Perhaps more than anything else in your home, the seats you sit in and the tables you prop your life on could use some spring cleaning love. Sure, you clean and vacuum now and then, but now is the time to really refresh your furniture and keep your prized possessions looking amazing. Check out some of our expert tips on how you can keep your furniture in tip-top shape!
Wood
Choose a furniture polish made specifically for the type of wood on your tables and chairs for the finest results. To avoid smudging, use the same polish for every clean, whether it's oil-based or wax-based. Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth following the grain.
If you have water stains, leave some mineral oil on top overnight and buff them dry the next morning. And if you're ready to dust off your outdoor furniture, you can clean wooden outdoor furniture with a cloth, soap, and water. You can apply a wood treatment once a year if you wish, but it isn't necessary.
Leather
Using a cleaner that's specific to leather surfaces is your best option. But if you want to go the DIY route, you can try a mixture of one part vinegar with two parts linseed oil, apply it to your leather surface for several minutes, and then wash it away.
Additionally, a leather surface can be treated with a mixture of one part water and three parts alcohol. If your leather has pen marks or other stains, a cuticle remover may usually get rid of them. However, you must exercise caution when applying this solution to avoid causing damage to your product.
Plastic
Plastic garden furniture and plastic children's furniture are effortless to clean with just basic soap and water. And if your kid leaves stains as most kids do, try using baking soda or vinegar mixed with warm water on a cloth or sponge. Or try taking your favorite household cleaner to it.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a product that, in most situations, you can use a simple cleaning solution. One solution is to make a paste, using a combination of baking soda with water, then apply it directly to the surface of your vinyl furniture. Allow for several minutes for this combination to sit on the product before wiping it away with an absorbent cloth or sponge.
Another way is to mix a half-cup of warm water, a half-cup of vinegar, and two tablespoons of a good oil-based soap applied with a moist cloth.
Upholstered Fabric
Running a handheld vacuum over your upholstered furniture once a week is an excellent idea. Just don’t forget to remove any cushions when you can and get those pesky crumbs leftover from movie night! Use a liquid upholstery shampoo to double down on germs, taking unique fabric considerations into account when doing so.
Don’t forget to use the rotary brush attachment on your vacuum to massage the solution into the cloth. And keep your sofas and couches out of direct sunlight to preserve the fabric from deteriorating. You can also use a fabric protector spray for added protection against liquids and stains.
Laminate
Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners on laminate furniture, as they may harm or discolor the surface. Many laminate pieces may be hand washed, so keep an eye on them if you see any spills or potential stains. You can clean your product with a moist cloth and some gentle soap in warm water, but try to avoid saturating the surface if at all possible. If you need to remove stains from a laminate surface, the most common way is to make a paste out of hot water and baking soda, then apply it to the damaged area until it is completely saturated. Allow this paste to dry before removing it with a damp cloth or sponge. Don't forget to rinse the area afterward!
Stucky's Furniture and Appliance is not just here to provide the best home furniture solutions, such as desks and tables, but also to assist our customers in finding all their home furniture needs! Explore our site some more, or visit us at our store for more home furnishings tips or if you have any questions! If you're seeking to give your space a makeover, we also have a large selection of living room furniture—after all, spring is the season of rebirth.