Our apartment is like our haven, we want it to be the place where we feel most at ease and refreshed. And so, everything in our house has to be in perfect condition. Working on your furniture’s appearance does not have to be a unpleasant and time consuming duty.

Even though your furniture is not very expensive, it may have a sentimental value, and you’ll want it to simply look great as years pass by. You just need to follow some easy but regular rules, in order to preserve your furniture looking lovely for years.

One of the first steps in making sure your furniture is well taken care of, is to make sure it’s not close to heat sources or sunlight. These will affect the furniture, fade the colors or paint finishes, destroy upholstery fibers.

Who hasn’t had the misfortune to discover a water mark on our favorite high board , or a stain on the family couch. You really can’t blame anyone for it, but you can fix it! Here are some tips on keeping your furniture clean and neat, to preserve it’s beauty for years.

You don’t have to break the bank to get expensive cleaning products for a clean furniture. All is at hand. a cotton cloth, a vacuum cleaner, some vinegar, a sponge, that is all you need to clean your furniture.

Wood Furniture

The first advice in keeping wood furniture looking great is: shelter it from excessive light and humidity changes! Changes in relative humidity are wood's No. 1 enemy.

You should regularly, if not daily clean your furniture. Your mother was right: Dust frequently! Don’t use a feather duster because it will only move dust around, moreover a quill might scratch the surface of the furniture.

Be careful about using water when you clean your furniture. Don’t soak or wet wood furniture. Water will often cause staining or swelling, when it penetrates the finish.

One way of cleaning your furniture without damaging it is to use a cotton cloth. Experts say that a dry cloth will not clean well, and that you should moisten it so that it’s easier for the dust stick to it.

Leather Furniture

The golden rule for leather furniture, is the same as for wood furniture: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat, and from humidity changes. Leather dries and can crack with time, and it’s recommended to keep it at least 2 feet from heat.

For the best results use a soft cotton cloth or a damp sponge. You shouldn’t use detergents when cleaning leather. Make a solution of dish washing liquid and warm water. Use the bubbles only, wipe gently with a soft-bristled brush and then dry with a damp cotton cloth or a sponge.

If the leather surface is stained or dirty, use a mix of 1/4 white vinegar and 3/4 water, and scrub with a soft cotton cloth.

Upholstered Furniture

Beside the golden rule of keeping furniture looking good : avoid placing it near heat sources, you should vacuum the upholstered furniture on a regular basis.

When dealing with stains use a solution of ¼ laundry detergent or dish detergent to 1c warm water. Use only the bubbles and a cloth and test it on a small part of the upholstery. After, let it for a few minutes, and if there is discoloration or shrinkage , then don’t continue and get a professional to do it. If not, continue with the rest of the upholstery.

Take into consideration these advices and your furniture will last as time passes by. You don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning it, if you do it on a regular basis. This way you will not only save money, but you will have your favorite furniture for years to come.