Local guide for St. Louis homes — built from daily in-store questions.
Furniture Care & Cleaning Tips
Universal Rules
Upholstery (W/S/WS/X)
Leather
Wood & Veneer
Stone/Glass/Metal
Mattresses
Rugs
Outdoor
Stain Rescue How-Tos
FAQ
Always check your item’s care tag and warranty. Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first.
St. Louis humidity swings → aim for 40–50% RH indoors year-round.
Universal Care Rules
- Blot spills immediately with white cloth; never rub.
- Use pH-neutral cleaners; avoid bleach and strong solvents unless tag says “S”.
- Keep furniture out of direct sun/heat vents (drying, fading, cracking).
- Use coasters, felt pads, and tray tops; rotate cushions regularly.
- Vacuum upholstery weekly (soft brush); dust wood with microfiber.
- For winter (dry air): add humidifier; for summer (humid): run A/C or dehumidifier.
- Use a quality fabric/leather protector as recommended by brand.
Upholstery Cleaning Codes & Stain Guide
| Tag | What it means |
|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaners only. Mix mild dish soap + cool water. |
| S | Solvent cleaner only. Use dedicated upholstery solvent; ventilate. |
| WS | Water or solvent OK. Start with water; escalate if needed. |
| X | Vacuum/brush only. Professional cleaning recommended. |
Microfiber & performance fabrics usually “W” or “WS”. Velvet often “S”.
| Stain Type | Method (W/WS) |
|---|---|
| Water-based (soda, coffee) | Blot → 1 tsp mild soap + 1 cup cool water → dab → rinse cloth → blot dry. |
| Oil/grease | Sprinkle baking soda 10 min → vacuum → light dish soap mix → blot. |
| Protein (milk, egg) | Cool water only (no hot) + mild soap → blot. Enzyme cleaner if needed. |
| Dye (wine, juice) | Blot → mild soap mix → if needed, isopropyl alcohol dab; let dry; brush nap. |
| Gum/Wax | Ice pack to harden → lift pieces → solvent (S/WS only) sparingly. |
Leather Care (Protected vs. Aniline)
Protected / Corrected-grain
- Dust weekly; wipe with damp cloth. pH-balanced leather cleaner monthly in use zones.
- Condition lightly every 3–6 months (more in heated winter).
- Keep 12”+ from heat vents/radiators; avoid alcohol wipes.
Aniline / Semi-aniline
- Blot spills immediately; water can spot—use brand-approved cleaner only.
- Expect patina; avoid direct sun. Condition lightly every 3–6 months.
- Use throw/arm covers in high-use homes with pets/kids.
Wood & Veneer
- Dust weekly with dry microfiber; for sticky spots use slightly damp cloth then dry.
- Avoid silicone polishes and ammonia; use furniture polish sparingly (no build-up).
- Use coasters/placemats; lift items—don’t drag (prevents micro-scratches).
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| White water ring | Place cotton cloth + warm (not hot) iron for 5–10s pulses; check each time. Stop when haze lifts. |
| Dryness/cracking | Keep RH 40–50%; avoid direct heat; apply wood conditioner per finish. |
| Minor scratches | Blend with color-matched wax stick/marker; buff lightly. |
Stone, Glass & Metal
Marble/Granite/Quartz
- Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner; no vinegar or lemon.
- Seal natural stone 1–2×/year as needed (water test: droplets should bead).
Winter road-salt dust in STL scratches: use entry mats, wipe shoes/paws.
Glass & Metal
- Glass: microfiber + glass cleaner; avoid over-spray into frames.
- Metal: mild soap + water; dry fully to prevent water spots; use paste wax on steel bases to resist salt/humidity.
Mattress Care
- Use a waterproof, breathable protector from day one.
- Rotate head-to-foot every 2–3 months; do not flip unless two-sided.
- Spot clean only; avoid steam (can break down foams).
| Issue | Action |
|---|---|
| Odor after unboxing | Ventilate room 24–72h; normal off-gassing. |
| Body impressions | Rotate more often; ensure proper foundation; allow break-in period. |
Area Rugs
- Vacuum with beater bar OFF for shag/hand-tufted; use rug pad.
- Rotate every 6 months for even wear/fade.
- Pet stains: blot → enzymatic cleaner → rinse cloth → blot dry.
| Fiber | Care |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene/Polyester | Stain-resistant; mild soap and water OK. |
| Wool | Cool water only; avoid over-wetting; professional clean as needed. |
| Viscose/Rayon | Delicate; avoid water; professional clean strongly recommended. |
Outdoor Furniture (STL Seasons)
- Aluminum/resin wicker: hose rinse; mild soap; dry fully.
- Steel/iron: inspect chips; touch-up paint to prevent rust.
- Cushions: performance fabric → mild soap; store indoors for winter and major storms.
Pollen season: quick rinse weekly; winter: cover sets or store to avoid freeze-thaw damage.
Emergency Stain-Rescue How-Tos
Red Wine (Microfiber)
- Blot—don’t rub.
- Mild soap + cool water; dab from edges inward.
- Rinse cloth and blot residue.
- Light isopropyl alcohol if needed; air dry; brush nap.
Grease (Poly/Performance)
- Baking soda 10 minutes → vacuum.
- Dab mild soap mix; blot; repeat.
- Rinse cloth; blot dry.