Of course, most furniture surfaces are made of wood, either solid wood or wood veneers. The finishes may vary from soft oil finishes to hard finishes including opaque painted finishes and clear finishes, lacquer, shellac, varnish or those containing polyurethane for added strength.
Dust several times a week in order to maintain a clean surface and protect the finish from soil build up. Use a clean, lint-free, absorbent cloth for general dusting. Protect all wooden furniture from direct sunlight. Exposure to the sun's rays can dry out the wood and actually bleach out the color. Wood breathes almost like we do, and therefore, both extremely moist or dry air should be avoided. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier when needed to help keep wood from drying out or warping. Also, don't place your wood furniture near air vents; the forced air will adversely affect the wood. Cover the bottoms of accessories and other tabletop items with felt to prevent scratching. Use coasters under glasses to prevent watermarks. Never let water stand on a wood surface, and always use a protective plate under flower vases filled with water to keep moisture from drawing into the wood.
Marble and travertine deserve the same careful treatment given to wood furniture. Use coasters. Wipe spills promptly. Protect the surface from fruit juices, carbonated drinks or acidic substances that may etch it. Wipe marble with a soft damp cloth followed by a dry cloth.
Keep clean and shiny with soap and water. Use a liquid polish occasionally and buff with a dry, clean cloth.
Some parts of contemporary furniture are made of aluminum. One reason for using it is its ease of upkeep. Properly cared for, aluminum should require only dusting and occasional wiping with a soft, damp cloth. When necessary, wash with hot, soapy (mild soap) water, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasives, cleansing powders, etc. Do not use strong soaps or detergents because they contain alkali and can cause pitting of aluminum. If any materials have hardened on aluminum, a soft damp cloth dipped in fine whiting can be used to gently rub away the dirt. Then wash, rinse and dry.
Plastic, Formica, glass and lacquer require only a damp cloth dusting. Spills should be wiped up quickly. These surfaces do scratch and bear in mind that they may be affected by extreme temperature changes.
Upholstered furniture should be brushed or vacuumed regularly, at least once a month. Protect your furniture from direct sunlight, as this will cause fabrics to fade. For spills on fabric, immediately dab with a towel dampened with club soda or clean water. Before trying to remove a spill or stain from your upholstered furniture, you should first test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous spot to ensure that it has no negative effect on the fabric.
To promote longer wear we highly recommend that you have your upholstery, professionally cleaned. Professional cleaners will match the cleaning process with your specific fabrics.