In times of coronavirus, it is important that we focus on the importance of cleaning and disinfection. It is true that much emphasis has been placed on the disinfection of hands, clothing, shoes and mobile devices, among others, but to prevent the virus, it is also necessary to clean and disinfect some of the surfaces with which we come into most contact, such as furniture. Therefore, in today’s post we tell you how to properly clean and disinfect furniture depending on its materials, and we also give you some tips to give it a touch of shine without damaging it. Take note!
Cleaning and disinfection of furniture
To remove dust from wooden furniture, use a cloth with finished edges, without loose threads, or a duster or soft brush to access all the corners. Once the dust has been removed, make sure that the furniture does not have any stains, and apply a polishing product to the surface. For pine or fir kitchen tables you can use a brush and detergent and, if necessary, rub with linseed oil, drying immediately so that it does not absorb too much. To clean and disinfect uncoated wooden furniture, you can wash it, as long as you dry it thoroughly afterwards, because if the surface remains wet it could become damaged. For waxed furniture, use only clean, dry cloths to remove dust, and surface polishing products. Oils or other similar products should not be used, as the furniture would lose color. Plastic laminates scratch easily, so no abrasive product should be used on them. Instead, use a cloth moistened with hot water and soap or a little baking soda. On cellulose or lacquered coatings, use a metal polish. Don’t forget to remove it before it dries and rub it with a warm cloth afterwards. For marble furniture, first keep in mind that it is a porous material that stains easily and absorbs some of the water and liquids used for cleaning. Therefore, do not use anything more than water and a mild detergent with a wrung out cloth, drying well and polishing with a soft cloth. Also, do not use abrasive products or solvents to clean and disinfect metal furniture, since most are usually treated with a special varnish that could be damaged by the use of these products. Once clean, apply a layer of special wax or a silicone spray product to renew the protective film. To clean upholstered furniture, such as armchairs and sofas, it is important that you regularly vacuum their surface. When doing so, keep in mind to use a low-power vacuum cleaner or set it to low power, use an accessory suitable for this type of material and emphasize the corners, as this is where the greatest amount of dirt and bacteria accumulates.
Finally, on leather furniture it is enough to periodically remove dust with a vacuum cleaner. This furniture should not get wet, since humidity causes the leather to crack and stains that are very difficult to remove appear. You can try to soften them by rubbing a cotton ball moistened with turpentine, but use as little as possible and above all, avoid water.
Maintenance cleaning
To clean and disinfect our furniture, it is important to also perform maintenance cleaning. There is no point in cleaning and disinfecting them if we do not maintain that cleanliness properly. To do this, we give you some basic guidelines. Always remember to start at the top, with elements such as paintings or lamps, and end on the floor, where it is advisable to mop every day. In addition, we must not forget, from time to time, to clean ceilings and outlets. In the bathrooms, check tiles for stains, open windows and remove trash. Start by cleaning sinks, bidets and bathtubs, ending with the toilet, taking special care with the taps. And, at least once a week, do a complete tile cleaning. Cleaning and disinfection is a fundamental element to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Therefore, we must increase its frequency and insist on its maintenance, especially in those spaces with which we are most in contact. Use these tips and guidelines and keep your furniture cared for as well as clean and disinfected.
