing Scratches from Wood

• Light scratches: Buff with a matching colour wax crayon or shoe polish
• Medium scratches: Fine steel wool (0000 grade) along the grain, then rewax
• Deep scratches: Wood filler, sand smooth, re-stain to match, rewax
• White heat rings: Rub with a mix of olive oil and salt in circular motion

Upholstered Furniture Care

Sofas and upholstered chairs receive more daily wear than almost any other furniture. The key to longevity is regular maintenance combined with prompt attention to spills.

Regular Care Routine

• Vacuum weekly with an upholstery attachment — including under cushions
• Rotate and flip cushions regularly for even wear
• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fabric fading
• Check the care label — most fabric sofas are code W (water-based cleaner), S (solvent cleaner), or W/S (either)

Stain Removal

Always blot (never rub) fresh stains with a clean white cloth. For water-based stains (coffee, wine, juice), a mild washing-up liquid solution works well. For grease, apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. For unknown stains, test any cleaner on a hidden area first.

“The best furniture care secret is consistency — a five-minute weekly routine prevents the need for an expensive restoration every five years.”

Leather Furniture Care

Genuine leather is actually easier to maintain than fabric — spills wipe away cleanly and the material develops character with age. Clean with a barely damp cloth for everyday marks. Use a dedicated leather conditioner every 6–12 months to prevent drying and cracking. Keep leather furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Glass & Mirror Furniture

Glass-topped tables and mirrored furniture require more frequent cleaning but are straightforward to maintain. Use a specialist glass cleaner or a 50/50 water and white vinegar solution. Microfibre cloths leave no lint. Clean in circular motions and finish with a dry buff for a streak-free shine. Handle glass furniture carefully — chips and cracks are irreparable.

Metal Furniture

Powder-coated metal (the finish on most modern metal furniture) is very durable. Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners which will damage the coating. For bare steel or iron, apply a thin coat of paste wax annually to prevent rust. If rust spots appear, remove with fine steel wool and treat immediately with a rust-inhibiting primer.

Outdoor Furniture Care

Outdoor furniture faces the harshest conditions. At the end of each season:

• Teak: Clean with teak cleaner, allow to dry fully, apply teak oil
• Aluminium: Wash with soapy water, rinse, dry — no further treatment needed
• Synthetic rattan: Hose down, scrub with soft brush and soapy water, dry naturally
• Cushions: Store dry in an outdoor storage box or bring inside
• All furniture: Use weather-resistant covers when not in use

Engineered Wood (Flat-Pack) Care

MDF and chipboard furniture with a melamine or veneer surface should only be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth — excess moisture causes swelling and delamination. Never use spray cleaners directly on the surface. Tighten fixings annually as they can loosen with thermal expansion and contraction.