Furniture Care

Wood furniture should be dusted frequently; dust particles can finely scratch the surface. Always wipe in the direction of the grain. Be sure to wash the dust cloth before reusing it to remove dirt, particularly if you are using cheesecloth.

You will be glad to hear, however, that polishing and waxing should only be done every few months. As a kid, it was my responsibility to polish all the furniture in the house. It was a weekly chore because we thought it was best for the preservation of the wood. I'm so glad technology has changed. But be sure to only use polishes and waxes that are recommended by the furniture manufacturer.

Upholstered furniture should be vacuumed once a week and the cushions should be turned weekly so they wear evenly. (I wonder when technology will decide that we should only vacuum one a month.) If shampooing seems necessary, again check with the manufacturer's instructions to be sure the fabric will withstand it. Many fabrics require a dry-cleaning solution and any wet solution will stain it, stretch it or mar it. Whatever solution is used, even if recommended, test it first in an inconspicuous area.

Wicker furniture should be kept away from rain and direct sun. A covered porch is fine as long as the climate is not real humid. Employ your vacuum cleaner here, too, by using the attachments to get into all those little woven areas. For a little sheen and extra protection, rub the wicker with a little liquid furniture wax.

Since it is made of a natural material, rattan needs a little moisture to stay healthy. Wiping it with a damp cloth occasionally should do the trick. Or you can spray it lightly with a fine mist plant sprayer and wipe dry. Do not use the furniture until it is completely dry.

If your outdoor furniture is made of wrought iron, you will want to make sure it has been painted with a good exterior oil or enamel paint. If it has a gloss finish, that's even better. Very mild, nonabrasive soap and water can be used to wash it.

If your outdoor furniture is aluminum, protect it by spraying with a clear lacquer two or three times in the summer. A mild detergent can be used to clean the straps. If the aluminum is painted, once you've washed and dried the furniture, apply a light coat of car wax on the aluminum for extra protection.

Plastic furniture scratches easily, so wipe it with a cloth dampened with water and a gentle liquid soap. Never use an abrasive soap or a rough sponge. A light coat of car wax can help here, too, for protection against minor scratches. The car wax might even fill in little scratches that might already be there.

So, have you hugged your furniture today?

(Rosemary Sadez Friedmann is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and president of Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, Inc. in Naples, Fla.)