Spring Cleaning for Different Types of Furniture:

 

Not all furniture is created equal.  Different types of materials, whether it is upholstery, wood, metal, or glass, all need to be treated and cared for differently.   Now that spring is here, many people are starting their spring cleaning routine- but do you know how to properly care for and clean your furniture?

Upholstery:

Upholstered furniture such as sofas, chairs, and recliners can come in a variety of fabrics.  Microfiber, suede, and vinyl are some of the most popular materials.  These fabrics should be cleaned weekly if possible.  Vacuuming the furniture will keep too much dust, pollutants, or animal hair from accumulating in the fibers.  Not cleaning often enough can mean the dirt will become deeper embedded into the material, which could cause the texture and color to potentially change.  Plus, who wants to sit on a dirty couch?

Slipcovers can also be purchased to protect the furniture from dirt or stains.  Simply remove once a week or every other week and wash according to the directions on the tag.  If there is a spill or other stain on the upholstery then make sure you tend to it immediately so it does not become permanent.  Be sure to dab at the stain, do not RUB because it could make the stain worse by spreading it or pushing it deeper into the fabric.  If you need to use a cleaning agent like soap or a special cleaner, make sure you know that it will not hurt the fabric.  Test it on a small, unnoticeable spot first.  You can find some at home cleaning remedies here:

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-clean-furnishings7.htm

Leather:

Leather furniture needs to be cleaned differently than other types of fabric.  It can be vacuumed if need be, but generally a dusting once a week with a clean, dry cloth will keep it looking fresh and nice.  An occasional cleaning with leather polish will bring out the luster of the leather; just make sure to read the instructions on the bottle first! Also, be sure the cloth is soft enough that it will not scratch the material, and do not put the leather in direct sunlight because it could cause the color to fade or even crack. 

Wood:

Wood furniture should also be cleaned at least once a week to keep it looking its’ best.  Dusting it with a soft cloth can help take the dust off of it, but polishing it with wood cleaner will make it looks its best and bring out the color and shine of the wood.  Look for wood polish at any store that sells cleaning supplies and make sure you read the instructions before you apply it to the furniture. 

Metal:

Some furniture is made of metal or has metal accents.  Light dusting is usually enough to keep it clean, but if it starts to tarnish you will need to find a cleaning solution specifically for that type of metal.  For some at home cleaning ideas for metal, visit this link:

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-clean-furnishings3.htm

Glass:

Glass can streak easily if not cleaned correctly.  Buying the proper glass cleaner will help with this problem.  Or you can make your own cleanser by mixing a little soap with warm water.  Dust the glass first, then apply the solution and finish by wiping off with a clean, dry cotton cloth.  You have to work fairly quickly because if the solution dries it will leave streaks or marks on the glass. 

Now that you have an idea of how to clean the different types of furniture you have, you can get your spring cleaning started! For the best furniture selection in Los Angeles visit Michael's Furniture Warehouse!

http://www.michaelsfurniture.net/

7700 Woodman Ave

Van Nuys, CA 91402

(818) 904-9414