Whether a valued wood heirloom, a plush leather sofa, or a wooden coffee table, keeping your furniture pieces in their best shape ensures they'll be lovely for years. Furniture care prevents wear and tear, preserves appearance, and saves you the replacement cost.

To keep your furniture in its best shape, you need to know more tips and take practice. We'll start with some overall care tips for every type, then provide specific advice for materials like wood, leather, metal, and more. Let's get started!

General Care Tips for All Furniture

No matter what your furniture is made of, there are certain habits that will keep it in great condition and good working order.

• Cleaning Regularly: Dirt and dust are the silent enemies. They settle over time to form scratches, stains, or even permanent damage. Develop a habit of dusting weekly with a soft cloth or vacuuming upholstered furniture so that surfaces are fresh and clean.
• Proper Handling and Storage: Furniture moving can result in dings and scratches if not handled carefully. Lift heavy objects rather than dragging them, and pad or blanket surfaces to cushion them during a move. In storage, keep furniture away from damp or very humid places to avoid mold or warping.
• Regular Inspections: Inspect your furniture closely every few months. Check for loose screws, wobbly legs, or first signs of wear like fading or cracking. Catching problems early can save you from bigger repairs down the line.

How to Maintain Wooden Furniture

Furniture made of wood brings warmth and traditional style to a room but needs ongoing care in order to stay lovely.

• Wood Types: Wood is classified into two general categories - hardwoods like oak, cherry, and mahogany, which are dense and hard-wearing, and softwoods like pine or cedar, which are light but prone to scratching. Knowing your wood type enables you to personalize your care.
• Cleaning: Wipe weekly with a dry, soft cloth to avoid buildup. For deeper cleaning, apply a wood cleaner suitable to your finish - waxed, oiled, or lacquered. Never use all-purpose cleaners because they will strip the finish.
• Maintenance: Keep wood away from direct sunlight, as it will fade or crack, and heat sources like radiators that dry it out. Drink coasters and pads for hot dishes will prevent rings and burns. An ounce of prevention really does go a long way!
• Repair: Small scratches? Sand them lightly with fine sandpaper and polish. For more serious damage like deep scratches or broken sections, refinishing or professional restoration is probably your best bet.

How to Care for Leather Furniture

Leather adds a touch of class, but it's not invincible. Take good care of it and it will improve with age.

• Types of Leather: Real leather, made from animal hides, is tough but needs conditioning. Faux leather, a synthetic alternative, is easier to clean but less durable long-term. Check your piece to know what you’re working with.
• Cleaning: Use a cleaner made for leather—water alone can stain or damage it. Wipe gently with a soft cloth, and dry thoroughly after. Skip harsh soaps or wipes, which can ruin the surface.
• Maintenance: Condition real leather every 6-12 months with a leather conditioner to maintain softness and to avoid cracking. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.
• Repair: Tears or stains can be repaired for small damage with a DIY leather repair kit, but for large damage, have a professional upholsterer come in to do the job properly.

How to Care for Upholstered Furniture

From plush chairs to comfortable sofas, upholstered furniture needs TLC now and then to stay fresh.

• Types of Fabric: Fabrics vary: cotton is washable but wears easily, polyester wears well, and delicate silk might need dry cleaning. Check the care label for information.
• Cleaning: Vacuum once a week to take off dust, crumbs, and pet hairs. Spills? Blot immediately with a clean cloth and a fabric-friendly cleaner—don't rub, or the stain will be fixed.
• Maintenance: Fluff cushions periodically for uniform wear. Inspect for thin areas or loose threads, and carefully trim loose threads with scissors.
• Repair: Worn or torn fabric can generally be reupholstered. For minor repairs, a patch will do, but replacing the fabric entirely can give your piece a new lease on life.

How to Care for Metal Furniture

Metal furniture, from industrial chairs to sleek frames, is sturdy but not rust-proof without care.

• Types of Metal: Stainless steel resists rust better than aluminum or wrought iron, while brass can tarnish over time. Each reacts differently to moisture and air.
• Cleaning: Use a metal cleaner or a damp cloth with mild soap—nothing abrasive, or you’ll scratch it. Polish occasionally for shine, especially on brass or chrome.
• Maintenance: Dry metal to avoid rust, especially when outside. Protective coating or wax gives extra protection.
• Repair: Rusty spots? Sand them and repaint with a rust-inhibiting primer. Where parts are in no shape, replace them in order to preserve the integrity of the piece.

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How to Care for Glass Furniture

Glass tables or shelves bring a clean, contemporary look but are fragile and show every smudge.

• Cleaning: Spray with glass cleaner and wipe with a microfiber for a streak-free finish. Avoid newspapers - they scratch.
• Maintenance: Handle carefully to avoid chips or scratches. Use felt pads when moving or placing objects on top to cushion the surface.
• Repair: Broken or cracked glass isn't fixable—replace it promptly for safety and appearance. Most furniture stores can cut a new piece to fit.

How to Care for Plastic Furniture

Plastic is low-maintenance and a handy material perfect for informal spaces or kids' bedrooms.

• Cleaning: Gently wash it with mild soap and water—a cloth or sponge will do. Don't use harsh chemicals that might weaken or discolour it.
• Maintenance: Don't place plastic near heat sources like heaters or stoves, which can warp or melt it. If possible, store it indoors during extreme weather.
• Repair: Broken pieces can be glued with a plastic glue at times. Otherwise, the piece is usually cheap and easy to replace.

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How to Care for Wicker or Rattan Furniture

Wicker and rattan add a natural, light touch, indoors or out, but dry out quickly.

• Cleaning: Dust with a soft-bristled brush—such as an old toothbrush for small ones. For cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution and rinse well, then dry off.
• Maintenance: Keep it dry to prevent mold, and not in direct sunlight, which causes it to fade and get brittle. A light spraying with water may be beneficial if it's drying out indoors.
• Repair: Replace broken strands with new wicker or rattan bought at a craft store. Strips that have faded can be restained or painted to restore the look.

How to Care for Teak Outdoor Furniture

Teak is a champion for outdoor use - durable and weather-resistant - but still needs attention.

• Cleaning: Wash with a teak cleaner or mild soap and water and a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove dirt or grime accumulation.
• Maintenance: Apply teak oil or a sealant every year to keep its rich color, though untreated teak will weather to silvery gray naturally. Shield it from extreme sun or cold whenever possible.
• Repair: Sand weathered spots to sand them down, then re-finish with oil if you want the original color. Replace damaged slats or pieces as needed.

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Special Outdoor Furniture Considerations

Outdoor furniture is exposed to more severe conditions than indoor furniture—sun, rain, wind can cause damage. This is how to protect it:

• Weather Element Protection: Sun leads to color fading, rain causes rusting or rotting, and wind blows over light objects. Use weatherproof covers when furniture is not occupied, especially during storms or winters.
• Storage Solutions: If you’ve got the space, store outdoor furniture indoors during off-seasons or harsh weather. A garage or shed works wonders for keeping it safe.
• Regular Maintenance: Check outdoor pieces monthly for damage—cracks, rust, or fading. Clean them more often than indoor furniture to combat dirt and pollen buildup. Material-specific tips (like teak oil or metal coatings) still apply here.

Go to Maintain Your Furniture!

Proper care for your furniture doesn't have to be a hassle—a little effort earns great returns in longevity and appearance. Stay on schedule with cleaning, treat pieces gently, and check them periodically to find problems before they get out of hand.

Whether you are conditioning leather, buffing wood, or water-proof outdoor teak, every finish has a need, but the result is always the same: having your house look excellent and perform well.

Start a care routine today - your purse and furniture will be grateful. Or you can choose quality furniture at the very beginning. Come MyDepot and get your best piece!

FAQ

What are common mistakes to avoid when caring for furniture?

In maintaining furniture, do not use strong chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the surface and finishes. Never omit regular cleaning such as dusting and polishing because dirt accumulation will result in long-term damage.

Do not position furniture in sunlight or heat sources, which will cause fading, cracking, or warping. Omitting professional cleaning or repair when it is needed is a blunder.

Also, incorrect weight or positioning of weight on delicate items can lead to structural damage.

How often should I clean my furniture?

Cleaning frequency depends on use, environment, and furniture type. Dust and vacuum upholstered and hard surfaces, typically weekly for dirt and allergen removal.

For heavy-duty cleaning, use the appropriate cleaner chemicals on a cycle of three-to-six months or as indicated by the manufacturer.

Routine maintenance not only preserves appearance but also encourages an extension in lifespan of furniture. Brushing without employing tools for heavy use can lower wear.

How often should I oil furniture?

Oiling frequency for furniture depends on wood type, finish, and environmental condition. Generally, oiling every six to twelve months is required to maintain moisture balance and prevent drying or cracking.

How do I protect my indoor furniture?

Protecting indoor furniture is preventive care and routine maintenance. Begin by cleaning surfaces frequently with a dry, soft cloth to remove dust and debris. Utilize proper cleaning supplies and avoid strong chemicals.

Place coasters, mats, or covers on hot surfaces, and pull furniture away from direct sunlight and heaters to avoid fading and drying out.

Check and fix small damages regularly. Following the manufacturer's guide and proper polish or sealer usage can shield your furniture from more scratches and stains.

Is oil or wax better for furniture?

Oil or wax being better for furniture is a function of finish and protection needed. Oil penetrates wood, adding richness to natural grain and moisture levels, and is best for heavily used items.

Wax provides a protective film on the surface, adding a soft sheen and enhanced scratch resistance. But oil can be refined more frequently than wax.