Quality high gloss furniture can last for generations, making it a wise investment. It has a timeless yet sleek and modern appeal. It creates a big impact on any room, brings a sense of space and light, and reflects eternal beauty. The distinctive appearance of high gloss furniture is pleasing to the eyes, but some may be concerned that it’s high maintenance.
In a nutshell, cleaning your high gloss furniture is a breeze – maintaining it is another thing. Even the sturdiest furniture is prone to damage caused by neglect and naiveté. If you want to ensure its longevity without becoming burdened with its upkeep, follow the simple care tips below:
1. Choose an appropriate location for your furniture
The surface of high gloss furniture is fragile. The best spot for your furniture is anywhere far from direct sunlight, heaters, air vents or air conditioners. Sunlight causes fading, and rapid changes in temperature can damage any furniture. It is also not advisable to put your furniture directly under windows.
2. For regular cleaning, less is more
Dusting your furniture frequently prolongs its life and maintains its beauty. High gloss paint and finishes give protective benefits to any type of furniture, but proper maintenance and care maximize its durability. Dust and smudges can become overly apparent when neglected. For day-to-day cleaning, all you need is a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.
Without applying too much pressure, wipe the furniture’s surface using long, straight strokes. A damp cloth with gentle detergent can be used for dirty surfaces. Wipe water droplets away immediately as they may leave streaks or spots when dried. Using a soft, dry cloth, buff the surface back to its natural shine. Not all microfiber cloths are recommended as some may have abrasive fibers that create a matte effect from fine scratches.
Avoid using cleaners with chemicals such as furniture sprays, glass cleaners or furniture polish. Cleaners with silicone will leave an oily film over the surface of your furniture that may be difficult to remove. Glass cleaners are highly corrosive and can be damaging to your furniture’s finish.
3. Know the right cleaning products to use
There are three basic types of furniture cleaning products: silicone-based cleaners, polishes, and waxes. As much as possible, avoid silicone cleaners and waxes. Silicone can keep your furniture shiny but they can seep into finishes and create blockages. These repel paint or lacquer and makes re-finishing or touching-up a pain.
Avoid waxes because they may contain grit that will permanently damage your furniture surfaces. They also create a build-up of wax film over time. This wax build-up attracts anything from dust to smoke and other air pollutants and leaves streaks and smudges on your furniture.
The types of polishes you can use are those that contain detergents, emulsifiers, and mineral oil. The detergent cleans surface dirt; the emulsifiers and mineral oil leave a barrier to repel dirt and moisture. Polishing high gloss furniture should not be a daily routine. A few times a year is enough to keep your furniture in pristine condition.
4. Know how to tackle food and drink spills
When your spill a drink on your high gloss furniture, wipe it off right away. Don’t wait for the liquid to dry onto the surface. A soft, dry, absorbent cloth is enough to do the trick. For stubborn dirt or sticky fluid, spray a bit of water on the area or use a damp cloth with gentle detergent.
Do not underestimate the importance of removing spills from your furniture as quickly as possible. For instance, spilling a dark colored drink or anything that has a potential to dye (e.g., red wine, tea, and coffee) in a light colored piece of furniture can spell disaster if not dealt with immediately.
5. Hot items should not be placed directly onto high gloss surfaces
Hot items such as toasters, and hot dishes should never be placed directly onto high gloss surfaces. Electrical appliances may also cause scorching when left for prolonged periods. Use coasters and insulated mat when placing hot dishes or cups on any furniture surface.
6. High gloss furniture are not scratchproof
When writing on a high-gloss surface with a ballpoint pen, use a protective pad underneath to avoid scratching. Some objects made of plastic or rubber derivatives can also damage your furniture because of certain chemicals that react to its finish.
Do not drag objects across the furniture’s surface; lift and place objects that need to be moved. If you need to put flower vases, pots, and beverages on your furniture’s surface, protect it with cloth pads or coasters. Rotate accessories on high gloss surfaces periodically to prevent stains and uneven surfaces.
7. Furniture damage requires professional help
If your furniture suffers some type of damage, you must contact a furniture restoration company to fix it. Stained, scratched, and chipped surfaces can lead to greater damages in your furniture. In the case of delicate high-gloss furniture, do not attempt a DIY fix as it may only worsen the problem.
