Furniture Care and Maintenance Guide

Thu Oct 16 2025

Furniture

Furniture is more than just a functional part of your home, it’s an investment that contributes to your comfort, style, and daily living. Whether it’s a leather sofa in the living room, a solid wood dining table, or a plush upholstered chair, furniture requires proper care to maintain its appearance and durability over time. Without regular maintenance, even the highest-quality pieces can fade, wear, or lose their structural integrity.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about furniture care, from cleaning routines to protection strategies, ensuring your favorite pieces last for years to come.

Why Furniture Care Matters

Your furniture sees daily use, whether it’s where you gather for family meals, relax after a long day, or work from home. Dust, spills, sunlight, and regular wear and tear can all impact its longevity. Proper care not only extends the life of your furniture but also helps retain its beauty, functionality, and value. For families, in particular, maintaining furniture means fewer costly replacements and more opportunities to enjoy the space you’ve created together.

General Furniture Maintenance Tips

Before diving into specific materials, here are some universal furniture care guidelines to keep in mind:

Clean regularly: Wipe surfaces with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth to prevent dust buildup.
Protect from sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or cracking. Position furniture away from windows or use curtains/blinds.
Use coasters and placemats: Prevent water rings, stains, and scratches on tables by always using protective layers.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Stick with manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions, as strong cleaners can damage finishes.
Check hardware and joints: Tighten screws, knobs, and legs periodically to ensure stability.

Caring for Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is timeless, but it requires consistent upkeep to preserve its natural warmth and character.

Cleaning

Dust weekly using a soft, lint-free cloth.
For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap-and-water solution, but dry immediately to avoid water damage.
Avoid silicone-based polishes, which can leave a residue.

Protection

Keep wood away from heat sources like radiators or vents, as they can cause warping.
Use tablecloths or mats to protect against scratches and spills.
Apply a quality wood polish or conditioner every few months to restore shine and hydration.

Long-Term Care

Refinish or reseal every few years to maintain durability.
Address scratches promptly using wood markers or professional repair kits.

Upholstered Furniture Care

Sofas, chairs, and sectionals with fabric upholstery require routine cleaning to keep them looking fresh.

Cleaning

Vacuum weekly to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair.
Treat spills immediately by blotting (not rubbing) with a clean cloth.
Use upholstery-safe cleaners or a steam cleaner for deep cleaning as needed.

Protection

Rotate cushions regularly to prevent uneven wear.
Use washable slipcovers in high-traffic homes with kids or pets.
Keep upholstered furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight to avoid fading.

Long-Term Care

Consider professional cleaning every 12-18 months.
Protect fabrics with fabric guards that resist spills and stains.
Invest in a furniture protection program like Montage to extend your furniture warranty coverage for an extra 4 years. Ask Cullen’s Home Center professionals for more information.

Leather Furniture Care

Leather adds sophistication and durability, but it needs special attention to maintain its luxurious look.

Cleaning

Dust regularly with a dry cloth.
Use a damp cloth and mild soap for small spills, but never soak the leather.
Avoid all-purpose cleaners, which can strip protective coatings.

Protection

Keep leather moisturized with a leather conditioner every 6–12 months.
Prevent cracking by keeping furniture away from heat and direct sunlight.
Rotate seating usage so one area doesn’t show more wear than another.

Long-Term Care

Address scratches or scuffs with leather-specific repair kits.
For significant damage, professional leather restoration may be necessary.
Invest in a furniture protection program like Montage to extend your furniture warranty coverage for an extra 4 years. Ask Cullen’s Home Center professionals for more information.

Glass and Metal Furniture Care

Glass and metal are popular in modern furniture designs, offering durability and a sleek appearance.

Glass Cleaning

Clean with a glass cleaner or vinegar-water solution for streak-free shine.
Use coasters to prevent scratches and rings.
Avoid abrasive sponges that can leave permanent marks.

Metal Care

Wipe metal surfaces with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
Apply protective wax or polish on stainless steel or chrome.
For outdoor metal furniture, cover during bad weather and treat rust spots immediately.

Bedroom Furniture Maintenance

Bedroom furniture like your bed, dresser, and nightstands are daily essentials. Maintaining them can improve both comfort and aesthetics.

Beds and Headboards: Rotate and flip mattresses (unless one-sided) to prolong life. Tighten bed frame screws periodically. For upholstered headboard styles, vacuum regularly; for wood or metal, dust often to prevent buildup.
Dressers & Nightstands: Avoid overloading drawers to keep glides working smoothly. Use liners to protect drawer interiors.

Dining Room Furniture Maintenance

Dining room furniture like tables and chairs endure heavy use during meals and gatherings.

Always use placemats, table runners, or pads for protection.
Wipe spills immediately to avoid stains and water damage.
Check chair joints and tighten bolts frequently for safety and stability.

Living Room Furniture Maintenance

Living room furniture often sees the most wear. To keep it in good condition:

Rotate seating arrangements if possible to balance wear across multiple pieces.
Place area rugs under coffee tables to protect flooring and furniture legs.
Clean and refresh fabrics or leathers regularly, as this is typically the most-used furniture in the home.

Seasonal Furniture Care

Different seasons bring unique challenges:

Winter: Use humidifiers to combat dry air that can crack wood or leather.
Summer: Avoid prolonged sunlight exposure that causes fading.
Spring/Fall: Deep clean all furniture to remove dust, pollen, and allergens.

Professional Maintenance and When to Call for Help

Some furniture care tasks are best left to professionals. Upholstery cleaning, leather restoration, and wood refinishing may require expertise and tools that homeowners don’t typically have. Scheduling professional maintenance every few years can keep your investment pieces in like-new condition.

Find Furniture Essentials at Cullen’s Home Center

Furniture care and maintenance don’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about creating consistent habits that protect your investment and keep your home looking its best. From polishing wood and conditioning leather to vacuuming upholstery and protecting against sunlight, these small steps add up to long-term durability and beauty.

With the right care routine, the furniture you love today can remain part of your home’s story for decades to come. At Cullen’s Home Center, we’re here to help you choose and care for furniture that fits your lifestyle and lasts for the long haul.

We offer a carefully curated selection of sectionals, coffee tables, chairs, recliners, and sofas to help elevate your living room space. You can also choose from elegant dining tables, comfortable chairs, stylish cabinets to craft the perfect dining room for your home. Explore Liberty Furniture home office sets and our exquisite range of outdoor patio furniture for those other key areas of the house

Visit our home store in Alexandria, MN to explore our selection of furniture and other home appliances. Contact us today to learn more.

FAQ: Furniture Care and Maintenance Guide

How often should I clean my furniture?

A light cleaning weekly (dusting or vacuuming) is recommended, with deeper cleaning every few months depending on usage.

Can I use regular cleaning sprays on my furniture?

It’s best to avoid generic sprays unless they’re labeled safe for your specific material. Always check manufacturer recommendations.

How can I prevent scratches on my wood table?

Using placemats, tablecloths, or protective pads can significantly reduce the risk of scratches and water rings.

How do I maintain leather furniture during winter?

Use a humidifier to prevent dryness and apply leather conditioner to keep the material supple and crack-free.

When should I consider professional furniture cleaning?

Every 12-18 months for upholstery and leather, or sooner if the furniture sees heavy use, spills, or visible wear.

Are there long-term furniture warranty options?

Yes, long-term furniture warranties are available. These provide coverage for a total of 5 years for accidents and incidents. Ask the professionals at Cullen’s Home Center for more information on furniture warranties.