Furniture Care
Furniture Care & Maintenance
Care that keeps your furniture beautiful for years.
Quality furniture is built to last, but a little care goes a long way. The guide below covers how to maintain different materials so your investment looks and feels its best for years to come.
Why Furniture Care Matters
The brands we carry are made to last decades, not seasons. The right cleaning habits, the right products, and a little routine attention can extend the life of any piece dramatically. The wrong products and habits, on the other hand, can cause damage that's expensive or impossible to undo. This guide is built around what actually works, with no marketing fluff.
How Do I Care for Wood Furniture?
Solid wood furniture from brands like Skovby, BDI, Mavin, and Greenington (technically bamboo, treated similarly) is built to last generations with proper care.
Daily and Weekly Care
- Dust regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth
- Use placemats, coasters, and trivets to prevent moisture rings, heat marks, and scratches
- Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth, then dry
- Avoid placing wood furniture in direct sunlight for extended periods
Cleaning
For deeper cleaning, use a product specifically designed for the type of finish on your piece (oiled, lacquered, or natural). Avoid all-purpose household cleaners, ammonia, vinegar, or anything containing silicone, which can damage finishes over time.
Long-Term Care
Some natural-finish wood pieces benefit from periodic re-oiling to maintain their sheen and protect the wood. Your specific brand's care guide will indicate whether this applies. Skovby and Greenington pieces, for example, have specific care recommendations available from the manufacturer.
How Do I Care for Leather Furniture?
Leather develops a beautiful patina over time, but it benefits from regular care to stay supple and prevent cracking or fading.
Daily and Weekly Care
- Dust or wipe down with a dry, soft cloth weekly
- Vacuum crevices with a soft brush attachment to remove crumbs and debris
- Keep leather out of direct sunlight, which causes fading and drying
- Maintain reasonable humidity in the room (avoid placing leather near radiators or heating vents)
Cleaning Spills
Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub. For most spills, clean water and a soft cloth are sufficient. Avoid household cleaners, baby wipes, soap, or any product not specifically formulated for leather.
Long-Term Care
Use a manufacturer-recommended leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months on full-grain and aniline leathers. Protected leathers (like many Stressless and Palliser products) require less frequent conditioning. Check the specific product's care guide or ask our team.
How Do I Care for Fabric Upholstery?
Fabric upholstery, including the wide variety of options offered through brands like American Leather, Palliser, and BDI, holds up beautifully when cared for properly.
Daily and Weekly Care
- Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment
- Rotate and fluff cushions to maintain even wear and shape
- Address spills immediately by blotting with a clean, dry cloth (never rub)
- Keep fabric out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
Cleaning Codes
Every fabric has a cleaning code (W, S, WS, or X) that indicates which cleaning products are safe. Always check this code before applying any cleaning product. Using the wrong cleaner can cause permanent damage.
- W: Water-based cleaners only
- S: Solvent-based cleaners only
- WS: Either water- or solvent-based cleaners
- X: Vacuum or professional cleaning only
Performance Fabrics
If your piece is upholstered in a performance fabric (like Crypton, Sunbrella, or similar), you have an extra layer of protection. Most performance fabrics resist stains and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Always check the specific fabric's care guide.
How Do I Care for Bamboo Furniture?
Greenington's solid bamboo pieces are dense, durable, and finished to last. Care is similar to fine hardwood:
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining
- Avoid placing in direct sunlight or near heat sources
- Use coasters and placemats to protect the surface
- Clean with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid harsh cleaners.
How Do I Care for My Mattress?
- Use a quality mattress protector from day one (this also helps maintain warranty eligibility)
- Rotate the mattress every 3 to 6 months to promote even wear (do not flip unless specifically designed to be flipped)
- Air the mattress periodically by removing bedding for a few hours
- Avoid sitting on the same edge repeatedly, which can break down support over time
- Vacuum the mattress every few months with the upholstery attachment
General Tips for Every Material
- Read the care tag and manufacturer's care guide before cleaning anything
- Test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first
- Address spills and stains immediately, not later
- Keep furniture away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and radiators where possible
- When in doubt, ask. Our team can help you identify the right products for your specific piece.
Need Help?
If you're unsure how to care for a piece you bought from us, give us a call at (907) 273-4333. We're happy to walk you through specific care recommendations or recommend professional cleaning services for major projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my furniture?
Light dusting and vacuuming weekly is ideal. Deeper cleaning depends on use, but most pieces benefit from a more thorough cleaning a few times a year. Address spills and stains immediately.
Can I use household cleaners on my leather furniture?
No. Household cleaners, baby wipes, ammonia, and most all-purpose products can damage leather over time. Use only products specifically formulated for leather, and always test in a hidden area first.
How do I get a stain out of my upholstered sofa?
Blot, don't rub. Check the fabric's cleaning code first. For most water-based stains on W or WS fabrics, mild soap and water on a clean cloth will work. For tougher stains, consider professional cleaning to avoid making things worse.
What products do you recommend?
It depends on the piece. Our team can recommend specific products for your particular piece and material. We typically recommend products from the manufacturer when available, including for custom-ordered pieces with specialty fabrics or finishes.
Should I have my furniture professionally cleaned?
For deep cleaning of upholstered pieces, leather sofas, and rugs, professional cleaning every 1 to 2 years can be a smart investment. It extends the life of the piece and addresses dirt that home cleaning can't fully remove.