Keeping furniture like new: practical care

Furniture does practical work every day and says something about the people who live with it. Over time, though, wear and aging are unavoidable. Extending the life of your furniture and keeping it looking and working well comes down to a few habits and a little know-how.

1. Know the material, then care for it accordingly

Different materials need different care. Understanding what a piece is made of is the only way to avoid damaging it with the wrong treatment.

• Solid wood: Loved for its natural grain and low-toxicity appeal. The key is steady humidity and temperature, away from direct sun and heat sources. Dust with a soft dry cloth, and apply a wood furniture conditioner periodically to help prevent cracking and warping.
• Leather: Luxurious to the touch but somewhat delicate. Keep sharp objects away, and keep it out of heat and direct sun. Clean with a soft cloth and a small amount of leather cleaner; never use harsh products. A leather conditioner applied regularly keeps it supple and glossy.
• Fabric: Comfortable and breathable, but it collects dust and stains. Vacuum or use a soft brush for surface dust, and treat spots with an upholstery cleaner. To limit fading, keep it out of direct sun.
• Metal: Strong and durable, but prone to rust. Wipe with a soft dry cloth and avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners. If rust appears, sand it lightly with fine-grit paper and apply a rust-inhibiting paint.
• Glass: Clean and airy, but it shows water spots and fingerprints. Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth; avoid rough fabrics or scouring tools that can scratch the surface.

2. Everyday habits that prevent damage

• Avoid direct sun: Long exposure fades, cracks and warps furniture. Keep pieces out of direct sunlight, or use curtains and blinds.
• Keep humidity in range: Air that is too dry or too damp does harm either way. A humidifier or dehumidifier can keep indoor humidity between 40 and 60 percent.
• Stay away from heat: High temperatures cause cracking and warping, so keep furniture clear of radiators, fireplaces and similar heat sources.
• Clean regularly: Routine cleaning removes dust and grime before it works its way into the material. Use soft cloths and mild cleaners, and skip anything rough or harsh.
• Don't overload: Every piece has a weight limit. Stacking too much on it, or using it for things it was not built for, leads to bending and breakage.

3. Simple repairs

Even well-kept furniture picks up small damage. A few basic repairs can make it look new again.

• Scratches: Light scratches on solid wood can be filled with a touch-up marker or wax crayon close to the furniture's color. Deeper scratches need proper repair tools or a professional.
• Dents: For a dent in solid wood, lay a damp towel over the spot and press with a hot iron. The steam swells the compressed fibers and raises the dent.
• Loose joints: Tighten screws and bolts with a screwdriver or wrench. For mortise-and-tenon joints, wood glue will firm them up.

4. When to call a professional

For high-end pieces, or anything with serious damage, get professional help. An experienced furniture restorer has the tools and know-how to clean, repair and refinish a piece far more thoroughly than you can at home.

Furniture care takes patience and attention. Know what your furniture is made of, use the right methods and keep up the everyday habits, and it will stay with you for a long time.