Furniture is an important part of our daily lives. It’s not only functional, but also an expression of our personal style and taste. To ensure your furniture stays beautiful and fulfills its purpose for a long time, it’s important to clean it regularly. This article will show you how to properly clean and care for different types of furniture.
Cleaning upholstered furniture
Fabric furniture such as sofas, armchairs, and upholstered chairs are often prone to stains and dirt. Therefore, it is important to clean them regularly. However, always consider the individual needs of the different upholstery fabrics.
Basic rules for cleaning upholstered furniture – here’s how to proceed
Here are some tips and tricks on how to clean fabric furniture:
- First, remove loose particles such as hair and dust with a vacuum cleaner or clothes brush.
- Check the cleaning label, which is usually located on the underside of the upholstery. It will provide information on the most suitable cleaning methods for your fabric.
- If you are unsure which cleaning agent to use, test it first on an inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not damage the fabric.
- Do not use excessively wet cleaning agents or too much water, as this can damage the fabric and lead to mold growth.
- If you have stubborn stains, use a special upholstery cleaning solution or have a professional cleaner remove them.
- Avoid drying the fabric in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading. Let it dry in a well-ventilated place.
Attention : Please bear in mind that the tips may vary depending on the type of upholstery.
Cleaning upholstered furniture – you should know these differences between fabrics
Cleaning upholstered furniture can vary depending on the type of fabric and the degree of soiling. It is therefore important to consider the type of fabric and the level of soiling before you begin cleaning.
Below we have compiled tips for cleaning different types of upholstered furniture:
- Linen and cotton: These fabrics are durable and hard-wearing, but they can be sensitive to water and moisture. Therefore, when cleaning linen or cotton upholstered furniture, use only a small amount of water and be careful not to over-wet the fabric. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt. Stains can be treated with a damp cloth or a mild detergent.
- Microfiber: Microfiber upholstered furniture is very popular because it is durable and easy to care for. You can treat stains with a damp cloth or mild detergent . However, be careful not to use abrasive cleaners or harsh detergents, as these can damage the fabric.
- Velvet: Velvet upholstered furniture requires special care, as the fabric is sensitive to water and moisture. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and dirt. Stains can be treated with a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution. However, avoid rubbing or using too much water, as this can damage the velvet.
It is important to note that there can be differences between fabrics, and it is always a good idea to read the cleaning label or contact the manufacturer to ensure you are using the correct cleaning agent and method.
Furthermore, you should always test a small piece of the fabric to ensure there is no damage or discoloration. An inconspicuous area on the back of the fabric sofa is best for this.
Cleaning a leather couch – this procedure is helpful for properly cleaning leather furniture.
Leather furniture such as sofas and armchairs are durable and look elegant, but they require special care. Here’s the best way to clean your leather couch:
- Remove loose particles such as dust and dirt with a soft cloth or a soft brush.
- Check the cleaning label to ensure your cleaning product is suitable for the specific leather of your couch.
- Do not use water to remove stains, as this can damage the leather. Use a special leather cleaner instead.
- To prevent your leather couch from becoming dry or cracked, use a leather care cream. It can moisturize and revive the leather.
- Avoid placing your leather couch in direct sunlight or near radiators, as this can dry out and damage the leather.
- If your leather couch gets wet, wipe it immediately with a dry cloth and let it dry in a well-ventilated place.
Cleaning solid wood furniture – wood has special requirements
Solid wood furniture such as wardrobes, tables and beds are durable and robust, but they require special care to maintain their beauty.
The following tips should make it easy for you to clean your solid wood furniture:
- Remove dust and dirt regularly with a soft cloth or a soft brush.
- Do not use water or excessively wet cleaning agents, as this can damage the wood and lead to mold growth. Instead, use a special wood cleaner.
- If you have scratches on your wooden furniture, you can repair them with wood veneer or a repair paste.
- Avoid placing your solid wood furniture in direct sunlight or near radiators, as this can dry out and damage the wood.
Cleaning kitchen furniture – how to keep high-gloss kitchen fronts clean
High-gloss kitchen fronts are prone to fingerprints, grease, and dirt. Fortunately, surface dirt is quite easy to remove.
Use the following cleaning instructions to keep your Kitchenware sparkling clean:
- Use a soft, damp cloth to remove fingerprints and dirt.
- Use a mild detergent and warm water to remove stubborn dirt and grease.
- Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or abrasives, as these can damage the surface.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the fronts dry and avoid streaking.
Cleaning garden furniture – ensuring cleanliness outdoors as well
Cleaning garden furniture can vary depending on the type of material and the type of soiling. It is therefore important to consider the type of material and the degree of soiling before you begin cleaning.
How to properly clean wooden garden furniture
Wooden garden furniture is often made from teak, eucalyptus, acacia or cedar and, due to its natural composition, can be more sensitive to weathering.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are therefore important to protect the material. Use a mild soap solution or a special wood cleaner to clean wooden garden furniture.
Make sure you don’t get the wood too wet, as this can lead to discoloration or warping.
Afterwards, you should dry the garden furniture with a clean cloth and, if necessary, treat it with wood oil or varnish to protect and maintain the wood.
Wood care for garden furniture with varnish, stain and wood oil
Depending on the type of wood your garden furniture is made of, it’s advisable to treat it with a wood stain, varnish, or oil after a few years. You can learn more about the differences in care in the following sections:
- Wood varnish: Wood varnish is a protective layer applied to wood, shielding it from water, dirt, and UV rays. It forms a sealed surface that protects the wood from wear and tear. Wood varnish is available in various colors and gloss levels, allowing you to change the look of your wooden furniture. Before applying the varnish, you should carefully sand and clean the wood to ensure a smooth and clean surface. Apply the varnish with a brush or spray gun and allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat.
- Wood oil: Wood oil is a natural product that penetrates deep into the wood, nourishing and protecting it from within. It can protect the wood from damage caused by water, UV rays, and dirt, and gives it a warm, natural appearance. Before applying the oil, you should carefully sand and clean the wood to ensure a smooth and clean surface. Apply the oil with a brush or cloth and allow it to soak completely into the wood before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth.
- Stain: A wood stain is similar to wood oil, but it also protects the wood from moisture and fungal growth. You can use a colored stain to change the look of your wooden furniture and protect it from sunlight. Before applying the stain, you should carefully sand and clean the wood to ensure a smooth and clean surface. Apply the stain with a brush or cloth and allow it to soak completely into the wood before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the wood is completely dry before applying any treatment. Furthermore, keep in mind that applying wood varnish, oil, or stain is only advisable if the wood is in good condition. Damaged or rotten wood should be replaced before any treatment is applied.
Adapt the type of wood care to the type of wood.
There are some differences between the various types of wooden furniture when it comes to the choice of treatment.
For garden furniture made of hardwoods such as teak or eucalyptus, it is common practice to treat them with wood oil or stain to protect them from weathering and moisture. These types of wood are already more resistant to water and dirt due to their natural oils, so varnishing is not strictly necessary.
However, for garden furniture made of softwoods such as pine or spruce, it is advisable to treat it with wood varnish to protect it from weathering and insect infestation. Softwood furniture is more susceptible to weathering and damage than hardwood furniture and therefore requires a stronger protective layer.
How to properly clean metal garden furniture
Metal garden furniture is a great choice for outdoor use because it is robust and durable. However, it also requires some maintenance to remain in good condition.
Therefore, when cleaning your garden furniture made of aluminum, powder-coated steel or stainless steel, proceed as follows:
- First, remove coarse dirt and dust from the furniture with a soft brush or wiper cloth.
- Use warm water and a mild soap solution to clean the surface of the furniture. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove stubborn dirt or stains. Be sure to clean all corners and edges of the furniture to remove dirt and dust.
- Dry your garden furniture thoroughly with a soft cloth to ensure no moisture remains on the surface. Moisture can cause metal furniture to rust or discolor, especially in areas where the coating no longer provides sufficient protection against rust.
- Optionally, you can treat the surface with a metal cleaner to restore the shine of the furniture. Make sure you use a cleaner suitable for the specific type of metal.
- Finally, apply a protective coating to the surface of the furniture to protect it from future damage. A protective layer of wax or special metal protective lacquer can help keep the furniture in good condition for longer. This method is particularly helpful for damaged areas.
Plastic garden furniture – this is how to clean it optimally.
Plastic garden furniture is very easy to care for and durable, as it is resistant to weathering and UV rays.
They can be cleaned with a damp cloth or a mild detergent. However, avoid harsh detergents or abrasives, as these can damage the material.
Make sure you rinse the garden furniture thoroughly to remove all residue before drying it.
The most important aspects of cleaning furniture properly
Regular cleaning and care of your furniture is crucial to preserving its beauty and longevity. Each type of furniture requires a different cleaning method, so it’s important to consider the specific characteristics of the materials used.
The following tips will generally help with the approach:
- Do not use harsh cleaning agents or abrasives, as these can damage the material.
- Avoid excessive water or moisture, as this can more easily lead to mold growth and damage to the material.
- Direct sunlight or heat sources can dry out and damage the material.
- Always use a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and dirt.
- If available, read the cleaning label to ensure you are using the correct cleaning agent and method.
If you don’t want to clean your furniture yourself, use our SUUBER portal to find a professional cleaner in your area . This will save you a lot of time that you can spend with your loved ones or on your own hobbies.
