Making a furniture purchase is just the first step! Caring for your items is crucial to ensuring they remain functioning as they should, stand up to the test of time, and, of course, continue to look great. In this guide, we share advice on how to best care for your furniture, whether it’s a solid oak dining table, a luxurious velvet sofa, or a stylish painted cabinetry item.

Before diving into specifics, let's cover some fundamental care principles applicable to most pieces: 

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure can fade colours, especially in wood and upholstery. Use curtains or blinds to filter the light. 

Control Heat Sources: Keep furniture away from radiators (at least 50cm is a good rule of thumb) and fireplaces, as excessive heat can dry out and damage materials. 

Protect Surfaces: Make use of coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to safeguard against spills, heat, and scratches.

Your solid oak furniture is a beautiful and valuable addition to your home. To keep it looking its best, follow these simple cleaning and protection tips: 

The Best Cleaning Method: A Damp Cloth When it comes to cleaning your oak furniture, simplicity is key. A simple damp cloth is usually the best approach. Most cleaning products aren’t designed for use on wood and could damage the finish of your furniture. 

Spill Prevention: Your First Line of Defence Remember prevention is better than cure! If you have a solid oak table, keep a ready supply of coasters on hand and encourage their use. It only takes a single wet glass or a hot cup of coffee to leave a lasting mark. Never put anything hot directly onto an oak surface, as it will leave dark stains on the wood that are difficult to remove 

Deal with Spills Promptly: The Key to Avoiding Stains Wipe up any spillages as soon as possible! Oak is porous, which means that if you leave liquid on the surface, it will eventually seep in and cause a stain on the finish. The longer you leave it, the deeper the stain, and the more effort it will take to clean up. Act Fast: Pounce on any spillages with a damp cloth and dry them off with a towel as soon as you see them! If you have painted furniture, follow the guidance above when cleaning any oak components, and simply wipe-clean the painted areas.

Your upholstered sofas and armchairs are essential for comfort and style. To keep them looking beautiful for years to come, follow these simple guidelines on placement, cushion care, and cleaning. 

Placement Matters: Keep upholstery away from direct sunlight and radiators. Excessive sunlight can fade colours and affect the vibrancy. 

Cushion Care: Rotate cushions regularly and plump them up to maintain their shape and even out wear. 

Moving Furniture: When changing the position of your sofa or armchair, hold onto the base. Avoid pulling and pushing on the arms, as this could eventually warp the frame. 

How to Clean Upholstered Furniture

The first step is to identify the material, as different fabrics require different cleaning methods. Generally, begin by gently vacuuming the upholstery to remove excess dust and dirt. 

Caring for Fabric Sofas: Use a soft, slightly damp colourless cloth, and gently spot clean. If possible, start with an inconspicuous area first. If you want to use a detergent, check first to make sure it’s suitable for the type of fabric sofa you have and always follow the instructions. 

Caring for Velvet Sofas: In the first instance, use a brush to gently lift the pile – be sure to use the soft brush nozzle on your vacuum cleaner. For liquid spills, use a slightly damp cloth, and press lightly on the area to avoid pushing the stain further into the velvet. 

Caring for Leather Sofas: Top grain leather sofas are upholstered in the most durable form of leather, and therefore pretty simple to maintain and clean. Blot any spills as soon as possible with a dry cloth, and if needed, use a damp microfibre cloth to complete the job. There are dedicated sofa cleaning products available too – remember if you use one of these to always follow the instructions. Faux leather sofas are non-porous and simple to wipe clean. For stubborn marks, use a damp cloth and blot initially, then use mild soap and water if needed.

To keep your high-gloss and glass tables looking their best, follow these simple guidelines.

For glass tables, use a dedicated glass cleaner to achieve a streak-free shine, ensuring you only apply it to the glass components. When cleaning ceramic and high gloss dining tables, opt for a damp microfibre cloth to gently wipe away dirt and smudges. It's crucial to avoid abrasive cleaners on these surfaces, as they can scratch and dull the finish, compromising their sleek and reflective appearance. Consistent, gentle cleaning will help maintain the pristine look of your high-gloss and glass tables for years to come.

Caring for your furniture is an ongoing process. By following these simple steps and adapting your routine to specific materials and seasons, you can ensure your furniture remains beautiful, functional, and a cherished part of your home for years to come.