Placement & Environment: Position fine wood casegoods in stable indoor conditions, away from extremes of heat or humidity. Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight for prolonged periods — UV light and heat can dry out finishes, fade colors, and cause wood to warp or crack. Keep wood pieces away from heat vents, radiators, fireplaces, or drafty windows to prevent rapid temperature or moisture changes.

Routine Cleaning: Dust wood surfaces regularly using soft, lint-free cloth, and always wipe in the direction of the wood grain. You may lightly dampen the cloth with water or a pH-neutral dusting aid but avoid any product that leaves an oily film (such residues attract dust and can cloud the finish). Every 6–12 months, perform a deeper cleaning with a mild wood soap applied to a soft cloth, then wipe dry immediately — do not let moisture sit on the wood to avoid water marks or swelling. (Regular cleaning prevents buildup of dirt and grease, which can dull the finish over time.)

Polishing: Occasionally, polish wood furniture with a high-quality wax-free and silicone-free furniture polish to restore luster. Avoid oily polishes or spray waxes, as they leave residues that attract dust and create a hazy film. A product like Guardsman® Furniture Polish (which contains no silicone or wax) is recommended sparingly on fine finishes. Always follow the polish manufacturer’s instructions and buff gently with a clean cloth.

Spill Protection: Encourage the use of coasters, trivets, and felt pads to protect wood surfaces from spills, heat, and abrasive items. Never place plastic or rubber objects (e.g., lamp bases, electronics) or hot dishes directly on wood — chemicals in plastics and heat can discolor or soften many finishes. If a spill occurs, blot it immediately with a soft, slightly damp cloth (wiping along the grain). Never let liquids sit on wood, as they can seep in or cause clouding of the finish; even durable sealed finishes may stain or deteriorate if spills are left too long.

Scratch Maintenance: Normal use may lead to small scratches or wear over time. Keep a color-matched furniture touch-up pen on hand to fill in minor scratches on wood surfaces. Occasional polishing can also help minimize the appearance of fine surface scratches, but deeper scratches or gouges may require professional refinishing. To prevent scratches, always use felt or cork pads under lamps, accessories, and decor, and lift items rather than dragging them when repositioning. These precautions will protect the finish and avoid scuffs.

Stone surfaces are porous and can stain or etch if not protected. Use coasters and trivets under drinks, vases, and hot items to prevent rings, heat marks, or acid etching on stone. Clean stone tops with a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner or warm water — never use acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice and avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch or dull the stone. Blot spills immediately rather than wiping aggressively, to contain liquids and prevent spreading over time. Natural stone may develop a slight patina or dullness; if the shine diminishes, consult a professional stone specialist.

Acrylic components (e.g., acrylic table legs or inserts) scratch easily and can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Do not use ammonia-based glass cleaners (such as Windex®) or any solvent-based sprays on acrylic surfaces. Instead, dust acrylic gently with clean compressed air or a very soft dry cloth, then wipe with a soft damp cloth and mild lukewarm soapy water. Use a separate clean microfiber cloth or chamois for acrylic to avoid transferring any grit that could scratch it. After cleaning, rinse acrylic with clean water and blot dry to prevent water spots. Glass surfaces can be cleaned with standard glass cleaner but spray the cleaner onto your cloth rather than directly on the glass to avoid overspray on adjacent wood or acrylic parts.

For metal pulls, trims, or decorative inlays on casegoods, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with plain water to wipe away fingerprints and dirt. Avoid abrasive cleaners, brass polish, or steel wool on metal accents — these can scratch the metal or strip protective coatings. Always dry metal components thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots. If the piece has polished metal details, use only a manufacturer-recommended metal polish and always test it first on a hidden area. To prevent scratching surfaces, put felt pads under any metal accessories or lamps placed on furniture.

Fairfield offers a durable conversion varnish topcoat on many of its casegoods (this finish is standard on the Fairfield Monogram collection, and optional on other wood tops for an additional charge). Conversion varnish is a catalyzed wood finish that cures to an extremely tough, hard surface — ideal for high-use furniture pieces. It provides superior resistance to wear and moisture compared to standard lacquer finishes. This finish has a clear, medium sheen that preserves the beauty of the wood grain while adding an extra layer of protection against spills or humidity changes. Designers can specify the conversion varnish for heavily-used tabletops or case pieces to enhance their longevity and performance.

Fabric

Placement & Protection: Just like wood furniture, upholstered sofas and chairs benefit from mindful placement in a room. Avoid direct sunlight on fabrics and leathers to minimize fading — all fabrics will fade over time under UV exposure, and some textiles are especially sun-sensitive. Keep upholstery a safe distance from heat sources such as radiators, heat vents, or fireplaces, which can dry out leather and cause fabric fibers to become brittle and deteriorate. If strong sunlight is unavoidable in a space, consider using UV-resistant performance fabrics or installing window coverings to shield the furniture.

Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum fabric upholstery often using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris before they become embedded in the fibers. For leather pieces, dust with a clean cloth or use the vacuum’s brush on low suction. Removing grit and dust prevents abrasion of the fabric or leather and keeps the material fresh.

Rotate Cushions: Flip and rotate loose seat cushions and pillows on a regular weekly basis. Rotation allows the filling to redistribute, ensuring even wear and helping to prevent one side or spot from flattening out prematurely. This practice also minimizes comfort wrinkles or compression in any one area — cushions will age more uniformly if people do not sit in the exact same spot every time. Additionally, fluff down/feather cushions and back pillows to maintain their shape and loft.

Manage Pilling: It is normal for some woven textiles to develop small “pills” (fuzzy balls) on the surface with friction over time — this is not a defect, but loose fibers tangling from use. If pilling occurs, use a fabric shaver or pill remover to gently shave off the pills (taking care not to snag the fabric). Regular vacuuming will also help minimize pilling, and typically after a few removal cycles the excess loose fibers are gone. Note that pet usage can increase pilling and wear on fabric; keep pet hair and dander vacuumed frequently and maintain pets’ claws trimmed to avoid snagging the upholstery.

Upholstery fabrics come with manufacturer cleaning codes that specify the recommended cleaning method. Always check the fabric’s cleaning code (usually found on a swatch label or in the spec sheet) and adhere to those guidelines when spot cleaning. The standard fabric codes are:

W (Water-Based Cleaners): Fabric can be cleaned with water-based solutions, such as a mild foam upholstery cleaner. This is the most consumer-friendly code — gentle soap and water are generally safe.

S (Solvent-Based Cleaners): Fabric requires solvent-based cleaning only. Water-based cleaners may cause staining or distortion, so do not use water on S-coded fabrics. Solvent cleaning (dry cleaning solutions) can be tricky to do at home; in practice, S fabrics are often best left to professional upholstery cleaners to avoid damage. Many S-code fabrics specifically recommend professional cleaning if soiled.

W/S (Water or Solvent): Fabric is safe to clean with either water-based or solvent-based methods, or a combination of both, following best practices. Even with this flexible code, it is wise to test any cleaning product on a hidden spot first.

X (Vacuum Only): No water or liquid cleaners should be used on the fabric. X-coded fabrics should only be vacuumed or very lightly brushed to remove soil; any stains generally require professional attention. (“X” indicates that DIY cleaning is not advised.)

For any fabric, prompt action on spills is critical. Always test any cleaning product or method on a hidden, inconspicuous area of the upholstery first to ensure it does not cause damage or discoloration. If a spill or stain occurs on a fabric surface:

Act Quickly: Blot liquids immediately with a clean, dry cloth — do not rub, as rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric or distort the weave. Use a gentle dabbing motion and work from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading the stain.

Greasy or Oily Stains: (e.g., butter, salad dressing, cosmetics), cover the spot with an absorbent powder such as cornstarch or baking soda. Let it sit for roughly 10 minutes to draw out the oil, then vacuum up the powder. This technique helps lift much of the oil before you apply any cleaning solution. Afterward, treat any remaining mark with the appropriate cleaner for the fabric’s code (for example, a mild soap foam for W-coded fabric or a dry solvent spot cleaner for S-coded fabric).

Use Suitable Cleaners: Apply only cleaning agents that align with the fabric’s code — water-based cleaners for W fabrics, solvent-based for S fabrics, etc. Avoid oversaturating the fabric with any solution; it is better to clean in small, controlled amounts.

Dry Properly: Do not let a cleaned spot remain overly wet, as residual moisture can lead to water rings or even mildew in the cushion/filling. After spot cleaning, blot any excess moisture with a dry towel. Allow the area to air dry completely before using the furniture again. If possible, direct some airflow to the spot to speed drying.

Cushion Cover Guidelines: Do not remove upholstered cushion or pillow covers for separate laundering or dry cleaning unless the manufacturer explicitly indicates this is allowed. Even though many cushions have zippers, they are typically for assembly purposes only, not for routine removal. Taking covers off can lead to shrinkage, distortion of shape, or damage to the fabric backing and seams. Instead, clean cushions in place (spot clean or professional clean) to maintain their fit and integrity. If thorough cleaning is needed, consider hiring a professional upholstery cleaning service that can clean the cushions without removing the covers. (Exception: Fully slipcovered furniture with machine-washable covers can be laundered as directed by the manufacturer. When in doubt, though, err on the side of professional cleaning to avoid mishaps.)

Leather upholstery adds luxury and longevity but requires special care:

Regular Dusting: Keep leather free of dust and grit by wiping it with a soft cloth regularly and vacuuming the crevices with a soft brush attachment. Grit that accumulates in seams or under cushions can abrade and scratch the leather surface over time, so cleanliness is important.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use standard furniture polish, oils, varnishes, detergents, or ammonia-based cleaners on leather. Such products can strip the leather’s natural oils or protective finish, leading to dryness, cracking, or discoloration. Even “saddle soap” or other harsh cleaners are usually too alkaline and are not recommended unless a product is specifically formulated for your type of leather.

Clean Spills Gently: Wipe spills on leather promptly with a soft, slightly damp cloth — for best results use distilled water or a pH-neutral leather cleaner rather than tap water. Gently wipe the area in a circular motion from seam to seam; do not scrub aggressively, as that can disturb the leather’s dye or texture. After wiping, let the area air-dry naturally (do not use a hair dryer). If a grease or oil-based spill occurs, blot it with a dry cloth without adding water — oil stains are difficult to remove and adding water can spread them, so it is often best left to a professional leather specialist if a serious oil stain sets in.

Prevent Ink & Dye Transfer: Be careful to keep ink and dyes away from leather furniture. Something as simple as a newspaper, magazine, or a pair of dark-washed jeans can transfer ink or dye onto light-colored leather if left in contact with it. Advise clients not to leave printed materials sitting on leather, and to be mindful of clothing (like new denim) that is not colorfast. Ink stains on leather are extremely difficult to remove. Likewise, avoid using nail polish or nail polish remover around leather — acetone will immediately damage and discolor most leather finishes.

Minimize Sun & Heat Exposure: Protect leather furniture from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Just as with fabric, leather can fade or dry out when exposed to strong sun or high temperatures. Arrange leather seating out of direct sun, or use window coverings to shield it, especially for aniline or semi-aniline leathers which have only light protective topcoats. Also avoid placing leather right next to heat vents or fireplaces. Maintaining a moderate, consistent environment will prevent leather from cracking or fading prematurely.

FairShield+ Upholstery Protective Varnish

Fairfield applies a special FairShield+ finish to all exposed wood parts on their upholstered furniture (such as chair legs, wood arms, and trim). FairShield+ is a clear, cross-linked varnish topcoat that provides enhanced resistance to wear and moisture, and it contains UV inhibitors to slow down fading of the wood finish. This finish also incorporates silver-ion antimicrobial technology, which helps protect the wood surfaces from mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria — a valuable feature for clients with children or for high-traffic commercial environments. A key benefit of FairShield+ is its cleanability: you can safely use disinfecting wipes (such as a Clorox® wipe) on FairShield+-treated wood without harming the finish. For effective sanitizing, wipe the surface with the disinfectant, then immediately wipe off any residue with a damp cloth and dry the wood thoroughly. This quick “wipe on, wipe off” process ensures the chemicals do not sit on the finish too long but still allow for proper disinfection. (By contrast, on non-FairShield+ wood finishes, it is best to stick to mild soap and water for cleaning, unless the manufacturer specifies that the finish can tolerate stronger cleaners.)

Performance Fabrics (Crypton, Sunbrella, Revolution, Sustain, Inside Out)

Fairfield offers a range of performance fabrics (e.g. Crypton®, Sunbrella® and others with stain-resistant technology) for upholstery. These fabrics are excellent choices for clients concerned about stains and spills — they are often engineered with moisture resistance and can usually be cleaned with mild soap and water without damage. Always provide the client with the specific cleaning instructions for the exact fabric brand on their piece (for example, Sunbrella® publishes detailed guidance for removing various stains). Be cautious with aftermarket treatments on performance textiles: most high-performance fabrics come pre-treated from the factory, so adding an extra spray-on fabric protector or using aggressive cleaning chemicals can sometimes cause discoloration or premature wear of the fabric’s finish. Designers should consult the fabric supplier or manufacturer before applying any unauthorized treatment on a performance fabric. If a client insists on additional stain protection, always test the product on a small, inconspicuous area or a fabric sample first.