Furniture Care and Maintenance Guide
Keeping Your Furniture in Good Condition
At Boltenelise, we want you to enjoy your furniture for as long as possible. Proper care and routine maintenance can help preserve its appearance, maintain its functionality, and reduce everyday wear. Since furniture materials and finishes vary, always follow any care instructions provided with your specific product.
General Cleaning and Care
Dust furniture regularly using a soft, clean, dry cloth. For routine cleaning, avoid abrasive pads, rough brushes, and harsh chemical cleaners that may scratch surfaces or damage finishes.
When a spill occurs, gently blot the affected area with a clean cloth rather than rubbing aggressively. Remove moisture promptly to help prevent staining, swelling, or surface damage. Before using any cleaning product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area and follow the product manufacturer's instructions.
Avoid placing hot cookware, wet containers, or sharp objects directly on furniture surfaces. Use suitable coasters, protective mats, or pads when necessary.
Wood and Wood-Finish Furniture
Wood furniture can be affected by moisture, temperature changes, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Wipe away spills promptly and avoid leaving damp objects on the surface.
Keep wooden furniture away from direct heat sources and excessive humidity whenever possible. Sudden environmental changes may cause wood to expand, contract, or develop surface cracks.
Use a soft cloth for dusting and choose cleaning products specifically suitable for the relevant wood finish. Do not apply oils, waxes, or polishing products unless they are compatible with the manufacturer's finish recommendations.
Upholstered Furniture
For fabric-covered chairs, sofas, and other upholstered items, vacuum regularly using an appropriate upholstery attachment to remove dust and loose debris. Pay attention to seams and crevices where dirt may accumulate.
Treat spills promptly by blotting gently with a clean, absorbent cloth. Avoid oversaturating the fabric, as excessive moisture can affect the filling or leave marks. Check the care label or product instructions before using water-based cleaners, stain removers, or upholstery treatments.
Keep upholstered furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight to help reduce uneven fading. Rotate removable cushions when the product design allows, helping distribute normal wear more evenly.
Metal Furniture and Components
Clean metal frames, legs, handles, and fittings with a soft cloth. If additional cleaning is needed, use a mild cleaning solution suitable for the material, then wipe away residue and dry the surface thoroughly.
Avoid strong acids, abrasive cleaners, and scouring tools that could damage protective coatings. Inspect exposed metal parts periodically for loose fittings, scratches, or signs of corrosion, especially in humid environments.
Unless a product is specifically designed for outdoor use, avoid prolonged exposure to rain, standing water, or damp conditions.
Glass and Smooth Surfaces
Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean glass or other smooth furniture surfaces. If needed, apply a suitable glass cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying directly near joints, edges, or hardware.
Avoid dragging hard objects across the surface, and do not use abrasive materials that may leave scratches. Check glass surfaces periodically for chips or cracks. Stop using the affected item if the glass is damaged.
Cabinets, Shelves, and Storage Furniture
Distribute stored items evenly and observe any product-specific weight limits. Placing excessive weight on shelves, drawers, or cabinet tops can affect stability and structural integrity.
Open and close drawers and doors gently. Do not force components that become stuck or misaligned. Periodically check accessible screws, handles, hinges, and other fittings, tightening them when appropriate and following the product assembly instructions.
For tall cabinets, bookcases, and other furniture that could tip over, use suitable anti-tip hardware and secure the furniture to the wall where recommended. Keep heavier items on lower shelves whenever practical.
Chairs, Tables, and Moving Furniture
Use chairs, tables, and other furniture for their intended purpose. Avoid standing on chairs, sitting on table edges, or placing concentrated weight on parts not designed to support it.
Lift furniture when moving it instead of dragging it across the floor. Use assistance for heavy or bulky items, and protect both the furniture legs and flooring during relocation.
Check joints and fasteners periodically, particularly on furniture that is used frequently. If a product becomes unstable, develops a sharp edge, or shows signs of structural damage, stop using it until the issue has been assessed and addressed.
Temperature, Humidity, and Sunlight
Maintain a reasonably stable indoor environment whenever possible. Excessive humidity, very dry conditions, direct sunlight, and strong heat can affect different materials in different ways.
Avoid positioning furniture directly beside radiators, heaters, fireplaces, or other intense heat sources unless the product instructions allow it. Use curtains or blinds to reduce prolonged sunlight exposure when necessary.
A Regular Maintenance Routine
A simple routine can help keep your furniture in better condition:
Weekly: Remove dust and check for visible spills or dirt.
Monthly: Inspect frequently used surfaces, drawers, hinges, and accessible fasteners.
As needed: Clean spills promptly, address minor fitting issues, and review material-specific care instructions.
These intervals are general recommendations. The appropriate maintenance frequency depends on the furniture material, usage, and surrounding environment.
Important Care Reminder
Furniture materials, coatings, and construction methods differ. The recommendations in this guide are general and may not apply to every product. Always prioritize the care instructions supplied with your item, and avoid any cleaning method that could damage its specific material or finish.