Furniture care: how to keep your furniture looking good for a long time

Furniture is not only a functional element in our homes, but also an expression of style and personality. Whether it’s an antique heirloom, a designer piece or the cozy couch in the living room, furniture deserves to be well cared for – because only then can it retain its beauty and functionality for many years to come. We show you how proper furniture care works to keep your favorite pieces in the best condition and preserve their value.

The right furniture care starts with the choice of material

The first step to optimal furniture care is to understand the materials from which your furniture is made. Each material has its own requirements and should be treated accordingly.

• Wood: Wood is one of the most popular materials for furniture, but it is also susceptible to scratches, moisture and sunlight. To protect wooden surfaces, you should dust regularly and treat the furniture with a special wood care product from time to time. For oiled or waxed surfaces, it is advisable to use a suitable maintenance oil or wax to keep the wood supple and shiny. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents that could dry out or discolor the wood.
• Leather: Leather furniture exudes elegance and comfort, but also requires special care. Leather should be dusted regularly with a soft cloth and treated with a special leather care product every few months to keep it supple and protect it from drying out. Avoid exposing leather furniture to direct sunlight, as this can cause the material to fade and become brittle.
• Fabric: Fabric covers require a different type of care. Regular vacuuming prevents dust and dirt from penetrating deep into the fibers. Stains should be treated immediately, preferably with a suitable fabric cleaner. For delicate fabrics, professional cleaning may be necessary to remove stubborn stains without damaging the material.

Regular cleaning and furniture care

One of the most important measures to keep your furniture in good condition is regular cleaning. Dust, dirt and stains build up over time and can attack the materials if they are not removed in time.

• Dusting: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dust your furniture. Microfiber cloths* are particularly suitable as they absorb the dust without scratching the surface. Be careful not to forget hard-to-reach areas such as grooves and edges.
• Stain removal: Stains should always be treated immediately. Depending on the material, different cleaning agents and methods may be required. Avoid rubbing the stain as this can damage the material. Instead, carefully dab the stain with a clean cloth and use a suitable cleaning agent.
• Polishing and care: Furniture made of wood, metal or leather benefits from regular care treatment. Wood can be treated with a suitable polish to maintain its shine and apply a protective layer. Leather needs moisturizing to keep it supple, and metal parts should be polished regularly to prevent rust and maintain their shine.

Protection from external influences

In addition to regular care, it is important to protect your furniture from harmful external influences.

• Exposure to sunlight: Direct sunlight can bleach wood, dry out leather and cause fabrics to fade. Position your furniture so that it is not permanently exposed to the sun or use curtains or blinds to filter the light.
• Moisture: Moisture can cause considerable damage to furniture, especially wooden furniture, which can swell or crack. Make sure to remove spilled liquids immediately and use coasters or tablecloths to avoid water rings and stains.
• Temperature fluctuations: Extreme temperature differences can damage materials such as wood and leather. Avoid placing furniture near radiators or open fires and ensure that the room temperature remains constant.

Well-maintained furniture is not only beautiful, but also sustainable. Regular furniture care extends the life of your furniture and reduces the need for new purchases. This not only saves money, but also protects the environment, as fewer resources are required for the production of new furniture.

*The links marked with an asterisk (“*”) are affiliate links. If you buy a product via these links, we will receive a commission. Of course, this does not change the price for you.

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