Household dust is often the first sign we aren’t cleaning enough. But you can usually spot the problem earlier because layers of dust cause allergies and lower the air quality in our homes.
So are you cleaning enough to keep your living room dust and dirt free?
To answer that question, we’ve put together this guide on how frequently you should clean your living room furniture. We’ll also provide some top tips for cleaning your furniture without causing any damage.
Sofas and Chairs
Your sofa material will determine the method and frequency of couch cleaning. For example, if you have material like leather, this is typically low-maintenance for cleaning.
You should vacuum your leather sofa and chairs to remove the top layer of dirt and any lingering dust. Ideally, aim to do this at least once a month. Once done, use a damp cloth with mild soap detergent to wipe the leather cushions.
Dry the cushions with a second dry, soft cloth, and finish with a leather conditioner to keep the material in top condition.
For a fabric sofa or armchairs, you’ll need a more regular cleaning routine. Ideally, you should vacuum a fabric sofa at least once a week. You’ll also want to try a spot-cleaning technique with a damp cloth to remove any marks or stains.
If your fabric sofa looks dull or has stubborn stains, you should hire a professional cleaning service. Teams (like our cleaning experts) will have the most powerful and effective cleaning tools to help the sofa look new again.
Don’t forget to remove the sofa and chairs from their usual place and vacuum underneath. That will stop dirt and debris from accumulating around the bottom of your couch.
The exception to these guidelines is if you allow family members to eat on your sofa and chairs, as crumbs and dirt will find their way between the cushion seats. If that’s your house rule, double your cleaning frequency.
Coffee and End Tables
How often you clean your coffee table will depend on the material. Here are the most common four:
Wood
If you have a natural wood table, dust it quickly daily, but clean it monthly with a damp cloth. You can also use a soap solution, but make sure you go for something that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, as it might damage the wood.
If you stain your table, try to deal with the problem immediately. For wood, you may have to gently sand the surface to remove a dark stain, and if you do that, make sure you reapply a varnish.
Glass
Dust shows on glass, so always use a duster once a day if you can.
Aim for thorough cleaning once a month as part of your cleaning routine. You should use a glass cleaning product plus a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning products as they could damage the glass or leave a residue.
Metal
Clean a metal table monthly with mild soap and warm water, and use a clean cloth.
But as with glass tables, dust the surface daily as it will show on darker surfaces. Always finish your cleaning routine with a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining soap. It will help the metal look shiny.
Stone
You should use dry cloths for cleaning stone tables where possible. For a coffee table, that means more frequent cleaning – ideally weekly.
Try a damp sponge and use an eco-friendly cleaning detergent when handling dark or stubborn stains. Always give the stone time to dry naturally rather than using a cloth.
Bookcases
Bookcases are often a little thicker to clean, as you’ll need to remove the books first. However, you should always use a feather duster to clean the bookcase once a week to help remove dust from books and shelf surfaces.
For a more thorough clean, aim for once every three months.
That cleaning should start by removing all books and dusting the surfaces thoroughly. After that, you can use a damp cloth to wipe the shelves and finish with a dry cloth to remove any remaining water or residue.
Bookcases in small rooms tend to accumulate dust faster. So if you have a tiny living room, try and increase your cleaning frequency.
TV Stands
How frequently you clean your TV stand will depend on the material. Metals and glass stands will need regular dusting, ideally each week.
You should also wipe these stands with a damp cloth to ensure they still have a sheen. Always use a soft cloth and never an abrasive sponge.
Wooden stands will also need weekly cleaning. Focus on dusting first, and only clean with a damp cloth every month.
Always unplug your TV and any other electrical device before cleaning a TV stand. And where possible, avoid chemical cleaning products near electrical items.
Ottomans
If you have an ottoman, try to clean it every month.
Many ottomans come with easy-to-remove covers, so take these off and wash them according to the cleaning instructions. You should also vacuum your ottoman above and below at least once weekly.
Plant Pots
Don’t forget to clean plants and plant pots in your living room. Ideally, you should dust them every one or two weeks.
When handling the plants, remove any dead leaves. Wipe away dust from the leaves and add a leaf conditioning product that you can buy from most garden centers.
Depending on the plant pot material, aim to clean with a damp cloth every two weeks and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Shelves
Many of us forget to check high shelves for dust, but it will accumulate. So aim to wipe away the dust from shelves at least once a week.
You should also clean shelves with a damp cloth once a month to wipe away dirt and grime. Remove any decorations first, as the dirt will often accumulate underneath.
Getting Your Living Room Furniture Beautifully Clean
We spend a lot of relaxation time in our living rooms, so you want to do your best to make it look beautiful and clean. Use these tips on cleaning your living room furniture to help ensure it always looks its best.
You’re in the right place if a busy life makes it hard to maintain a clean home. Head here to get a no-obligation quote for our professional cleaning services.
