Replacing furniture can be expensive. Save your money for as long as possible by keeping your furniture in good condition. Regular cleaning and repairs will go a long way. Follow these care tips and your furniture can last for decades.
General cleaning tips
Gently clean the surfaces with a soft brush and rinse with water.
Mix 1/4 cup mild dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water. Use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to thoroughly scrub the surface of the furniture. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. We love JAWS microfiber towels .
Do not pressure wash or use chlorine bleach, pine oil, or abrasive cleaners unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
Try new solutions in a hidden area.
wooden furniture
Rosie, from the house's certified partner, Irwin's Furniture Restoration , offers the following tips to keep wood furniture looking its best.
Vacuum to have a clean work area. Rub a little furniture oil with a 100% cotton cloth or a soft microfiber cloth. Do not use abrasive or scratching cloths or pads. Wipe in the direction of the grain. Do not apply strong hand pressure when there is a thick layer of dust particles as they will scratch the surface. Wipe lightly with a soft, damp cloth to remove residue. Then iron with furniture oil.
Use straight oil such as Mohawk, Old English or Guardsman to clean and dust. Avoid spray products. They contain added chemicals that affect the finish of the furniture.
leather furniture
Keep the leather clean. Leather is a porous and quite absorbent skin. Clean the surface weekly with a damp white cloth. Apply a quality branded leather cleaner every six months, followed by a quality leather conditioner. We love Milsek .
Never use strong soaps, detergents, cleaning solutions, ammonia or vinegar to remove stains from leather. These dry out the leather and can strip dyes. The best leather cleaners are tap water or a store-bought cleaning solution. When using water, just dampen the cloth. Don't soak the leather when cleaning, as too much water can stain it.
Never leave newspapers or magazines on leather furniture. Dyes from printed material can easily penetrate leather and permanently stain it. Leather can discolour, harden and crack, so keep it away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, radiators and direct sunlight through windows.
pasture
Vacuum the basket weave with a dust brush or dry brush to remove dirt and debris. If necessary, sand lightly with fine sandpaper to remove loose paint or fibers. Then clean with a mixture of 25% white vinegar and 75% water, then clean again with clean water.
If the fabrics are damaged or torn, repair them with wood glue such as Titebond or Loctite . Allow the glue to dry before cleaning with the mild soap solution. Avoid using too much water as this can weaken the fibers. Dry the paint and touch up if necessary. For unpainted furniture, apply tung oil after washing and drying to protect from the elements and achieve a deep, rich protective finish.
Knit
Airborne dirt and dust mites can get trapped in small cracks in the upholstery, causing allergies and irritation. Remove cushions frequently and vacuum with corner brush and attachment. If you don't have a vacuum, use a nylon brush with soft but stiff bristles. Pull out pet hair with a lint roller or take a damp sponge and roll up the hair.
Do not use the vacuum cleaner on velvety or flocked fabrics. Gently use a soft nylon bristle brush to remove dust so the embossed designs don't build up with dirt. Flocked fabric means that the flocking has been applied with an adhesive, either all over or in a pattern.
Clean up spills and stains immediately.
Some covers are removable and washable. How to clean them depends on the fabric. Sew Guide advises that most garments can be machine washed on the gentle cycle unless they are marked as a "Dry Clean Only" department. Most upholstery fabrics are loosely woven and should be cleaned like a delicate fabric. For blended fabrics, look at the blends and treat the entire fabric with the most delicate fiber in the blend. Because cotton fabrics can shrink with water-based cleaning, put the cover on while it's still slightly damp. Otherwise, it may no longer match your sofa.
Turn on a fan and open windows to let in cool, dry air, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
Be careful when using homemade or store-bought cleaning products. The wrong detergent could damage the fabric. If you're not sure what to use, Sew Guide has cleaning codes for the furniture industry.
metal
If there is any sign of rust, peeling paint, or mold, use a stiff wire brush to remove it. Then sand smooth with fine sandpaper.
Rub with the mild soap solution, rinse and dry. If touch-up paint is needed, try to get it from the manufacturer. Apply in several thin layers. Allow to dry between coats.
If you want to repaint the entire part, apply an oil-based primer like Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer. Proceed with one of the many available Krylon paints available at most hardware stores. Because moisture can affect color, work in dry weather (not Arizona July and August).
After cleaning, use a lint-free cloth to apply a coat of good quality liquid or paste car wax as recommended by the manufacturer. Use silicone spray to lubricate rotating parts and sliders. Check regularly for rust or chips.
If you have questions about cleaning and repairing furniture, contact a professional cleaning service or contact the manufacturer.
Join Rosie on the House every Saturday morning from 8am to 11am on KTAR News 92.3 FM. If you have any questions or comments, please email: info@rosieonthehouse.com. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. Visit rosieonthehouse.com for more DIY tips. Rosie Romero, an Arizona construction and renovation industry professional since 1988, is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning radio show Rosie on the House. Call 888-767-4348 with questions and comments.
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