According to ACI’s 2019 National Survey, only seven percent of Americans chose ‘cleaning furniture’ as the cleaning task they enjoy most. Maybe this post will change some people’s minds, because cleaning sofas, tables, and other furnishings helps keep them beautiful and in good shape for years to come.

Take wood, for example. The dust that lands on it can eventually build up and scratch it. And, we all know how much better wood looks once it’s dusted and polished. Use a soft, non-scratching cloth, but first spray the cloth with a product formulated for wood. This article from Better Homes Gardens provides detail on cleaning wood, including using wax and polishing handles, too.

For upholstery, use your vacuum (with an appropriate attachment) in short left to right strokes to loosen and suck up debris. Next, remove any stains with a stain remover. It is usually recommended that you try it on an inconspicuous place first. Next, dilute clear dish soap in water to create a lot of suds. Lightly dip an upholstery brush into the water and brush the upholstery.  Then wipe it with a clean, lightly damp cloth. Wait for the upholstery to dry before using it.

Got leather? Follow the same instructions as for upholstery, but instead of diluted dish soap, use a product formulated specially for cleaning leather.

Still have questions? Visit ACI’s room-by-room cleaning guide.