Furniture is the core element of home life, and its condition directly affects the living experience and the aesthetics of the space. The maintenance principles for furniture made of different materials (solid wood, leather, fabric, metal, glass, etc.) vary greatly. Below , we've compiled 100 practical tips across three dimensions: maintenance by material (60 tips), maintenance by scenario/problem (30 tips), and general daily maintenance (10 tips), covering the entire process from basic cleaning to deep protection. We hope you find them helpful.

I. Material-based maintenance ( 60 points): Targeted solutions to pain points of different materials

( a ) Solid wood furniture: prevent cracking, prevent moisture , prevent fading ( 15 items)

1. Avoid placing solid wood furniture directly against the wall; leave a 5-10cm gap to prevent moisture from penetrating the wall and causing the wood to mold.

2. After new solid wood furniture arrives, let it sit in a ventilated place for 2-3 days to allow the wood to adapt to the ambient temperature and humidity, reducing the probability of deformation later.

3. When cleaning solid wood surfaces, wipe with a wrung-out soft cloth (such as a microfiber cloth). Avoid using cloths that are too damp to prevent the wood from absorbing water and swelling.

4. Wipe the wood once a month with a special solid wood furniture care oil (such as beeswax oil or wood wax oil) , applying it along the wood grain to enhance the wood's water resistance and gloss.

5. Avoid direct sunlight on solid wood furniture. If it is near a window, you can install blinds or curtains to reduce the fading of wood grain and cracking of wood caused by ultraviolet rays.

6. When placing hot items such as kettles and coffee cups, you must use a heat-insulating mat (such as a silicone mat or a wooden heat-insulating mat) to prevent burn marks.

7. If white marks are accidentally left on the solid wood surface, you can gently wipe them with a soft cloth dipped in a small amount of white vinegar, then wipe them dry with a dry cloth, and finally apply a touch-up care oil.

8. When moving solid wood furniture, lift it rather than drag it to avoid wear and tear on the wood grain at the bottom or deformation of the furniture legs (especially for furniture with mortise and tenon joints).

9. If solid wood furniture develops minor cracks, mix wood shavings of the same material with wood glue, fill the cracks, sand it smooth, and then apply a similar color of wood paint.

10. During humid seasons (such as the plum rain season), you can place a moisture-proof box (containing calcium chloride granules) under solid wood furniture, or use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity (the humidity should be controlled at 40%-60% for best results).

11. Avoid placing heavy objects (such as large books or fish tanks) on solid wood furniture for extended periods to prevent tabletop dents or cabinet deformation.

12. When cleaning the gaps in solid wood (such as drawer slides and cabinet door seams), use a soft-bristled brush (such as an old toothbrush) dipped in a small amount of neutral detergent to scrub, and then use a dry cloth to absorb the moisture.

13. For metal fittings (such as handles and hinges) of solid wood furniture, wipe them with a dry cloth once a month to prevent sweat and dust from accumulating and causing rust.

14. If solid wood furniture is stained (such as with ink or juice), immediately absorb the stain with a dry cloth, then wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with diluted neutral detergent. Do not use strong solvents such as alcohol or gasoline.

15. Solid wood drawers and cabinet doors that are not used for a long time should be kept half-open to prevent the wood from sticking together due to moisture in the sealed environment.

(ii) Leather furniture: Anti-aging, anti-staining, and anti-scratch ( 12 items)

1. Avoid placing leather furniture (genuine leather, PU leather) near air conditioners or heaters to prevent the leather from drying out, cracking, and hardening.

2. For daily cleaning, wipe the surface dust with a dry, soft cloth (such as a chamois cloth). Clean with a special leather cleaner (neutral) once a month. Do not use soap or laundry detergent.

3. After cleaning genuine leather furniture, apply a small amount of leather care cream (such as lanolin care cream), gently massage until absorbed, and keep the leather soft and shiny.

4. Avoid placing sharp objects (such as scissors or keys) on leather furniture, and check your pockets before sitting down to prevent scratching the leather surface.

5. If the leather surface gets stained with liquid (such as beverages or oil stains), immediately blot it dry with absorbent paper (such as kitchen paper towels). Do not rub vigorously to avoid the stains seeping in.

6. For oil stains, cover them with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of talcum powder (or talcum powder), let them sit for 1-2 hours, then sweep them away and treat them with a leather cleaner.

7. Rotate the seat cushions and backrests of leather sofas once a week to avoid uneven pressure on the leather, which can cause deformation and dents.

8. If there are minor scratches on genuine leather furniture, you can use a soft cloth to apply a small amount of leather repair agent (matching color) and let it dry before further care.

9. Avoid contact between leather furniture and organic solvents (such as alcohol, nail polish, and paint), as this can cause the leather to fade and corrode.

10. During humid seasons, open windows regularly for ventilation or use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity and prevent leather from getting moldy (if mold does appear, wipe it with a soft cloth dipped in diluted white vinegar, then ventilate and dry it).

11. Leather furniture that is not used for a long time should be covered with a breathable dust cover (such as a cotton or linen dust cover). Do not use plastic bags to avoid the leather aging due to lack of breathability.

12. For metal frames of leather furniture (such as sofa legs and armrests), wipe them monthly with a dry cloth dampened with a small amount of rust-preventive oil to prevent rust from staining the leather.

( III ) Upholstered furniture: Anti-stain, anti-pilling, and anti-fading ( 12 items)

1. Clean fabric sofas, curtains, etc. with a vacuum cleaner (with a soft brush head) once a week to remove surface dust and fiber debris and prevent dust from getting into the fabric.

2. When purchasing upholstered furniture, prioritize removable and washable fabrics. If the fabric is not removable and washable, apply a fabric stain repellent (such as nano stain repellent spray) in advance to form a waterproof and oil-resistant film.

3. If a small amount of stain (such as juice or soy sauce) gets on the fabric surface, immediately blot it dry with a clean cloth. Then, use a soft cloth dampened with diluted neutral detergent (water temperature not exceeding 30℃) to gently wipe it. Do not use hot water to avoid the stain from hardening.

4. When cleaning large areas of removable and washable fabric covers, select the "gentle wash" mode, use neutral laundry detergent, do not bleach, and do not tumble dry at high temperatures to avoid shrinkage and fading of the fabric.

5. When drying fabric covers, avoid direct sunlight and choose a cool, well-ventilated place to prevent the fabric from fading (especially dark-colored fabrics).

6. If upholstered furniture pills, gently trim it with a special lint remover (set to low setting). Do not use scissors to cut directly to avoid snagging the fabric.

7. Avoid placing heavy objects (such as suitcases or storage boxes) on upholstered furniture for extended periods to prevent the fabric from becoming deformed and wrinkled, which is difficult to restore.

8. Pat the cushions and throw pillows of fabric sofas once a week to restore their fluffiness and prevent the filling (such as down or silk filling) from clumping.

9. If chewing gum gets stuck on the fabric surface, first wrap ice cubes in a plastic bag, apply them to the chewing gum to harden it, then gently peel it off, and remove any remaining parts with tape.

10. During humid seasons, regularly remove the fabric cover to air it out (or dry it in a dryer on low temperature for 10 minutes) to prevent the fabric from getting moldy and developing odors.

11. Avoid exposing fabric furniture to sharp objects (such as cat claws or toy edges). You can trim your pet's nails or apply anti-scratch stickers to the edges of the furniture.

12. When cleaning dark-colored fabric furniture for the first time, test the detergent on the edges of the fabric first. Only use it on a larger area after confirming that there is no fading.

(iv) Metal furniture: Rust prevention, oxidation prevention, and scratch prevention ( 8 items)

1. For daily cleaning of metal furniture (stainless steel, wrought iron, aluminum alloy), wipe with a dry cloth. If there is oil stains, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent, and then wipe dry with a dry cloth to avoid moisture residue.

2. If water stains or fingerprints appear on stainless steel furniture (such as coffee tables and bookshelves), wipe them with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of white vinegar (or stainless steel cleaner), and then polish them with a dry cloth.

3. Wrought iron furniture (such as outdoor tables and chairs) needs to have its paint surface checked regularly. If the paint is peeling off, sand it with sandpaper to remove rust and apply anti-rust paint and topcoat to prevent the spread of rust.

4. Check the connectors (such as screws and nuts) of metal furniture once a quarter. If they are loose, tighten them in time to prevent the furniture from shaking and causing structural damage.

5. Avoid contact between metal furniture and acidic or alkaline substances (such as vinegar, soy sauce, or detergent residue), as these can corrode the metal surface and cause rust and spots.

6. Outdoor metal furniture (such as balcony tables and chairs) should be moved indoors when not in use for a long time, or covered with a waterproof and dustproof cover to prevent aging caused by rain and ultraviolet rays.

7. Aluminum alloy furniture (lightweight but easily scratched) should not be cleaned with steel wool or hard-bristled brushes; instead, use a soft cloth to prevent surface scratches.

8. If metal furniture has slight rust, you can use a soft cloth with a small amount of toothpaste (containing abrasive) to gently wipe it, then wipe it clean with water, let it dry, and finally apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.

( v) Glass /Stone Furniture: Protection against breakage, stains, and scratches (7 items )

1. When cleaning glass furniture (such as coffee tables and glass doors of sideboards), use glass cleaner and a soft cloth (such as chamois cloth). Avoid using hard cloths to prevent scratches on the surface.

2. If there are stubborn stains on the glass surface (such as adhesive residue or limescale), wipe them with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of alcohol or eucalyptus oil, and then clean with glass cleaner.

3. When moving glass furniture, two people should work together to hold the edge of the furniture (not the glass surface) to avoid breaking the glass due to force applied by one hand.

4. Avoid contact between stone furniture (marble, granite coffee tables /countertops) and acidic substances (such as lemon juice, vinegar, carbonated drinks), as these will corrode the stone surface and form spots that are difficult to remove.

5. Use a neutral stone cleaner to clean the stone surface. Do not use soapy water or dish soap (alkaline). After cleaning, wipe dry with a dry cloth to prevent moisture from seeping into the stone pores.

6. Avoid placing sharp or heavy objects on marble furniture (which is relatively soft) to prevent scratches or dents. If there are minor scratches, you can mix stone polishing powder (matching color) with water to form a paste and polish it with a soft cloth.

7. Apply a stone protectant (such as a penetrating protectant) to stone furniture regularly (every 3-6 months) to form a waterproof and stain-resistant layer and reduce the penetration of stains.

( vi) Rattan /Plastic Furniture: Anti-deformation, anti-aging, and anti-insect (6 items)

1. Avoid direct sunlight on rattan furniture (natural rattan, imitation rattan) to prevent the rattan from losing water, becoming brittle and breaking. Also, avoid prolonged dampness to prevent mold growth.

2. To clean rattan furniture, use a soft-bristled brush (such as an old toothbrush) dipped in neutral detergent to scrub it, then rinse it with clean water and let it air dry in a cool, ventilated place. Do not expose it to direct sunlight.

3. If natural rattan furniture becomes slightly deformed, you can gently adjust its shape while the rattan is damp (after cleaning), and then fix it after it dries.

4. Avoid exposing plastic furniture (such as children's tables and chairs, outdoor plastic chairs) to high temperatures and direct sunlight to prevent the plastic from aging, becoming brittle, and fading. If not in use for a long time, place it in a cool, shaded place indoors.

5. To clean plastic furniture, use a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent. Do not use steel wool to avoid scratching the surface. If yellowing occurs, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (only for white plastic).

6. Natural rattan furniture is prone to insect infestation. You can regularly spray a small amount of insect repellent (such as natural camphor spray) into the gaps between the rattan to prevent insect infestation from damaging the structure.

II. Maintenance categorized by scenario /problem (30 items): Addressing frequently occurring pain points in daily life

(I) Furniture Moisture Prevention: Coping with the Plum Rain Season and Humid Environments ( 8 items)

1. All furniture (especially wooden and fabric furniture) can be placed under a moisture-proof mat (such as a PVC moisture-proof mat or a bamboo charcoal moisture-proof mat) to isolate it from ground moisture.

2. Place bamboo charcoal bags inside wardrobes and bookshelves ( air them out every 1-2 months; they can be reused) to absorb moisture and odors.

3. Furniture at the bathroom entrance (such as bathroom cabinets and shoe benches) should be fitted with waterproof legs to prevent water from accumulating on the floor.

4. During the humid season, open windows for ventilation 2-3 times a day (choose midday when humidity is low), or turn on a dehumidifier to keep the indoor humidity between 40% and 60%.

5. If there is water seepage on the wall, repair it in time to prevent furniture near the wall (such as bedside tables and wardrobes) from getting damp and moldy.

6. Regularly move furniture on the floor (such as sofas and coffee tables) and clean the floor underneath to prevent moisture buildup from causing mold to grow on the bottom of the furniture.

7. When storing paper documents and clothing in furniture drawers, use sealed storage boxes (with ventilation holes) to prevent moisture from seeping in.

8. If the bottom of the furniture is damp, use a dry cloth to absorb the moisture, then place a dehumidifying bag (disposable) inside. After it dries, apply a moisture-proofing agent (such as wood wax oil for wooden furniture).

(ii) Furniture scratch /collision protection: Protect the surface and structure (7 items)

1. Apply anti-collision strips (silicone material) to the corners of furniture (such as dining table corners and wardrobe door corners), especially for families with children, to prevent scratches and collisions.

2. Install anti-slip pads (rubber material) on the bottom of chair and sofa legs to prevent scratching the floor when moving them and to reduce noise.

3. When cleaning furniture, avoid using hard-bristled brushes or steel wool. Instead, choose soft cloths and soft-bristled brushes to prevent surface scratches.

4. When moving furniture, wrap the corners with bubble wrap or old towels to prevent collisions with walls or other furniture, which could cause the paint to peel off.

5. Pets (such as cats and dogs) like to scratch furniture. You can place scratching posts and chew toys near sofas, tables and chairs to prevent pets from damaging the furniture.

6. Avoid dragging children's toys (such as building blocks and toy cars) on furniture surfaces (especially glass and solid wood). Put them away promptly after playing to prevent scratches.

7. When placing items on furniture surfaces, place a soft cloth or non-slip mat (such as a coaster or storage box mat) underneath to prevent sharp parts of the items from scratching the furniture.

(III) Furniture stain treatment: Targeted removal of common stains ( 8 items)

1. Ink stains: For solid wood /leather furniture, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of milk (the protein in milk can break down the ink); for fabric furniture, gently wipe with diluted white vinegar (1:10), then rinse with clean water.

2. Oil stains: For stone/glass furniture, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of baking soda (mixed into a paste); for fabric furniture, absorb the oil with talcum powder, then clean with a neutral detergent.

3. Fruit juice stains: For leather /fabric furniture, immediately absorb the stain with a dry cloth, then wipe with diluted neutral detergent; for solid wood furniture, avoid rubbing vigorously to prevent pigment from seeping in, but you can gently wipe with a small amount of lemon juice.

4. Adhesive residue (such as tape residue): All materials can be gently peeled off with your fingernail first. Wipe the residue with a soft cloth dipped in alcohol or medicated oil, and then wipe it clean with water.

5. Limescale (glass /metal furniture): Wipe with a soft cloth dipped in white vinegar (or citric acid solution), let it sit for 1 minute, then rinse with clean water and dry.

6. Mold stains: For wooden furniture, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in diluted white vinegar ( 1:5), let it dry, and then apply wood wax oil; for upholstered furniture, disassemble and wash it, soak it in clothing disinfectant, and then let it dry.

7. Lipstick /cosmetic stains: For leather furniture, gently wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of makeup remover (mild type), then clean with leather cleaner; for fabric furniture, lightly wipe with alcohol, then wash with water.

8. Sweat stains (leather /fabric sofas): For leather furniture, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of diluted salt water; for fabric furniture, gently wipe with diluted neutral laundry detergent (with a small amount of baking soda), then air dry.

(iv) Furniture structure maintenance: extending service life ( 7 items)

1. Regularly check the load-bearing capacity of wardrobe and bookcase shelves, and avoid placing excessively heavy items (such as rows full of books). You can install support strips under the shelves to prevent them from bending.

2. Wipe the hinges and drawer slides of furniture (such as cabinet door hinges and drawer slides) with a dry cloth every quarter, and then apply 1-2 drops of lubricating oil (such as sewing machine oil) to keep them opening and closing smoothly.

3. Screws, nuts and other connecting parts should be inspected every six months . If they are loose, tighten them in time to prevent the furniture from shaking and causing structural deformation (especially assembled furniture).

4. For folding furniture (such as folding dining tables and folding chairs), check the joints for foreign objects (such as dust and hair) before each folding. Clean them before folding to avoid jamming and damage.

5. For spring mattresses, rotate them once every 3 months (up and down, left and right) to avoid uneven pressure on the springs causing them to collapse and to extend the mattress's lifespan.

6. If the paint on the furniture (such as solid wood paint or metal paint) is slightly peeling off, lightly sand it with fine sandpaper and apply paint of the same color (a touch-up paint pen can be used for small areas) to prevent rust or exposure of the wood.

7. When assembling furniture (such as IKEA style), avoid frequent disassembly and reassembly, as this will cause wear and tear on the connecting parts and reduce stability. If it needs to be moved, move it as a whole rather than disassembling it.

III. Routine General Maintenance ( 10 points): Basic principles applicable to all furniture

1. Regular cleaning: Clean all furniture at least once a week (surface dust) to prevent dust accumulation from causing stains to seep in and materials to age.

2. Avoid extreme environments: Do not place furniture in direct sunlight, near air conditioning, near heating, or in damp corners. The optimal temperature is 15-25℃ and the humidity is 40%-60%.

3. Handle with care: When moving furniture or placing items, move gently and avoid forceful impacts or dragging to protect the furniture surface and structure.

4. Use cleaning agents according to their type: Use the corresponding cleaning agent for different types of furniture and do not mix them (e.g., leather cleaners cannot be used on solid wood, and acidic cleaners cannot be used on stone).

5. Regular inspection: Inspect the surface, connectors, and edges of the furniture every month. If any problems are found (such as scratches, looseness, or mold), deal with them in time to prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

6. Avoid long-term vacancy or overloading: Furniture is prone to moisture and deformation if left vacant for a long time, and long-term overloading can lead to structural damage. It should be used reasonably (e.g., drawers should not be stuffed full, and sofas should not be piled with heavy objects).

7. Protect from dust: Cover furniture that is not used for a long time (such as seasonal storage cabinets, spare tables and chairs) with breathable dust covers to prevent dust and insects.

8. Environmental compatibility: Outdoor furniture (such as balcony tables and chairs) should be made of weather-resistant materials (such as anti-corrosion wood and outdoor plastics). Indoor furniture should not be used outdoors to avoid damage caused by incompatibility with the environment.

9. Proper storage: Organize the interior of furniture (such as wardrobes and drawers) by category, and avoid sharp objects from directly contacting the interior walls of the furniture. Storage boxes and soft cloths can be used to separate them.

10. Professional Repair: If the furniture has serious problems (such as cracked solid wood, large-area damage to leather, or deformation of metal structure), contact professional repair personnel in time to avoid secondary damage caused by self-treatment.

These 100 tips can help you address furniture maintenance issues related to different materials and in different settings. The core of furniture maintenance is " prevention first, timely intervention ." Adhering to correct maintenance habits in the long term can keep your furniture in good condition, extend its lifespan by 5-10 years, and maintain the cleanliness and aesthetics of your home.