Here’s some priceless advice from our furniture experts to reverse the effects of time and to restore the glow on your most prized furniture.

Caring for Upholstery

Fluff and rotate seat cushions daily to promote even wear. Vacuum seats frequently using an upholstery brush. For spot cleaning, avoid using toxic materials, like those containing carbon tetrachloride. Instead, use a mild, water-free upholstery solvent or dry cleaning product. Use cleaning products you are familiar with; otherwise you could do more damage to the furniture than good. Test upholstery cleaners prior to use: simply turn an upholstered chair upside-down and spot-test on the bottom of the chair.

Professional cleaning is recommended for soiled upholstery, (for example, wine stains) high-end and light-coloured furniture. Do not clean cushion covers separately from the chair or sofa, as fabrics may become discoloured and no longer match. Do not place dark-coloured upholstered furniture, or those made in fabrics like silk, in direct sunlight. Sunrays will discolour the upholstery.

Check to see if upholstered fabrics contain built-in Teflon or other protective agents, meant to withstand accidents (spills bead up and can be wiped clean with a slightly damp cloth). If not, consider Scotch Guarding.

Caring for Wood

Dust regularly with a soft, slightly damp soft cloth (using lukewarm water). Dry the surface immediately to prevent water bubbling, which can eventually lead to cracking.
 
To renew wood's lustre, use a quality furniture wax or polish at least once a year; avoid chemical products. Mild cleaners, like Murphy's Oil soap, are safe; silicone-based cleaners are not. A word of caution: Never use window cleaners on polished furniture. Ammonia will harm the finish. To touch up nicks and scratches, use a wax scratch remover stick. Colour-matching furniture polishes are also available. To hide dents, use specialized cleaners to raise the wood grain.

Clean up spills immediately to avoid liquids absorbing into the wood, leaving marks or discolouration. Veneered layers will bubble and lift.

Do not place hot, cold or damp items directly onto the furniture surface as it will damage the finish. Use pads, mats and coasters to protect furniture.

Do not place wood furniture directly in sunlight or next to heating vents, as UV rays and heat can discolour the wood. Use a humidifier to regulate home temperatures and prevent the furniture from splitting, cracking or warping. It's also advisable not to use polishes on wood furniture. It's like putting a layer of wax on the furniture. Eventually, it will build up and take away the beauty of the piece. To avoid that waxy look and feel, you can use wax polishes that are vegetable-based - paraffin or beeswax work best. Apply using a soft cloth, along the grain of the wood, then buff. Do not wax polish furniture more than once or twice a year. Avoid waxing urethane-finished furniture, as it attracts dust rather than repel it.

Never spray any product directly onto the furniture. Apply it to the cloth and then use it to clean and polish the wood. Applying it this way also prevents spray marks on the furniture. And lastly, use rubber or nickel caps or casters to protect furniture feet and floors.