Jan 26
furniture care
John Stidolph asked:


When it comes to teak patio furniture, you probably haven’t heard of it or seen teak patio furniture. That is because most traditional retailers don’t sell it. When you go looking for teak patio furniture, you might end up feeling a bit frustrated and overwhelmed because you are stuck with options of pine, or plastic.

Pine Furniture

You will find this furniture is abundant, fast growing, and cheap. It’s also low oil so it dries out quickly. Because of that, it needs special, frequent care or you end up having to replace it because of rot or damage caused by insects. You may not have time to properly care for your patio furniture, at least every three to four months, and even then you can’t be assured that you’re efforts won’t be wasted. If this isn’t reason enough to seek out genuine teak patio furniture than read on.

Plastic Furniture

Another other option that shows up regularly is plastic. While plastic is certainly an inexpensive option that requires little in the way maintenance, even plastic, while durable, will ***** and become brittle.

Thanks For Teakwood

So, now you might be thinking – well, there isn’t any hope for having good, decent, durable patio furniture. Fortunately you can think again. There is one. It’s one of, if not the best material for making outdoor furniture, high in oil and rubber, its teak. That’s right, teak wood makes beautiful teak patio furniture and teak outdoor furniture. It’s a wood that can really stand up to the elements and so makes a long lasting, durable piece of furniture. Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about things like refinishing with your teak patio furniture.

Teak patio furniture looks good finished or unfinished because it takes on a beautiful silver patina as it ages and weathers. So leaving it in the elements is no problem, and it’s highly resistant to rot and insects. Without a doubt, teak is the best choice for teak patio furniture.

Time Honored Choice

There is one thing to consider – quality teak for teak patio furniture isn’t grown over night or as quickly as pine for pine patio furniture. It takes almost a generation – about fifty years – for teak to develop into a usable wood. Because of that, teak used in teak patio furniture is limited, as there is a limit to the number of usable teak trees. This adds to the cost of your teak patio furniture and, of course, to the quality appearance of your teak patio furniture.

While traditional furniture retailers are always an option when looking for teak patio furniture, you might have better luck if you purchase your teak patio furniture online from an online teak patio furniture retailer. They will most likely have better prices because they will not have to think about storing the teak patio furniture since, often times, the teak patio furniture will be shipped from the factory.



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Jan 25
furniture care
Adam Peters asked:


Wooden floating floors can be a great addition to any home and with the right care they can continue to look great for a very long time.

Have you recently just fitted wooden floating floors into some or all of the rooms around your home? It could be that you are considering buying floating wooden floors and you are just wondering about the wood furniture care techniques that need to be applied in order to keep it looking good for as long as possible? Wood furniture care for floating floors is the same as anything really and if you do not look after it then obviously you risk compromising the look of it and you can risk causing un-repairable damage to it too.

So why do people choose to buy floating wooden floors in the first place? Well there are some great benefits to having floating wooden floors and one of them is the fact that they are easy to install. Also the lifespan of them is great, especially if looked after properly and they could even last up to a century with the right care.

With all of the great benefits probably the most appealing one has to be the look of the flooring and it truly is something great to look at. It is great flooring which is pleasing to the eye and it is not hard to see why it makes a good addition to any home.

Applying Wood Furniture Care for Your Wooden Floating Floors

Have you just been and bought some floating wooden floors for your rooms in the house and you would like to keep them looking good? It is quite easy to maintain the look of the floors and all it takes is a little time and effort on your part.

To help to give the floors an extra boost, they can be refinished any time that you like to help to keep them looking new and fresh. The type of wood that you use for your flooring will be important and obviously the better the wood the better it will be for you. You do not have to refinish the floor for at least a few years after installing the floors in the first place which is good.

You can also do your bit to protect them by not doing things that can compromise the flooring. For instance if there are any spills or leaks etc, then they should be dealt with appropriately and as quickly as possible to prevent damage. If you have any heavy furniture then you should not drag them across the floor, but rather you should try and lift it up whenever you can. This can prevent the floor from getting any permanent scratches on it.

Overall wood furniture care for floating flooring is just as easy as it is for any other type of wooden flooring. It just needs a little time and effort put into it and it should stay looking new and clean for longer.



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Jan 25
furniture care
Batsheva Vaknin asked:


There is nothing like wood furniture to add elegance and beauty to a home. Whether it is a thick, all-natural butchers block table, an Art Deco wooden dresser, a simple mahogany dining room table or a sleek, modern coffee table, wood furniture is a staple in homes across America and the world. Make sure your wood tables, vanities and dressers stay gorgeous for generations to come with these simple solutions and guidelines.

Stain, Stain, Go Away!

Ever gasped after a child inadvertently left a giant scratch in the surface of your dining room table? Or cringed when a well-meaning adult accidentally knocked over a drink onto your beautiful wood coffee table? Well, fear not. One of the best attributes of wood furniture is that it is simple to touch up or renew its original luster.

Small nicks and scratches can usually be disguised with the help of a store-bought scratch cover product. For larger scratches, try using a felt tip pen or shoe polish in a color closely matched to the finish of the furniture piece. Shoe polish applicator bottles filled with the stain work well for the cover-up job, as do Sharpie markers. Coloring in the scratch is easy and surprisingly effective.

Get rid of pesky water spots on your wood furniture by allowing the spots to dry completely, then rubbing real mayonnaise onto it with a soft cloth, until the spots disappear. Erase color rings left on tables by cups and glasses with a homemade mixture of cigarette ashes and cooking oil. Prep the stain first by scrubbing it with an abrasive pad or sandpaper. Then, rub the oil and ash concoction into the wood.

And what about candle wax, marring the beautiful finish of your wood dining room table? Wait until the wax cools, then apply ice. Once the wax becomes extremely hard and brittle, gently scrape it off with a plastic spatula. Finally, polish the table with a rich cream polish, and buff away any residue.

Prevent serious damage to your wood furniture by taking care not to position it in direct sunlight. Unless you are going for the weathered picnic table look, shield all wood furniture from the drying influence of the sun. Also, protect your dining room table’s finish using an inexpensive table pad when the table is not in use.

When eating a meal or entertaining guests, use a tablecloth or placemats to protect the finish of a wood table, especially when serving hot food. Place hot serving dishes atop a hot pad and candle holders over a large felt protector with a plastic top, since plastic prevents wax from running.

Use coasters beneath all glasses and mugs to protect your coffee table, dining room table and wood dressers from unsightly rings and water spots. Beware, because not all coasters are created equal. Metal coasters can sweat onto the wood, and plastic coasters can react with certain finishes on some wood furniture pieces. So consider choosing wooden coasters with felt backing and a waterproof material on top to further ensure the longevity of your wood table tops. The best coasters are those that taper up on the sides, preventing leakage.

Polishing wood furniture every week goes a long way toward protecting the finish from damage and helping your wood tables, chairs and dressers look their best. Beware, though, of cheap polishes, or any polish that contains silicone or alcohol. Alcohol can do permanent damage to a wood surface, as can any household cleaner that contains ammonia. An excellent polish can be easily made at home, by combining lemon oil with 3 parts olive oil.

Now that you know about polishes, don’t forget to clean your wood furniture as well. Regular cleaning is especially important for coffee tables and dining room tables where food and drink are daily staples. Use a very mild soap, such as a diluted mixture of hand soap and water, as a cleaning agent for your wood furniture. And if you really want to ensure your dining room table or heirloom wood desk stays beautiful, have your wood furniture buffed and polished by a professional service once or twice a year.

Now you are fully armed to properly care for your wood furniture. And don’t be disheartened if you are unable to make a nick or small stain disappear completely. Signs of use can add character to a piece of wood furniture, and are often barely noticeable. Whether it is a dresser, coffee table, bookshelf, desk, or dining room table, wood furniture is the perfect addition to any home.



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Jan 24
furniture care
Gary Bracken asked:


Leather Furniture Tips and Care

Leather upholstered furniture used to only be for the wealthy. They were usually large stately pieces that featured extensive button tufting and the characteristic brass nails at the front of the arms. Almost all pieces were very dark in color and had shiny glazed finishes. That is no longer true in the furniture industry today. Manufacturers of leather furniture have successfully convinced the general public that leather furniture is attainable for most people. Leather has become so popular that we would benefit by being better informed regarding the terms that are being used and the proper placement and care of contemporary leather upholstered furniture.

Without exception leather is the most durable and long lasting fabric covering that has ever been used. Leather lasts 4 to 5 times longer than any other upholstered fabric. It is fire resistant, does not ***** or peel, resists heat and sun, wears gracefully by becoming more supple with age and it holds its color fastness. Generally you can not go wrong purchasing fine leather furniture but it is wise to be informed before you buy.

Placement of Leather Furniture

The placement of your leather furniture is very important to ensure years of service. Do not place leather furniture too close to a radiator, fireplace or a direct heat source, even a heater vent. Maintain at least 2 feet between any heat source and the piece.

Avoid placing your leather furniture in direct sunlight. This will also dry out your leather and cause it to fade. Although leather is the most durable covering available anything exposed to direct sunlight will fade over time.

Whenever possible position your leather furniture away from high traffic areas that may be susceptible to family members or visitors who will inadvertently rub against it. This may seem trivial but leather that is continuously will show marks that may not be able to be removed by conditioners. The best policy is to place leather furniture at the far end of the footpath. This way you can display its beauty more openly and at the same preserve its look.

Care of Leather Furniture

Weekly – Dusting your leather weekly is very important to keep leather pores free from dust particles. Simply wipe it with a soft cloth. Don’t under estimate this seemingly small task; it goes a long way in the long term care of your leather. We will discuss more thorough cleaning next but remember not to neglect the weekly maintenance.

Spot Cleaning – As always the quicker you get to a spot or stain the greater success you will have. Most spills of food and beverages should be wiped up using a damp cloth with a light detergent soap, such as liquid hand soap.

All other stains such as ink marks, grease, blood, urine, wax or gum should be removed using a professional leather cleaner. Just follow the instructions that come with the product. It is a good idea to have a good leather cleaner on hand so that you will be able to address the problem immediately after it happens.

Quarterly – When you first place your new leather furniture be sure to use a high quality leather conditioner/preservative to protect it and keep the leather supple. You should fully clean your leather furniture four times per year using quality leather cleaner. Pay special attention to wear surfaces, arms, backs and seats. After a thorough cleaning always re-apply the conditioner/protectant to ensure many years of trouble free service from your leather furniture.



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Jan 24
furniture care
gaelle g asked:


I am so mad at myself as I always took care of this flat ! It is a very dark noticeble burn in the mibble of the flat, could not be a worse spot . I am moving in a month and not sure what to do. Can I fix it and how? I have a spare piece of the carpet but it is dirty. Should I get a professionel? I am scared to cut it out and mess it up even more ! But I don’t want to lose my bond ! There was a smaller burn and furniture marks when I moved in, should I leave it and hope for the best ? Please help me I just had a baby and can’t affort to lose my bond . I feel so stupid !

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Jan 23
furniture care
msmissy asked:


I am looking at purchasing a new sofa to place in my family room.
I have a 2 year old, so it needs to be something durable and easy to clean. I have fallen in love with a microsuede couch, anyone have any experience with keeping suede furniture clean?

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Jan 22
furniture care
JT Francis asked:


Just got a new couch, love seat, and arm chair how do I take care of leather furniture.

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Jan 21
furniture care
Jessica Whittaker asked:


Velvet-covered furniture is some of the most elegant upholstered furniture available. Velvet is luxurious and can add richness and a touch of class to any décor. Unfortunately, it also attracts fuzz and can be difficult to clean without robbing it of its wonderful texture. How should you care for your velvet furniture to keep it looking its best?

Velvet loses its sheen for many reasons. Stains and moisture wreak havoc on the elegant fabric. Excess fuzziness and overuse also contribute to velvet’s diminished appearance. Luckily, there are ways to overcome all of these challenges and breathe new life into your velvet furniture.

Spills happen – especially if you have kids or pets. If something gets spilled on your velvet upholstery, don’t panic. The best thing you can do is take a clean, super-absorbent cloth or paper towel and soak up the excess liquid. Don’t dab or rub the spill, as this will force the liquid deeper into the fibers. Instead, leave the cloth in place until most or all of the liquid has been absorbed. Then air-dry the fabric, or use a blow-dryer on a very low setting to dry it out.

For more persistent stains, add a small amount of dish washing detergent to a half cup of water, and shake it well. Use only the resulting suds to clean the stain. Be careful not to rub too vigorously. Also, blot well between applications of the soap suds.

Maybe stains and spills aren’t a problem, but your velvet is still looking a little matte. In this case, steamers and dry brushes are your friends. In order to fluff up the velvet fibers and have them looking new again, use the steamer against the direction of the pile. Then take a dry brush (you can find ones specifically designed for use with furniture) and brush the velvet in the opposite direction. Once the pile is all going the same way again, you should notice that the formerly matted area matches the rest of the upholstery.

Fuzz and wrinkles are common complaints from velvet furniture owners. Vacuums are handy for lint, fuzz and pet hair removal. Most of these devices come with attachments that are designed for use on upholstery. If your vacuum is a bit Spartan, try stretching a pair of nylons over the nozzle. You’ll **** up all the fuzz and debris without damaging your velvet. For wrinkles, use a steamer rather than an iron. Velvet is too delicate to stand up to ironing. Steaming is a gentle way to relax the folds in the fabric.

If your velvet furniture sees regular use, it might be looking a little bare in some spots. One part of being a great velvet furniture owner is knowing when to call in the professionals. If your furniture has spots or bare patches that you can’t remove, it might be time for a professional cleaning – or reupholstering.

Velvet is a beautiful fabric that requires a little bit of extra attention. Most velvet furniture owners feel that the extra care is worth it. After all, nothing says style like velvet upholstery.



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Jan 21
furniture care
mystery asked:


Do you just place your furniture in your house however way just so that everything fits, or do you actually place it in a way such that it looks nice?

I personally care about making it look nice, but apparently my dad and older brother doesn’t care and now the living room looks like a mess. And my older brother was like “Who cares! As long as it fits!”

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Jan 21
furniture care
Benedict Yossarian asked:


Bedroom furniture is there to appease your senses and to indulge yourself in, this is the place for furniture that has its own charisma and appeal. Picture yourself walking into your room with a large wood bed decorated with an exquisite headboard – elegance is spread all over it.

There are only a few furniture choices that you can find to be distinct, classy, and beautiful. One of them is antique bedroom furniture. Whether you are looking for a bed, armoire, wardrobe, dresser or any other specific piece, you will always find that antique bedroom furniture can be a great choice.

Hand Crafted Quality

Antique furniture is made of top-notch materials and craftsmanship. Since most antiques are made of hand-crafted quality, they are tough to beat. Many of these are built by hand and it existed even before technological advances have made the regular practice of mass-producing furniture.

As such, antiques are hard to find. It is highly recommended though, that you inspect all furniture carefully before you buy. Some of these pieces have experienced a lot of rough times in its long life – if it has survived up to this point, there is a good chance that it will hang in there for a few years more.

Originality

The reason that many people still choose antique furniture is because of its pure originality. It is true that our furniture needs may change as society changes. However, it would be fun to have one or two piece of furniture dating back to the earlier times. For example, vanities are rarely used nowadays to put make-up on and prepare for a night-out, but this can be a beautiful addition to your bedroom.

In fact, you can also double it as a convenient desk for jotting down letters or notes, or simply for sitting down. While the functions of washstands and commode chests have been replaced by the modern bathroom sink, it can still provide good and decorative bedroom storage.

Good looks, bad age

Definitely, there are homeowners who like the antique furniture’s classic look. However, they are not sure if it is really worth it to buy a hundred year old piece of furniture. Compare that to the modern furniture of today where the oldest piece is most likely only two years old.

If you are one of these people, you have nothing to worry. Antique furniture is becoming so popular that it prompted an entire furniture builders industry to specialize in recreating the old antique designs (building it with newer materials).

You can shop in warehouses that are full of antique replicas (yes, there are antique replicas that has already been built). You can also talk to these furniture builders to custom-make your furniture for you or re-creating a specific piece that you like.

And because a great part of the mystique surrounding antiques is based on its quality craftsmanship, these furniture builders try to rival its predecessors in producing hand-crafted quality antiques.

If you are interested in antique bedroom furniture, just talk to a custom furniture builder or antique dealer. And get that antique bedroom set or individual piece you have been looking for.



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