How to Care for Your Furniture: Expert Advice for Leather, Fabric, Wood, and Rugs

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Leather Furniture Care Tips

Leather is a premium material that adds both comfort and sophistication to your home. Known for its durability and smooth texture, it’s also a surface that reacts to climate, use, and improper cleaning products. If well-maintained, leather develops a beautiful patina and lasts for decades. But to get there, regular care is essential.

Let Leather Breathe First

When new leather furniture arrives, allow it to acclimate to your home’s environment before applying any cleaners. Temperature and humidity can impact leather’s appearance during the first few days.

Clean Weekly, Condition Monthly

Use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with mild soap and distilled water to clean your leather gently. According to Magaly del Castillo, “Leather behaves like skin. It needs gentle care and consistent moisture to avoid drying out or cracking over time.”

To learn more about How to Clean Your Leather Furniture Properly, take a look at this article.

Avoid harsh products like vinegar, alcohol, or baby wipes. For spills or stains, clean in small, circular motions and allow the area to air dry before using again.

Over time, a monthly routine of mild cleaning keeps body oil buildup, dirt, and daily wear under control. We’ve seen La-Z-Boy leather chairs purchased over 20 years ago that still look new, thanks to regular cleaning with nothing more than soap, water, and attention.

To explore more challenges and solutions, check out 6 Common Problems with Leather Furniture.

Fabric Furniture Care Tips

Fabric furniture brings softness, texture, and warmth into your space, but it also absorbs everything from dust to crumbs to pet hair. 

If left unchecked, a buildup in the fibres can shorten the life of your upholstery. By following a thoughtful care routine, you can keep fabric pieces looking vibrant and inviting for years to come.

Keep Dirt at Bay

Vacuuming your upholstery regularly helps remove particles that cause wear over time. Use an upholstery attachment to reach deep into seams and around armrests. 

Rotate and Fluff to Prevent Sagging

Fabric naturally stretches and wrinkles with everyday use. Magaly recommends rotating and fluffing cushions weekly to maintain their shape and support.

“You’re not just improving the appearance of your furniture. You’re also protecting the frame and maximizing longevity,” says Magaly.

Stain Treatment and Steam Cleaning

La-Z-Boy’s iClean® and Performance fabrics resist common spills, making them easier to manage. Gently blot stains with a cloth and use a mixture of mild soap and distilled water for tougher messes. Avoid rubbing, which can embed dirt deeper into the fibres.

“Every fabric upholstery at La-Z-Boy has a cleaning code attached to it,” Magaly notes. Each code has a different way of cleaning your upholstery, so it is important to remember that when speaking to your sales consultant. 

To learn more about How to Clean Upholstery Fabrics from La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Steam cleaning is also an effective way to sanitize your fabric furniture. These machines turn tap water into hot steam, which kills up to 99% of bacteria without chemicals. Just remember to give the fabric enough time to completely dry afterward to avoid mildew.

Handle Pilling and Allergens

Pilling may occur with wear, but can be easily resolved with a battery-operated fabric shaver. For allergy-sensitive homes, a HEPA-filter vacuum can trap allergens and improve indoor air quality.

You’ll find more advice in the La-Z-Boy Fabric Care Guide, especially if you’re caring for performance materials or pet-friendly fabric.

To learn more about How to Prevent Fabric from Pilling, take a look at this article.

Wood Furniture Care Tips

Wood furniture is loved for its rich tones, durability, and timeless character. But unlike synthetic materials, wood is alive, meaning it expands, contracts, and reacts to its environment. Proper care ensures wood surfaces retain their lustre and resist moisture, heat, and wear.

Avoid Oils and Harsh Sprays

Skip commercial furniture sprays and polishes that contain oil or silicone. These can leave residues that dull the wood and attract dust. Instead, use a barely damp microfiber cloth for weekly cleaning. Flip the cloth frequently to avoid redistributing dirt.

Protect Against Environmental Stress

Keep wood furniture away from direct sunlight, fireplaces, or HVAC vents. These sources can bleach the finish and lead to drying or cracking. Table leaves should also be stored in a room with similar temperature and humidity to prevent warping.

Magaly also says that if you have dirt or other small debris in the cracks of your wood furniture, it’s always good practice to use a small cleaning brush to get it out. 

Address Mould, Scratches, and Water Rings

Use distilled vinegar or vodka to clean any mould spores that might appear, especially on dining tables and surfaces near moisture. For light surface scratches, Magaly suggests buffing gently with a pumice stone and applying furniture oil to restore the sheen.

“If you notice water rings, try applying low heat from a hairdryer to lift moisture trapped beneath the finish,” Magaly advises. “Just move the dryer slowly and keep it at a safe distance.”

For more information on Problems with Wood Furniture and Solutions, take a look at this article.

Rug & Carpet Cleaning Tips

Rugs often carry the brunt of foot traffic, furniture placement, and everyday life. Whether you own a wool area rug or a synthetic runner, proper care prevents wear and keeps your floors looking fresh. Because many rugs are made of natural fibres or intricate weaves, handling them gently is essential.

Vacuum Without Damage

High-suction upright vacuums can damage rugs by pulling out fibres. Instead, use a canister vacuum without a beater bar or a handheld vacuum to keep dirt at bay.

Clean Spills Immediately

Spills should be blotted, not rubbed, by using a clean, white towel and a no-bleach stain remover. Rubbing a spill can force it deeper into the weave and cause long-term staining.

Rotate and Lift Pet Hair

Rotate rugs every few months to even out sun exposure and traffic. For homes with pets, use a lint roller to lift hair from common gathering areas.

When to Call a Professional

For delicate materials like wool rugs, rinse with lukewarm water and press with a dry towel to absorb moisture. When in doubt, or when facing large or set-in stains, it’s smart to call a professional rug cleaning service.

“A clean rug grounds your entire design. It helps define the space while also supporting cleanliness and comfort,” says Magaly.

Visit our local showrooms to view our extensive rug collections, including Surya area rugs, which come in various textures and colour palettes perfect for every home.

What's Next?

Caring for your furniture doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information, a few quality tools, and a consistent schedule, your furniture will maintain its beauty for years to come. 

Whether you’re sprucing up your leather recliner, preserving a family dining table, or deep cleaning your rug, following these expert-backed tips will set you up for success.

If you’re interested in updating your furniture, we’re here to help. You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston. You can also schedule a visit online before coming in.

Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how our furniture could fit in your home design. To learn more about our living room furniture at La-Z-Boy, take a look at our Living Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.

Related Links

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Review of Canadel Custom Dining 

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