Expert Advice
Furniture Care Guide
Keep your office furniture looking its best for years to come
General Care
Quality office furniture is an investment. With proper care, your desk, chair, and storage will serve you well for many years.
Daily Habits
- Use coasters for drinks to prevent rings and water marks
- Use desk pads or blotters to protect writing surfaces
- Clean up spills immediately
- Avoid placing hot items directly on surfaces
Regular Cleaning
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
- For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth followed by a dry cloth
- Never use abrasive cleaners, bleach, or ammonia-based products
- Avoid furniture polish sprays with silicone - they can build up over time
Wood Furniture
Positioning
- Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying
- Avoid placing near radiators or air conditioning vents
- Maintain consistent humidity where possible
Protection
- Use felt pads under objects that might scratch the surface
- Lift objects rather than dragging them across the surface
- Consider a desk mat for areas with heavy mouse and keyboard use
Maintenance
Occasionally, you may wish to apply a quality furniture wax or oil to nourish the wood and maintain its lustre. Always test in an inconspicuous area first and follow the product instructions.
Scratches and Marks
Minor scratches can often be minimised with a matching furniture touch-up pen. For deeper damage, consult a professional furniture restorer.
Office Chairs
Fabric Upholstery
- Vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment
- Blot spills immediately - don't rub
- For stains, use appropriate upholstery cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions
- Consider professional cleaning annually for heavily used chairs
Leather Upholstery
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
- Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry immediately
- Condition leather every 6-12 months with a quality leather conditioner
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Avoid sharp objects that could scratch or puncture the leather
Mesh Backs
- Vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust
- Wipe with a damp cloth for deeper cleaning
- Allow to dry thoroughly before use
Chair Mechanisms
- Check and tighten screws periodically
- Keep castors clean and free from debris
- Lubricate mechanisms if they become stiff (use appropriate lubricant)
Storage Furniture
Drawers and Filing Cabinets
- Don't overload drawers - this can damage runners and mechanisms
- Distribute weight evenly to prevent tipping
- Keep drawer runners clean for smooth operation
- Lubricate sticky runners with furniture wax or appropriate lubricant
Bookcases and Shelving
- Distribute weight evenly across shelves
- Place heavier items on lower shelves
- Don't exceed weight limits for adjustable shelves
- Secure tall units to the wall if recommended
What to Avoid
- Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
- Bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals
- Excessive water on wood surfaces
- Direct sunlight for extended periods
- Extreme temperature or humidity changes
- Sitting on desk surfaces (they're not designed for this)
Questions about furniture care?
We're happy to help with any care or maintenance questions.