Cleaning and maintenance of designer furniture – advice from an expert

The questions we ask most after buying a piece of furniture concern its long-term cleaning and maintenance procedures. What can be done to keep it in a good state of repair and protect it from dust and dirt without damaging its surfaces?

The craftsmanship and materials that have gone into a valuable piece of furniture can put us at a real disadvantage. So, we asked for an expert’s opinion to give you all the tips and tricks to keep your furniture looking as good as it was on day one.

Caring for wood

Wooden furniture is what best identifies Morica’s inner being. There are only a few things to be aware of – with the right care, wooden furniture can last forever.

• Furniture items made from solid wood or covered in real wood, with an oil finish. This is a highly valued item because the oil finish preserves the natural structure of the wood. The furniture breathes and the natural oxidation process of the wood is slowed down. Water should not be used on this type of finish as it moves the oil into the pores of the wood, thereby damaging it. A dry, or slightly damp, cloth should be used to remove dust, and a light protective oil should be applied periodically to revitalise the item of furniture. When cleaning flat surfaces, motion should be horizontal or vertical and be parallel to the grain of the wood as much as possible. Circular motions are best avoided as they can create halos.
  
• Furniture made from solid wood or covered using real wood that is painted or lacquered. These are usually the easiest to maintain, although the special finish speeds up oxidation and colour changes. A damp cotton or wool cloth can be used for cleaning, or even in the case of persistent stains, a vegetable sponge soaked in water and mild soap. Avoid chemicals that can damage the varnish and create additional stains or halos. Do not use oils, waxes, alkaline or solvent-based cleaning agents on painted or varnished furniture.
  
  
• Laminate or melamine furniture. As these panels are made of composite wood material and covered using decorative paper sheets, cleaning must be gentle. It is best to use a soft cotton cloth, moistened in just a little water to prevent seepage that would otherwise cause swelling of the panel.

A good tip for all wooden furniture is to avoid exposing it to direct light for extended periods of time to avoid undesirable colour changes. For the same reason, plant or flower pots should also be avoided, as they exude moisture that would damage the surface of the furniture item.

Leather upholstery – cleaning and maintenance

As we have already seen in a previous article, leather is a rather durable material but needs special to preserve it over time.

For routine cleaning, a cotton cloth moistened with water or very little neutral soap is more than sufficient. A couple of times a year, or when troublesome stains develop, a specific leather care product can be used, which is available in different sizes. It is comparable to that of a moisturiser, as it revives the coating by providing elasticity.

Nubuck leather, however, must be treated using specific spray-on products that carry out a dry-cleaning process and end with a rubdown using a cloth. The use of water should be avoided as it may stain the coating.

In the case of a fabric, our advice is to check or ask the dealer to provide the data sheet for the specific material. Depending on the composition of the fabric, cleaning methods will also need to be modified.

Still unsure about keeping your furniture looking as good as new?

Download Morica Design's care and maintenance guide for expert tips and tricks

Keeping marble in perfect condition

Natural marble is a material par excellence, considered as unique and timeless. Because of its composition, however, it requires specific treatments and special care.

For routine cleaning, we advise cleaning surfaces with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Neutral soap acts as a degreaser and antibacterial agent, and provides shine. Care must be taken when using other types of cleaning substances – acid-based substances (such as alcohol) and anti-scale substances, in general, are strictly prohibited as they corrode the stone. Enemy number one of natural marble is acid, whether it be lemon juice, vinegar or Coca Cola – if any of these substances end up on a marble surface, it should be cleaned immediately using mild soap and water.

Non-routine cleaning, generally carried out once a year, consists of sanding and polishing and is evaluated according to how worn the marble is. These treatments should be entrusted to an experienced stonemason, and DIY avoided.

Keeping metal shiny and bright

The maintenance of metal can be distinguished by whether the product is epoxy powder-coated or includes chrome-plated parts.

Powder coatings require the use of a soft cloth moistened with mild soap and water. Do not use abrasive or powder-based cleaning agents, chlorine, acids or bleach, as they can cause oxidation and blackening. The chemical reaction of these products with the aluminium dioxides used in the painting process may irreparably damage the metal.

Electroplated finishes – i.e. where a layer of chrome is deposited onto the surface – must be cleaned using specific substances for chrome, following the instructions on the packaging. In general, alkaline, abrasive or solvent-based cleaning agents should never be used.

Glass needs care, too

Now let’s see what glass maintenance involves. Here, it is important to make a distinction between a glass-only surface and one in combination with other materials.

Careful handling

The quality of a piece of furniture depends on the intrinsic features of the product itself and the requirements to ensure safety, strength and durability. Morica subjects its items to strict periodic inspections to ensure high quality standards for its customers. However, if a product is used improperly, exposed to chemicals or the elements without due maintenance, it will be damaged beyond repair.

Furniture is a necessary component in our living environment, which is why it is important to retain all of its original features. Regular cleaning, using the right detergents and avoiding the use of chemicals of dubious origin will undoubtedly extend the life of any piece of furniture.