Quality furniture lasts decades — if you take care of it. The good news: caring for your mid century modern pieces isn't complicated. You just need to know what works for each material.

Here's your complete guide, organized by material.

Solid Wood (Walnut, Oak, Teak)

Daily Care

• Dust with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid feather dusters — they push dust around.
• Wipe spills immediately with a barely damp cloth, then dry right away.
• Use coasters under glasses, mugs, and plant pots. Water rings are wood's enemy.
• Use felt pads under decorative objects to prevent scratches.

Monthly Care

• Apply a thin coat of furniture polish or beeswax. Use products made for wood — not spray cleaners with silicone (they build up over time).
• Wipe in the direction of the grain, not against it.

Avoid

• Direct sunlight: UV fades wood finishes unevenly. Use curtains or blinds in sunny rooms.
• Heat sources: Don't place dressers or nightstands next to radiators or heating vents.
• Excessive moisture: Never leave wet cloths sitting on wood. Humidity is fine; standing water is not.

Fix Minor Scratches

For walnut or dark wood: rub a walnut (the nut, yes) over the scratch. The oils fill and darken the scratch line. For deeper scratches, use a furniture touch-up marker matched to your finish.

Engineered Wood (MDF, Veneer)

Daily Care

• Dust with a dry cloth. Engineered wood finishes attract less dust than raw wood.
• Clean with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Dry immediately.

Critical Rule: Avoid Water

MDF absorbs moisture and swells permanently. Never leave wet glasses, cloths, or plant pots directly on engineered wood surfaces without a waterproof barrier. This is the #1 cause of damage.

Can't Be Refinished

Unlike solid wood, engineered wood can't be sanded down and restained. Prevention is everything. Use placemats, coasters, and felt pads religiously.

Velvet Upholstery

Regular Care

• Vacuum weekly with the upholstery attachment on low suction.
• Brush the fabric gently with a soft-bristle brush to maintain the nap (the direction of the fibers).
• Rotate and flip cushions monthly for even wear.

Stain Removal

• Blot, never rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and damages the nap.
• Use a damp cloth with a tiny amount of mild dish soap. Blot gently, then blot with clean water to remove soap.
• Let air dry completely. Never use a hair dryer — heat can damage velvet.

Professional Cleaning

For deep stains or annual refreshing, professional upholstery cleaning is recommended for velvet accent chairs and sofas.

Leather & Faux Leather

Regular Care

• Wipe with a dry or very slightly damp cloth weekly.
• Condition genuine leather every 6-12 months with a leather-specific conditioner. This prevents cracking and drying.
• Faux leather doesn't need conditioning — just wipe clean.

Avoid

• Harsh chemicals, bleach, or alcohol-based cleaners
• Direct sunlight and heat (dries and cracks leather over time)
• Sharp objects near the surface

Rattan & Wicker

Natural Rattan

• Dust with a soft brush or vacuum with brush attachment.
• Wipe with a barely damp cloth. Never soak natural rattan.
• Keep indoors or in covered outdoor spaces. Direct rain and sun will degrade it.

PE Rattan (Synthetic)

• Hose it down. Seriously — PE rattan is waterproof.
• Scrub with mild soap and water for deeper cleaning.
• UV-resistant, but will last longer if not in constant direct sun.

For rattan bar stools and dining chairs, check the product page for which type of rattan is used.

Fabric Upholstery (Linen, Polyester, Cotton)

Regular Care

• Vacuum weekly with upholstery attachment.
• Spot clean with mild soap and warm water. Test on a hidden area first.
• Rotate cushions regularly to prevent uneven wear and fading.

Stain Guide

• Coffee/tea: Blot immediately, apply baking soda paste, let sit 15 min, brush off.
• Wine: Blot (don't rub), apply salt to absorb, then clean with club soda.
• Ink: Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Blot, don't spread.
• Food grease: Sprinkle cornstarch, let sit 30 min, vacuum off.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Season	Task
Spring	Deep clean upholstery, condition leather, check for winter humidity damage on wood
Summer	Move furniture away from direct sun, check outdoor rattan pieces
Fall	Tighten all hardware (legs, pulls, hinges), bring outdoor pieces inside
Winter	Monitor humidity (use a humidifier if your home is very dry), avoid placing furniture near heaters

Questions?

Check our FAQ page for more care tips, or contact our team for product-specific advice.