Caring for our furniture is very important to keep it looking good and to increase its longevity. One way to do this is by applying the proper cleaning process. However, the cleaning process can be tricky for many of us, which is why it’s essential to understand the common mistakes in the furniture cleaning process.
In this blog, we will list some of the most common mistakes people make when cleaning furniture. But fear not—we will also provide you with furniture care tips to avoid these mistakes and also offer basic, safe DIY furniture cleaning solutions.
1. Ignoring Manufacturer Cleaning Guidelines:
Different types of furniture have different cleaning guidelines due to the diversity and countless materials used in manufacturing. That is why manufacturers attach cleaning guidelines to every piece of furniture to make your cleaning process easy and safe. However, many people forego these guidelines and start cleaning blindly, causing irreparable damage to their home furniture.
Tips on Manufacturer Cleaning Guidelines:
- Make Manufacturer Cleaning Guidelines your top cleaning priority.
- Use the recommended product suggested by the manufacturer.
- Ask for help from the manufacturer or experts if you have any doubts.
2. Skipping the Test Patch:
If you are cleaning upholstered furniture, you should do a test patch first to check how the cleaning materials interact with the fabric. It is an important strategy to avoid upholstery damage.
A test patch is only necessary for the first cleaning process; you don’t have to repeat it unless you use different cleaning materials. The best place to apply the test patch is in a hidden part of the furniture piece where any potential damage will not affect the furniture’s function and style.
Tips on Applying the Test Patch:
- Work on small areas at a time to control the process.
- Avoid over-wetting the furniture to prevent damage.
- Dry the tested area properly after cleaning to prevent mold.
- Maintain the same technique you used in the test patch for the rest of the furniture.
3. Neglecting regular dusting:
A simple process that costs us no time and effort, but we always ignore. We think there is no need to regularly dust our furniture. Yes, a simple dust might not cause harm immediately, but with more accumulation, the furniture will look dull and unappealing, or it can lead to abrasions and damage in the long term.
Tips on Regular Dusting:
- Use a dry microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust and debris.
- For hard-to-reach parts, use a soft-bristled brush.
- Avoid feather dusters as they spread dust rather than removing it.
- For upholstered furniture, it is better to use a vacuum.
4. Using The wrong cleaning products:
Your go-to cleaning product might not work on every furniture piece or for every kind of spill and stain. Many of us use the same cleaning products for all furniture pieces, from chemicals to cleaning tools, regardless of the damage that a harsh or abrasive cleaner can cause to the surface or even deep within the furniture.
Tips on Using the Right Cleaning Products:
- Avoid products with harsh chemicals that can damage finishes or fabrics.
- Avoid multi-purpose cleaners by using specialized cleaners.
- Use the right amount of cleaning product.
- Pair the right cleaning product with a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching.
5. Cleaning too much (Using excessive water):
Another mistake that people often make is using too much water in the cleaning process. This can lead to severe damage to the furniture. For example, soaking your sofa or armchair with water will be hard to manage and will cause the cotton or sponge to absorb a lot of water, which is hard to dry out.
Tips on Using Water in Furniture Cleaning:
- Follow the dampening-not-soaking rule to prevent water damage.
- Wipe immediately after using water.
- Mix water with mild detergents for effective cleaning.
- Limit water use on wooden furniture to avoid swelling.
Are There Any DIY Furniture Cleaning Ideas That Can Be Used Safely?
Cleaning your furniture properly while ensuring it is safe can be done at home, but you have to understand the right materials to use. Here are some safe DIY furniture cleaning ideas for different types of furniture:
Wooden furniture:
Basic wood cleaner Code:
| Ingredients | Instructions | Bonus Tip |
| 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar | Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray lightly on the wood surface, and then wipe with soft cloth. | Avoid soaking the wood. |
Upholstered furniture:
General upholstery cleaner code:
| Ingredients | Instructions | Bonus Tip |
| 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon dish soap | Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake them well. Spray lightly on the upholstery surface, and blot with soft cloth. | Test on an inconspicuous area first. |
Leather Furniture:
Basic leather cleaner code:
| Ingredients | Instructions | Bonus Tip |
| ½ cup of water and ½ cup of white vinegar | Mix these ingredients in a bowl and dampen a cloth with the solution, then dry immediately with a separate cloth. | Avoid over-wetting |
Glass and Metal
Basic Glass and Metal cleaner code
| Ingredients | Instructions | Bonus Tip |
| 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar | Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on the glass surface, then wipe with cloth or newspaper. | Use lint-free cloth. |
Summing Up:
It is okay if we have made mistakes in the past, but continuing to make these mistakes for a long period can cause irreparable damage and force us to invest in new pieces. Now that you are aware of these common mistakes, avoid them and keep your eyes open to the furniture cleaning tips provided in this blog to ensure your wooden, leather, upholstered, or any other furniture pieces last longer.