General Furniture Care Guide
General furniture care
General Furniture Care Guide
At Lekker Home, we curate furniture designed to last a lifetime. Regular care helps preserve the beauty, integrity, and long-term value of your investment.
What this covers
A curated guide, distilled
This guide brings together general care best practices across world-renowned manufacturers including Carl Hansen & Son, Herman Miller, Vitra, Fritz Hansen, Ethnicraft, and &Tradition.
Materials and finishes vary significantly by brand and design. Use this page as a helpful starting point, then confirm the best plan for your exact piece.
Hardwood Furniture Care
Solid hardwood furniture is a living material that responds to its environment. Whether your piece is oak, walnut, or teak, the finish determines its care path.
Daily Maintenance — All Finishes
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cotton cloth. Dust in the direction of the grain to prevent microscopic scratches.
- Spills: Wipe immediately. Even finished wood is porous; standing liquid can cause clouding in lacquer or permanent rings in oil.
- The Rule of Movement: For the first few months, keep surfaces clear of vases or placemats. Sunlight naturally matures wood; leaving objects in one place can create permanent shadows.
Oiled Finishes
Common in brands like Ethnicraft and Carl Hansen, oiled finishes nourish the wood while preserving its natural feel.
- Refresh: Re-oil 1–2 times per year or when the surface appears dull. Use manufacturer-recommended oil.
- Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth in warm water with natural high-fat soap flakes. Avoid dish soaps with degreasers.
Soap-Treated Finishes
A traditional Danish finish used by makers such as PP Mobler and Carl Hansen.
- Maintenance: Regular washing with high-fat soap flakes builds a protective barrier.
- Technique: Apply only the suds using a soft sponge. Wipe evenly to avoid streaking.
Lacquered & Varnished Finishes
Found in brands such as Artisan and &Tradition. These finishes create a sealed surface that is generally maintenance-free.
- Care: Clean with a soft cloth wrung in lukewarm water with a pH-neutral detergent.
Luxury upholstery care
A gentle touch, preserved for longer
High-end textiles and leathers require a gentle touch to prevent fiber breakdown and discoloration.
Fabric upholstery
Consistent, low-impact care prevents grit from abrading fibers and helps textiles maintain their structure and color.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum weekly using a soft brush attachment on low suction. This prevents dust and grit from settling into the weave, which acts like sandpaper on the fibers.
- Pilling: On high-quality natural textiles, pilling is often just excess fibers working their way out. Use a fabric shaver to gently remove them; this will subside after the break-in period.
- Spot cleaning: Blot, never rub. Rubbing spreads the stain and frizzes the fiber. Use distilled water for blotting to avoid mineral rings on dark fabrics.
Cleaning codes — always check the tag
Leather upholstery
Natural leathers develop patina. Protect the hide from heat, sun, and over-cleaning to keep it supple and evenly toned.
- Aniline & semi-aniline (natural): These leathers are prized for their soft feel and develop a patina. Use a dry cloth for dusting. For stains, use a very well-wrung cloth with a solution of boiled water and natural soap flakes.
- Placement: Keep leather at least 12–20 inches away from heat sources (radiators/fireplaces) and out of direct sunlight to prevent drying and cracking.
- Conditioning: Apply a specialized leather conditioner once or twice a year to keep the hide supple.
Environmental protection
The golden rules of longevity
To maximize lifespan, control the micro-climate around fine furniture. Most long-term issues come from humidity swings, UV exposure, and extreme temperature changes.
Rule 01
Humidity
Maintain relative humidity between 40% and 60%. Dry air can cause shrinkage and cracking, and high humidity can contribute to warping. Consider a humidifier during winter months.
Rule 02
Sunlight
UV rays are a primary cause of fading. Use UV-filtering window films, curtains, or blinds during peak sun hours, and rotate cushions and accessories when possible.
Rule 03
Temperature
Avoid placing fine furniture directly over floor vents or near air conditioners. Temperature swings can loosen joints and stress finishes over time.
Recommended tool kit
A few smart tools, better long-term care
For the best long-term results, keep a small set of reliable tools on hand so routine care stays simple and consistent. When available, manufacturer kits are often the safest option because they are formulated for specific finishes.
- Microfiber or cotton cloths
- Soft, lint-free cloths for streak-free dusting and gentle wiping.
- Natural soap flakes
- Ideal for Danish soap finishes and oil-treated wood. Avoid degreasers and detergent-style cleaners.
- Manufacturer care kits
- Brand-formulated oils and cleaners designed for specific finishes.
- Felt pads and glides
- Protect floors and reduce stress on furniture legs and joints.
- Fabric shaver
- Gently removes surface pilling during the break-in period on natural textiles.
- Soft brush vacuum attachment
- Weekly, low-suction vacuuming helps prevent grit from wearing down upholstery fibers.
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