Care & maintenance

Practical advice for getting decades of life out of upholstery, leather, timber, mattresses and rugs.

Why care matters

Even the best-built furniture needs a small amount of regular care to last. Spending five minutes a month is the difference between furniture that looks tired in three years and furniture that is still in service in twenty.

Upholstered furniture (sofas, armchairs)

Vacuum weekly on a low-power upholstery setting to lift surface dust.
Plump and rotate cushions every two weeks so seats and backs wear evenly.
Spills: blot with a clean white cloth, never rub. Test cleaners on a hidden patch first.
Direct sunlight fades fabric and dries leather. Use blinds in summer.

Leather

Wipe with a slightly damp microfibre cloth weekly.
Apply a manufacturer-approved leather conditioner every 6 – 12 months on aniline and semi-aniline leathers.
Pigmented leather is the most hard-wearing — conditioner once a year is plenty.

Solid timber

Dust weekly with a soft cloth, in the direction of the grain.
Coasters under hot mugs, mats under serving dishes.
Oiled timber — re-oil every 6 – 12 months. We can sell you the right oil for your piece.
Avoid silicone-based polishes; they build up a sticky film that is hard to remove.

Veneered & lacquered surfaces

Wipe with a damp cloth, dry immediately.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Lift, don't drag, items across the surface.

Mattresses

Rotate end-to-end every month for the first three months, then every three months.
Some mattresses are turn-able; check the label. Many modern pocket-sprung mattresses are no-turn.
Use a mattress protector — it adds years to the life and is essential for warranty cover on stains.

Rugs

Vacuum without the beater bar.
Rotate quarterly to even out wear.
Spills: blot immediately. Professional clean every 18 – 24 months.

When in doubt, call us

If a piece is showing unusual wear or you have spilled something unfamiliar, call +44 1856 872281 before reaching for a household cleaner. We have seen most things and can usually save the day.

Last updated 2026-05-25 · J & M McEwen, Kirkwall