How To Care For Your Furniture

How To Care for Your Furniture

Please follow the routine maintenance guidelines outlined below to keep your furniture looking its best.

FABRICS

Always vacuum upholstered furniture when you dust your end tables. Beat cushions frequently to loosen dirt, then vacuum to remove it.
Rotate and turn cushions after vacuuming to distribute wear evenly and prevent soiling.
Body oil will accumulate on the arms and headrest. Damp dust these areas with a cleaning solution.
A professional cleaning, periodically, will extend the life and beauty of your upholstery.
Avoid placing newspaper on fabric. The ink is easily transferred and difficult to remove.
Never cover your furniture with dark colored blankets or sheets, etc. The dyes can rub off onto the fabric or bleed when wet.
Do not use paints, inks, nail polishes, dyes or mercurochrome around your furniture since they are designed to alter color and will stain.
Never remove cushion covers for dry cleaning or machine-washing even if they have zippers. This could alter the color or shrink the cushion covers.
Keep furniture out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
Be PREPARED for accidents. They will happen. Keep a supply of white paper towels handy for quick blotting of spills. Promptness is the most important step in preventing stains.

CLEANING SPILLS AND STAINS ON FABRICS:

Always apply a small amount of a cleaning agent to a hidden area of the upholstered piece before using it externally. Allow the area to dry completely, then check the results.
Do not allow the spill to spread or dry. For liquid spills, quickly blot (lightly) with a dry paper towel. Increase pressure and use a fresh paper towel until no more liquid is absorbed. NEVER RUB.
Water or cleaning agent should be applied in small amounts to prevent a ring or spread of stain. Take your time. Apply several times, blotting firmly with dry paper towel to soak up liquid after each application.
Never rub a fabric as it can damage the nap, change the color or spread the stain.
When cleaning velvet, brush it gently before it dries to restore the nap.
To prevent water spotting, use a fan or blow dryer on cool setting to accelerate drying. Dry from outer edge towards the center of the affected area.

LEATHERS

As leather furniture is made from hide, it needs special care. Leather furniture needs more care than furniture with fabric upholstery. Though you will have to make an effort to take care of leather furniture, in the long run it is worth the effort. Here are a few tips on leather furniture care:

Place leather furniture away from heat source as it will dry the leather over a period of time.
Leather furniture should be placed away from direct sunlight, as sunlight will fade it.
Remove dust from leather furniture by vacuum cleaning regularly.
Use a dry cloth to blot anything that spills on the leather and let it air-dry.
Use leather furniture cleaners and creams to keep the leather soft and supple and increase their resistance to stains.
Leather-care products are easily available at home improvement stores.