subject: Modern Classic Furniture Care Guide [print this page] Did you recently purchase a piece of modern classic furniture for your home and are unsure how to care for it?
Modern classic furniture reproductions are timeless and unique pieces that make a statement as they enhance your homes dcor. However, if youve never owned one, or if the piece you purchased is different than anything else you have, you may be slightly overwhelmed at the prospect of keeping it in great condition.
This furniture care guide outlines each major type of furniture material, and then offers tips for how to keep it looking great for years to come. Keep in mind that these are tips, not manufacturer instructions. Be sure to always look at any specific instructions that come with your piece of furniture before doing any cleaning.
How to Care for Marble Pieces
Marble is a porous material that stains easily. Be sure to wipe off any spilled materials immediately, and always use coasters to prevent moisture rings from forming. If youre cleaning other surfaces near your marble piece, be sure to keep those cleaning sprays from reaching it.
Clean your marble surfaces with lukewarm water, and wipe dry with a clean cloth. If you want to use a cleaner, be sure to get a ph-neutral substance. Avoid natural cleaners. They are often citrus based, which makes them acidic. Marble tables come with a wax coating, but if you use yours frequently its a good idea to re-apply a non-yellowing wax once a year.
Popular item to purchase: Saarinen tables are often made with an attractive marble top.
How to Care for Leather Pieces
Leather is a wonderful material for furniture, but it needs to be protected from several things: water, excessive heat, direct sunlight, and mechanical damage.
Leather is a natural material. Creasing, wrinkling, uneven surfaces, minor abrasions and slight variances in shade are characteristic features. These are not defects, and you cannot prevent them from occurring.
You can clean leather with a slightly damp cloth or piece of microfiber. If you need to do a spot treatment, you should only use special leather cleaning agents. Always dab at spots, dont rub.
For hide leather, take care of spots and stains by dampening a soft cloth with a solution of mild soap/detergent and water and rubbing lightly. If scratches have appeared, you can apply liquid shoe polish and buff when dry.
For eco-leather, clean using lukewarm water and a common soap agent. Be careful not to let the water come into contact with the wooden parts of the furniture.
Popular item to purchase: An Eileen Grey Transat Chair, made with a combination of lacquered wood and rich leather.
How to Care for Bentwood Chairs
Bentwood chairs make for truly beautiful pieces of furniture, but its important to inspect them regularly to keep them in optimal condition.
All screws and bolts need to be inspected (and tightened if necessary) after the first two months of use. They should then be inspected every few months after that to ensure that no loosening is occurring. This will also extend the durability of the wood.
Any cleaning or waxing should be done using furniture products not products that are intended for use on wood floors. Dust can be removed with a soft, clean, dry cloth.
Popular item to purchase: Just about anything by Michael Thonet. Chairs inspired by this popular designer are made from bentwood. Each piece is made using the classic steam bending process ensuring an accurate and beautiful reproduction.
Taking Care of Chrome and Cane
If your modern classic furniture reproduction has a chrome finish, you can clean it with a commercial glass cleaning agent or an automotive chrome cleaner. You can also apply a coat of hard paste wax if youre concerned about protecting the areas from moisture.
If your modern classic furniture reproduction has a cane seat or back, remove dust with a vacuum cleaner and/or dampened cloth. A few times a year you can lightly apply a furniture polish with a high oil content to help keep the pieces supple.
What if my cane seat is sagging? Turn the chair upside down and apply a warm, wet cloth to the underside of the seat. Leave the cloth on the chair overnight, allowing it and the cane to dry. Remove the cloth, put the chair upright and do not sit it in for 48 hours. This should dry and shrink the cane, effectively tightening it back up in the process.
Taking Care of Fabrics
Regular treatment and cleaning will help increase the useful life of your furnitures fabric coverings. Dust can easily be removed with a fine brush or vacuum cleaner. For stains, however, you should shampoo with a foam cleaning product. Follow the instructions for shampooing that are provided by the manufacturer. A few other tips to keep in mind are:
Never rub the stains
Clean all stains on fabric coverings before they dry completely
Dont allow the cleaning solution to penetrate/soak the fabric
Make sure the cleaning solution doesnt come in contact with any of the furnitures wood
Always use a clean cloth when shampooing
A few general tips and tricks to guide your modern classic furniture care:
1.Avoid exposing your piece of furniture to water, excessive heat or direct sunlight. Too much sun exposure can fade wood, fabrics and plastic pieces.
2.Keep sharp objects away from your furniture at all times.
3.Clean any metal or plastic parts with a mild detergent specifically designed for furniture.
4.Remove smudges from glass with a commercial glass cleaning agent, dry immediately, and shine with a soft cloth.
5.Take care of lacquered finishes by dusting with a slightly dampened rag and immediately drying with a soft, dry cloth. Polish once a month with a non-oil polish. Be sure to always test a small section first.
