The Most Important Furniture Care Tips

by Nick, Digital Specialist | February 19, 2020

Your furniture requires routine maintenance to keep it looking its best; here are some tips and tricks! Plus, what do those upholstery cleaning codes really mean?

Furniture is an investment; for the amount of money you spend on it, you want it looking as good as possible for as long as possible. Everyone wants that just-delivered look; how can I keep my new furniture looking new? Here are some tips from some industry professionals on how to do just that:

1. Flip ‘em: Rotate the seat cushions between the different seats to spread out the wear, especially if there’s one seat that gets used all the time. Seat cushions can almost always be flipped over, too, so make sure to do that as long as the cushion is finished on both sides. Back cushions aren’t always removable, however- if they are, give them the same treatment as the seat cushions. If they aren’t removable, at least give them a good fluffing (see below).

2. Fluff ‘em: Don’t be afraid to pick up seat cushions or back cushions (when possible) and knead them to separate the fibers. When back cushions are attached, there is usually a zipper on the bottom of the cushion- slide your hand in there and move the stuffing back around. If you need extra stuffing, you can usually find it in a craft store. Make it part of your regular routine!

3. Keep it clean: We know this sounds obvious, but keep your furniture clear of debris and junk. Run a cloth over wood furniture regularly to prevent build-up. For fabric or leather, vacuum it regularly with an upholstery brush (not the beater bar). This is especially important if you eat on the couch or have a pet that you let on the furniture, because general soiling and buildup isn’t covered under any kind of warranty or protection plan.

We also understand that stuff happens. We want you to enjoy your furniture, but accidents are a part of life. Here are some tips for cleaning up after a whoopsie!

• Wood Furniture: any spills can be cleaned using a barely-damp soft cloth. Be very careful not to let the water linger for long; dry it as soon as possible. For tougher stains, try some mineral spirits, or a solution of dish soap and water, again being careful to not let the water stay for very long. It’s also a good idea to clean a small, inconspicuous part of the furniture first, in case the color or finish is affected.

• Upholstery: before you clean any kind of upholstery, check the cleaning code first. This can usually be found on one of the tags under the cushions:

        - Cleaning Code S: Use a solvent-based cleaner (Woolite, ForceField, Ultra Shield, Fuller Brush, etc). Test a hidden area first to make sure the color won’t change. Apply the solvent to the affected area and blot the stain, using a clean part of the cloth with each blot. Allow to dry completely, then use a soft brush or a vacuum on the area to restore the texture.

        - Cleaning Code W: Use a water-based cleaner; the best is a solution of 1 teaspoon of dish soap to 1 cup water. Stir until suds form. Dab the soap suds onto the stain with a white rag or paper towel and blot. Dampen the area with a clean, damp rag to pick up any residue. Don’t over-wet!

        - Cleaning Code S/W: You can use either a solvent-based or water-based cleaner.

        - Cleaning Code X: Rare that you find this anymore, but don’t use anything to clean it. Just vacuum it.

You can always call a steam-cleaning service to clean your couches, too!

Maintaining your sofa isn’t a ton of work but it can go a long way towards keeping it looking its best for as long as possible. These simple tips will keep your furniture in top shape for a really long time so you and your family can enjoy it!