Leather, Fabric & Wood Furniture Care Tips
Proper furniture care can help preserve appearance, reduce premature wear and extend the useful life of leather, upholstered and wood furniture. The correct cleaning method depends on the material, finish, manufacturer instructions and condition of the furniture.
Before using any cleaner, conditioner or stain-removal product, check the manufacturer’s care instructions and test the product in an inconspicuous area. Antique, valuable, delicate or heavily damaged furniture should be evaluated professionally before aggressive cleaning or treatment.
Leather Furniture Care
Leather is a durable natural material, but its characteristics vary significantly depending on how it has been tanned, finished and protected. Common issues can include dryness, surface cracking, fading, discoloration, scuffs, scratches, tears, worn color and damage caused by spills or prolonged sunlight.
Leather Care & Cleaning Tips
- Dust regularly. Use a clean, soft, dry or slightly damp cloth when appropriate for the leather type.
- Keep leather away from excessive heat. Radiators, heating vents and other heat sources can contribute to drying and deterioration.
- Limit direct sunlight. Long-term UV exposure can contribute to fading, discoloration and deterioration.
- Clean spills promptly. Blot rather than rub whenever possible.
- Avoid aggressive household cleaners. Alcohol, bleach, strong detergents, solvents and abrasive products can damage many leather finishes.
- Use leather-specific products only when appropriate. A cleaner or conditioner suitable for one type of leather may not be appropriate for another.
- Pay attention to high-contact areas. Armrests, headrests and seat cushions can accumulate body oils and soil faster than other areas.
Protected leather, aniline leather, semi-aniline leather, nubuck, suede and synthetic leather can require different cleaning methods. When the leather type is unknown or damage is already present, professional evaluation is recommended.
Fabric Upholstery Care
Regular maintenance can help reduce soil buildup, uneven wear and premature deterioration of upholstered furniture.
Fabric Care & Cleaning Tips
- Vacuum upholstery regularly using an appropriate upholstery attachment.
- Lightly brush suitable fabrics to remove surface dust and debris.
- Rotate and turn removable cushions periodically when their construction allows it.
- Protect upholstered furniture from prolonged direct sunlight to help reduce fading.
- Avoid placing newspapers or materials with transferable inks directly on light-colored upholstery.
- Keep paints, dyes, nail polish, solvents and other potentially staining materials away from upholstery.
- Blot spills promptly instead of aggressively rubbing them into the fabric.
Understanding Upholstery Cleaning Codes
Many upholstered pieces include a manufacturer’s cleaning code on a tag, usually underneath a cushion or furniture frame. Always follow the code and manufacturer instructions rather than selecting a cleaner based only on the fabric name or fiber content.
- W: Generally indicates that water-based upholstery cleaning products may be appropriate.
- S: Generally indicates the use of a water-free solvent-based cleaning method appropriate for the fabric.
- W/S or S/W: Indicates that either qualifying water-based or solvent-based methods may be used, depending on the product and manufacturer instructions.
- X: Generally indicates vacuuming or light brushing only; liquid cleaning products should not be used unless directed by a qualified professional or manufacturer.
Even when a cleaning code allows a particular method, always test a product in a hidden area first. Dye transfer, shrinkage, water marks, texture changes and other problems can occur with some fabrics.
Spot Cleaning Upholstered Furniture
For spills and stains, remove excess material carefully and blot moisture with a clean white cloth. Avoid excessive saturation and aggressive scrubbing.
If the stain involves ink, dye, oil, cosmetics, pet contamination or another difficult substance, professional treatment may be safer than experimenting with household chemicals.
Wood Furniture Care
Wood furniture varies by species, veneer, stain, finish and construction. Proper maintenance can help protect the finish and reduce scratches, moisture damage, fading and premature wear.
Wood Care & Cleaning Tips
- Dust regularly with a soft, clean cloth.
- Avoid excessive moisture. Standing water and repeated wet cleaning can damage many wood finishes.
- Limit direct sunlight to help reduce fading and finish discoloration.
- Keep furniture away from strong heat sources when practical.
- Use coasters, placemats and protective pads under drinks, dishes and decorative objects.
- Use felt or protective pads beneath lamps and accessories that could scratch the surface.
- Avoid placing hot items directly on wood.
- Use caution with rubber, vinyl and plastic materials that may react with certain furniture finishes.
- Clean spills promptly using a method appropriate for the finish.
Water Rings, Heat Marks, Scratches & Other Wood Damage
Cloudiness, water rings, heat marks, dents, scratches, burns and damaged finishes should be treated according to the specific finish and construction of the furniture.
Avoid aggressive home remedies involving vinegar, cooking oils, mayonnaise, steel wool, household solvents or direct heat unless the furniture manufacturer specifically recommends the method. These treatments can soften, discolor, scratch or permanently damage modern furniture finishes.
Minor surface marks may sometimes be corrected with an appropriate furniture-care product, while deeper scratches, finish loss, veneer damage, burns, dents or discoloration may require professional touch-up, refinishing or restoration.
When to Call a Furniture Repair Professional
Professional service may be appropriate for:
- Leather tears, cracking or significant color loss
- Fabric tears, open seams or damaged upholstery
- Persistent or difficult stains
- Wood scratches, dents and finish damage
- Water or heat damage
- Veneer damage
- Broken frames, joints or furniture components
- Antique or valuable furniture
- Furniture requiring refinishing or color matching
Professional Furniture Repair & Restoration
For professional leather and vinyl repair, upholstery repair, wood restoration, refinishing, structural repair and other specialty furniture services, visit All Furniture Services®.
Service Furniture also provides residential and commercial furniture service for qualifying projects.
Request Furniture Repair Service
If your leather, fabric or wood furniture requires more than routine maintenance, submit photographs of the complete piece, close-up images of the damage, your location and a description of the problem.