Furniture Care & Maintenance: Cleaning Wood, Fabric, and Leather

Furniture Care & Cleaning Guide | Mollywood Furniture Dothan AL

Why Furniture Care Matters

Buying furniture is an investment — one that should last for years, even decades. But the lifespan of your furniture depends on more than just quality; proper care and cleaning are key. Whether it’s farmhouse wood tables in Wiregrass homes or slipcovered sofas in coastal 30A cottages, each material has different needs.

At Mollywood Furniture in Dothan, AL, we not only provide unique, globally sourced pieces — we also help customers learn how to maintain them so they stay beautiful for years.

Caring for Wood Furniture

Wood is timeless, but it requires consistent care to prevent damage.

Cleaning Tips

• Dust regularly with a soft microfiber cloth.

• Avoid harsh chemicals — use wood-specific cleaners or mild soap and water.

• Wipe spills immediately to avoid staining or warping.

Maintenance Tips

• Polish or wax 2–3 times a year to maintain shine and protection.

• Protect from heat and sunlight — use coasters, placemats, and tablecloths.

• Humidity control — wood expands and contracts with humidity. Use a humidifier in dry months.

👉 Browse our Dining Furniture and Living Room Furniture for solid wood tables and storage pieces.

Caring for Fabric Upholstery

Fabric furniture is cozy and versatile but requires routine upkeep.

Cleaning Tips

• Vacuum weekly using a brush attachment.

• Spot clean spills immediately with mild detergent or upholstery cleaner.

• Check tags — some fabrics are machine-washable, while others are dry-clean only.

Maintenance Tips

• Rotate cushions to avoid uneven wear.

• Use slipcovers (especially in coastal homes) for easy seasonal changes.

• Apply fabric protector for stain resistance.

👉 Our Coastal Furniture and Farmhouse Furniture collections feature upholstery options in performance fabrics perfect for families and beach homes.

Caring for Leather Furniture

Leather brings luxury, but it’s also durable when maintained properly.

Cleaning Tips

• Wipe weekly with a soft, dry cloth.

• Clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed.

• Avoid harsh chemicals that strip natural oils.

Maintenance Tips

• Condition leather every 6–12 months to keep it soft.

• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and cracking.

• Address scratches with leather-specific creams.

👉 See our Living Room Furniture page for premium leather sofas and chairs.

Specialty Surfaces: Glass, Metal & Wicker

Glass

• Use glass cleaner for shine.

• Avoid abrasive sponges that can scratch.

Metal

• Dust often and wipe with a damp cloth.

• Treat rust with a metal polish.

Wicker/Rattan

• Dust with a brush or vacuum.

• Avoid soaking — clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.

👉 Explore our Décor & Accessories and Coastal Furniture for wicker and rattan pieces.

Seasonal Furniture Care

Your care routine should adjust by season:

• Spring: Deep clean upholstery and polish wood after dry months.

• Summer: Protect coastal furniture from salt air with covers and treatments.

• Fall: Condition leather before cooler weather.

• Winter: Use humidifiers to prevent wood cracking in dry air.

👉 For inspiration, see our Seasonal Home Refresh Guide.

Common Furniture Care Mistakes

• Using harsh chemicals → damages finishes and fabrics.

• Neglecting spills → causes permanent stains.

• Skipping conditioning → leather and wood dry out.

• Not rotating cushions → uneven wear and sagging.

FAQs About Furniture Care

Q: Can I use vinegar to clean wood furniture?

Avoid it — vinegar is acidic and can strip finishes.

Q: How often should I deep clean upholstery?

At least once or twice a year, depending on use.

Q: What’s the best way to clean outdoor furniture?

Use mild soap and water; store or cover pieces when not in use.

Q: Can scratches in wood be repaired?

Yes — wood touch-up kits can mask light scratches.

Why Buy & Care for Furniture from Mollywood?

• Family-owned for 35+ years in Dothan, AL.

• Globally sourced imports built from solid wood, rattan, leather, and durable fabrics.

• Delivery within 150 miles, serving the Wiregrass, Atlanta, and 30A coast.

• Expert advice on care and cleaning with our team.

Final Word: Protect Your Investment

Furniture is more than a purchase — it’s part of your daily life. With proper care, your wood tables, upholstered sofas, and leather chairs will serve your family for decades. From farmhouse homes in Dothan to coastal retreats in 30A, Mollywood Furniture provides pieces worth caring for.

📍 Visit Mollywood Furniture in Dothan, AL for quality furniture and expert advice on care and maintenance. Serving the Wiregrass and 30A coast, we’ll help you choose furniture that lasts.

✨ Shop local. Care wisely. Love your furniture longer.