At Lekker Home, we curate furniture that is designed to last a lifetime. To preserve the beauty, integrity, and value of your investment, regular maintenance is essential.
This guide synthesizes care instructions from our world-renowned manufacturers including Carl Hansen & Søn, Herman Miller, Vitra, Fritz Hansen, Ethnicraft, and &Tradition to help you protect and care for your luxury upholstery and hardwood furniture.
Hardwood Furniture Care
Solid hardwood furniture is a "living" material that responds to its environment. Whether your piece is solid 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 wood grain to avoid 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 the surface clear of vases or placemats. Sunlight naturally matures wood; leaving objects in one place can cause permanent "shadows" as the rest of the wood patinates.
Specific Finish Care
- Oiled Finishes (e.g., Ethnicraft, Carl Hansen):
- Refresh: Oiled wood should be re-oiled 1–2 times per year (or when it looks "thirsty" or dull). Use a manufacturer-recommended oil (e.g., white-pigmented oil for light oak or natural oil for walnut).
- Cleaning: Use a damp cloth wrung out in a solution of warm water and a small amount of natural soap flakes (high fat content). Avoid dish soaps with degreasers, which strip the protective oil.
- Soap-Treated Finishes (e.g., PP Møbler, Carl Hansen):
- Maintenance: A traditional Danish finish that requires regular "washing" with high-fat soap flakes to build a protective barrier.
- Technique: Apply only the suds (foam) of the soap solution with a soft sponge, wiping evenly to avoid streaks.
- Lacquered & Varnished Finishes (e.g., Artisan, &Tradition):
- Care: Generally maintenance-free. Clean with a soft cloth wrung in a mild solution of lukewarm water and a universal pH-neutral detergent.
- Warning: Never use silicone-based polishes or "dusting sprays." These create a film that prevents future repairs and can damage the lacquer over time.
Luxury Upholstery Care
High-end textiles and leathers require a gentle touch to prevent fiber breakdown and discoloration.
Fabric Upholstery
- 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:
- W: Water-based cleaners only.
- S: Solvent-based (dry clean) only.
- X: Vacuum only.
Leather Upholstery
- 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)
To maximize the lifespan of your furniture, control the "micro-climate" of your home:
- Humidity: Maintain a relative humidity between 40% and 60%. If the air is too dry (especially in New England winters), wood can shrink and crack; if too humid, it can warp. Consider a humidifier for the winter months.
- Sunlight: UV rays are the primary cause of fading. Use UV-filtering window films, curtains, or blinds during peak sun hours.
- Temperature: Avoid placing fine furniture directly over floor vents or near air conditioners. Extreme temperature fluctuations can loosen joints and cause finishes to fail.
Recommended Tool Kit
For the ultimate care of your Lekker Home pieces, we recommend keeping these items on hand:
- Microfiber or 100% Cotton Cloths: For streak-free dusting.
- Natural Soap Flakes: For Danish soap and oil-treated wood (avoid "detergents").
- Manufacturer Care Kits: Many of our brands (like Ethnicraft and Carl Hansen) offer specific kits containing the exact oils, waxes, and cleaners formulated for their furniture.
- Felt Pads: Ensure every piece of furniture has high-quality felt glides to protect both the furniture legs and your flooring.
Important: This guide provides general care information for reference purposes only. Because luxury materials and finishes vary significantly by brand and design, always consult the specific manufacturer’s care guide included with your piece or available on their website for the most accurate, product-specific maintenance instructions.
For further information regarding a particular model or material, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our Boston showroom.