Furniture Care Guide: Daily Cleaning & Long-Term Maintenance Tips

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Furniture adds both style and function to a home, but it needs regular care to stay in excellent condition. Knowing the materials and using the right care methods can help prevent problems like fading, warping, pilling, and scratches.

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Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

A furniture cleaning routine is the foundation of furniture care. For upholstery, vacuum frequently with a soft brush attachment and use gentle fabric cleaners. Wipe wood and veneer with a damp microfibre cloth, steering clear of strong chemicals. Clean metal furniture with a mild soapy cloth, then dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.

Do’s Don’t
Always blot spills immediately Use harsh solvent, bleach or abrasive pads
Use furniture protectors expose furniture to extreme humidity or heat.

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Sofas & Armchairs

Keep sofas at least 20–30 cm from heat sources and away from direct sunlight. Regularly swap loose cushions to ensure even wear, and shake and plump back cushions to maintain their shape. Minor wrinkles and foam softening are normal over time.

For cleaning, vacuum upholstery regularly and clean spills immediately by blotting, not rubbing. Remove pilling from sofas with a pilling remover or lint roller. If your cushions have removable covers, follow the washing and care instructions on the label.

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Chairs

Wood is a natural material with unique veins and knots, which are characteristics, not defects. Maintain indoor temperature around 20°C and humidity at 40-60%. Rotate furniture to minimise uneven discolouration from sunlight exposure.

For wobbly chairs, retighten screws regularly and if wobbling occurs, loosen screws to 80%, place the chair on a level surface, apply weight to the seat, then fully tighten (but don’t overtighten).

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Wood, Veneer & Laminate Furniture

Wipe surfaces with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. If needed, wipe with a damp cloth and dry straight away to prevent water stains. Always protect surfaces with coasters, placemats, and heatproof mats. Keep perfumes and reed diffusers away, as they can harm the finish.

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Marble & Travertine Surfaces

Marble and travertine surfaces are unique, with their own colours and veins. Clean marble tables or other stone surfaces with a damp cloth or a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Never use acidic products like vinegar or lemon, as they can cause damage. Wipe spills right away and protect marble from heat by avoiding direct contact with hot items.

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Beds & Mattresses

Never bend or fold your mattress, as this damages the spring unit. For the first 12 weeks, rotate head to foot and turn completely once a week, then once a month thereafter. Dual-sided mattresses should be rotated monthly and flipped twice yearly and non-turn mattresses should only be rotated 180 degrees monthly.

Use a breathable mattress protector instead of plastic sheets. Every few months, clean with a soft brush and avoid vacuuming the mattress surface.

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Curtains

Tie curtains in their folds for 48 hours to set pleats. Dry clean only and re-hang immediately after cleaning. Expect up to 5% shrinkage after the first dry cleaning cycle.

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Sunlight Protection

Direct sunlight causes fading, discolouration, and cracking. Keep furniture away from direct sunlight when possible, use curtains or blinds during peak hours, and rotate furniture periodically to distribute exposure evenly. Maintain stable indoor temperature and humidity levels.

Get in touch with us for furniture aftercare support and keep your furniture looking fresh for years to come.

Author Image

Director

Author: Mansi Mehra

I joined InStyle Direct in 2007 after completing my MA in International Business at the University of Westminster. I've worked in every department in my 18 years with the company. In addition to serving the key functions of interior design and furnishing, I've contributed to accounts and logistics that have led me to acquire insights into all aspects of the business. My love for design and home interiors is fuelled by my passion to travel around the world and collect meaningful pieces of art that tell a bigger story. As much as I enjoy adorning my family home in London, I bring the same enthusiasm and energy into ensuring our clients get the best results for the time and money they invest to add value to their residences. My interest in repurposing vintage furniture and recommending high-value decor pieces that add character led me to identify a gap in the luxury market space. We launched Ani M Interiors, our range of high-end, bespoke design and furnishing solutions to address this gap and help clients create completely personalised interiors. I work out of InStyle Direct's Head Office in London, where we have a dedicated team that goes above and beyond to deliver the best results for our clients. As an avid follower of the latest home furnishing and interior design trends, I look forward to using this space and sharing some valuable industry insights and news from around the world.

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FAQs:

No, acidic cleaners like vinegar etch stone surfaces. Always use pH-neutral stone cleaners.
Use a pilling remover or lint roller. Avoid razors and vacuum the area first.
For the first 12 weeks, rotate and turn weekly, then monthly. Dual-sided mattresses should be flipped twice yearly. Non-turn mattresses rotate only 180 degrees monthly.
Maintain 40-60% humidity with a temperature around 20°C to prevent cracking or warping.
Always use coasters and wipe spills immediately with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
Vacuums shouldn’t be used on mattresses, use a soft brush only to clean. Blot spills and use mild soap for spot cleaning if necessary.
Some shrinkage (up to 5%) is common after the first dry cleaning. Extra fabric in the hem allows for adjustments.
Keep furniture 20–50 cm away from heat sources, like radiators and fireplaces, to prevent warping or cracking.

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