How to Care for Your Furniture: A Complete Maintenance Guide

Furniture Is an Investment — Treat It Like One

We see it regularly: beautiful, well-built furniture that has aged poorly simply because of avoidable care mistakes. A few simple habits can double the lifespan of your wardrobe, TV unit, or bed — and keep it looking showroom-fresh for years. Here is everything you need to know.

Daily and Weekly Care

Dusting

Dust is mildly abrasive — over time, it scratches laminate and veneer surfaces if wiped without dampening first. The right method:

• Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth to trap dust rather than spread it.
• Wipe in the direction of the grain or laminate texture, not in circles.
• Dry immediately with a clean cloth — never leave moisture on wood or laminate surfaces.

Avoid: Feather dusters (they scatter dust rather than collect it), rough cloths, and dry paper towels (they scratch).

Spills

Blot — don't wipe — immediately. Wiping spreads a spill; blotting absorbs it. After blotting, clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. For stubborn stains on laminate, a small amount of mild dish soap on a damp cloth works. For solid wood, use a wood-specific cleaner (Fevicol Wood Care, Waxpol, or similar).

Seasonal Maintenance (Every 6 Months)

Wardrobe Hardware

• Hinges: Open and close each door fully and listen for squeaks. A tiny drop of light machine oil (sewing machine oil works perfectly) on the hinge pin eliminates squeaks and prevents rust.
• Sliding door tracks: Vacuum the track channel to remove dust and lint. Apply a silicone-based lubricant spray (not WD-40 — it attracts dust). Wipe excess. Smooth operation should return immediately.
• Drawer slides: Pull drawers out fully and check for wobble. Tighten any loose screws at the drawer face. Apply silicone spray to the slides if they feel sticky.

Solid Wood Furniture

If you have solid sheesham or teak furniture, condition it with a good furniture wax or wood polish every 6 months. This replenishes the natural oils that keep the wood from drying and cracking. Products like Waxpol Original or Briwax are available at most hardware stores.

Protecting Furniture from India's Climate

Monsoon Preparation

Before monsoon season (typically June–September), take these steps:

• Check all furniture for any exposed plywood edges and seal with edge tape if any is peeling or lifting.
• Ensure wardrobes are not placed directly against external walls — leave at least 2 inches of gap for air circulation, which prevents moisture buildup behind the unit.
• Place silica gel packets inside wardrobes to absorb excess moisture and protect stored clothing from mould.
• If your home is prone to flooding or water seepage, raise furniture slightly off the floor with rubber pads.

Summer Heat

• Keep furniture out of direct sunlight — UV radiation fades laminates and dries out solid wood significantly faster.
• If a piece is near a window, use curtains or UV-filtering window film.
• Air conditioning is actually beneficial for furniture — it keeps humidity stable and prevents the expansion-contraction cycle that loosens joints over time.

What to Avoid

• Harsh chemical cleaners: Phenyl, bleach, and solvent-based cleaners strip laminate finish and can cause permanent damage to solid wood.
• Wet cloth left in contact: Even waterproof laminates fail at edges and joints with prolonged exposure.
• Overloading shelves: Plywood shelves will bow under sustained overload. A standard 18mm plywood shelf spanning 900mm should carry no more than 25–30 kg.
• Dragging furniture: Always lift when repositioning — dragging stresses joints and scratches both the furniture and your floor.

When to Call for Service

Some issues are worth addressing early before they become expensive:

• A wardrobe door that doesn't close flush — usually a simple hinge adjustment, takes 5 minutes.
• A drawer that slides crookedly — typically a loose slide screw, fixed in minutes.
• A soft-close mechanism that no longer closes gently — the damper cartridge can be replaced without changing the entire hinge.

If your furniture was built by Himax Living, our after-sales team handles all of the above under our 5-year warranty. Contact us and we will send a technician.

? For any service query on Himax Living furniture, contact us through our website or WhatsApp. Our team responds within 24 hours.