Furniture Care

Keep Your Favorite Pieces Looking New

At Havertys, we craft each piece of furniture to become a long-lasting part of your home. To make sure your furniture always looks fresh and feels comfortable, a little bit of TLC is needed. That’s why we created this handy guide to help you take care of your purchase for years to come.

Fabric Upholstery

Regular care and cleaning will increase the longevity and comfort of your fabric upholstery. Though there are many kinds of fabrics and proper cleaning methods will vary, you can follow these tips to keep your fabric sofas, chairs and sectionals looking like new.

  • If your piece has loose, reversible cushions, this part is easy. Simply remove your cushions from your piece and knead the filling with your hands to redistribute it evenly.
  • If your cushions are attached, search for a zipper at the base of each cushion, unzip and evenly redistribute the filling inside. If you don’t find a zipper, then fluff or knead the attached cushion and then smooth the surface, tucking the excess cover material into the sides or back.
  • Feather/down-blend cushions may require more frequent fluffing but will bounce back easily.
  • Don’t forget the pillows! They serve as the perfect finishing touch and will need regular fluffing as well.
  • Periodically flip your cushions to ensure that both sides develop even wear and tear over time. While you’re at it, rotate the placement of the cushions so each one receives the same amount of “sitting time.”
  • Straighten seams. Make sure that your seams and welts are in line to keep your piece from looking disheveled.
  • Avoid sunlight when possible. The sun’s harsh rays can make fabric upholstery look dull and faded over time. Some fabrics (like polyester blends) are resilient, but to ensure your piece doesn’t fade quickly, we recommend rotating cushions consistently.
  • Remove pilling. Pilling does not indicate excessive wear and is a normal occurrence caused by friction "balling up" loose fibers. To remove it, you’ll need to eliminate the excess fibers on the surface of the fabric with an easy-to-use, inexpensive tool called a pill shaver or a de-fuzzer. Regular use will fend off pilling and won’t affect the quality or durability of the fabric.
  • Eliminate stains and odors. We recommend using Guardsman's Stain and Odor Eliminator Spray to clean products with a cleaning code of W or W/S and the Fabric Defense Spray Can on all products to prevent staining.

Spot Clean (SW)


Spot clean with upholstery shampoo or upholstery dry cleaning solvents as desired. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Do not saturate with liquid. Cushion covers should not be removed for cleaning.

Vacuum, Light Brushing


Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic brush only. Do not clean with water, bleach or solvent based cleaner

Solvent (S)


Spot clean with water-free dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Do not use water or bleach. Cushion covers should not be removed for cleaning.

Dry Clean Only


Piece requires dry cleaning only.

Water Based (W)


Spot clean only with water based upholstery shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Do not saturate. Do not use solvents or bleach to spot clean. Cushion covers should not be removed for cleaning.

Machine Washable


Piece can be safely washed in a washing machine.

Leather Upholstery

Leather furniture makes a statement, but it needs to be cared for to protect its gorgeous look and feel. Follow these care tips and cleaning methods to keep your luxury leather furniture pieces looking beautiful.

  • Clean leather periodically with a soft cloth.
  • Spot clean mild stains by blotting with damp washcloth and mild soap.
  • For regular cleaning, vacuum frequently using a soft brush attachment.
  • Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth or sponge and let air dry. And be patient – never use a hair dryer.
  • We recommend using Guardsman products to remove stains.
  • Protect leather from direct, harsh sunlight to avoid fading over time.
  • Keep pets' nails trimmed to prevent scratches and tears.
  • Consider using a humidifier to avoid drying.
  • Remove cushions from zippered casings and fluff and rotate to help them last longer.
  • Avoid contact between the leather and hair products or hand sanitizers. These products have chemicals in them that can break down the protective surfaces on leather over time, resulting in discoloration and fading.

Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is strong and resilient, but these surface areas are frequently exposed to food and drinks that may pose a threat to the wood’s beauty. To safeguard from life’s everyday messes, follow these basic guidelines.

  • To clean wood surfaces, we recommend Guardsman products. These products are safe and effective when used as directed.
  • If desired, use a clean, soft cloth with furniture polish on it to dust. When using furniture polish, use a very small amount and lightly apply.
  • Any furniture polish used for the first time should be tested in an inconspicuous place before proceeding. Be especially careful if your piece has a low sheen, as furniture polish can change the appearance of your wood pieces.
  • While you should avoid using water to clean wood, you can treat sticky spots with water and mild soap. Rinse and then immediately dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage the finish.
  • Use coasters, backing or placemats between the wood surface and items to prevent scratching or warping.
  • Dust your wood furniture weekly to prevent the build-up of dust that can result in fine scratches that can occur when everyday objects come in contact with the surface. For best results when dusting, always wipe in the direction of the wood grain.
  • Avoid exposing wood furniture to strong sunlight to prevent fading of the finish.
  • Avoid placing heat sources, such as hot plates, serving pieces and other hot items, directly on your wood furniture. Always use trivets and protective placemats to protect the surface and prevent damage to the wood substrate. The number one cause for wood damage is from hot pizza boxes.
  • Your furniture should sit level on the floor to avoid undue stress or damage to doors and drawers.
  • Always promptly wipe moisture with a dry, soft cloth.

How to care for other materials

Not only can glass furniture add a hint of shine to your space, there are a number of other style benefits to this material. Adding glass tables to your space can make your room look larger and airier than a traditional wood table. And a glass tabletop can protect existing wood furniture from stains, scratches and even UV damage.

It’s also one of the easiest materials to manage. Simply follow these tips, and your glass furniture will continue to look like new.

To dust, use a soft, clean cloth.

When cleaning, use a glass cleaner to avoid unsightly streaks. If your glass is framed by wood, ensure that the glass cleaner does not come in contact with the wood.

To protect from breakage, try not to place heavy objects or accessories at the edge of the glass.

Always use coasters and wipe up any spills in a timely fashion.

Be careful when placing sharp household objects, such as keys, onto a glass tabletop to prevent scratches.

Beautiful and strong, concrete tabletops can infuse modern style into your space. However, due to the porosity of the material, concrete tabletops are susceptible to staining and should be sealed every few years to maintain their durability and visual appeal. Also, though concrete is an extremely hard material, it’s still important to avoid chipping and scratching the surface.

To ensure you get the most from your concrete furniture, we recommend following these tips:

Wipe up any spills immediately to avoid moisture absorption and stains.

To prevent scratches and chips, do not drag coarse objects across your tabletop. Also, avoid accidentally striking the edges of the tabletop.

Use felt pads on the bottom of accessories or other objects that will remain in place on the tabletop for long periods of time.

Avoid contact with acidic materials, such as citrus, olive oil or cleaning agents with citrus ingredients, as they may damage your tabletop’s sealant.

To avoid structural damage, we recommend that you do not sit or stand on the tabletop.

When cleaning, we recommend using a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft sponge or towel. Many times, simply water and a sponge will suffice to clean to surface, but if you have an oily spill or spot, a mix of water and a mild detergent will work.

Metal is another very durable choice of material for furniture. It also offers several style options, from modern and contemporary to transitional and traditional.

Here a few tips to follow to ensure your metal furniture lasts for years to come.

For everyday spills or condensation, wipe immediately using a clean cloth.

To maintain luster of shiny finishes, use a dry, clean cloth to dust furniture once a week.

For spot cleaning, wipe away dirt and debris with a solution of mild detergent, water and a soft-bristle brush.

Do not use bleach or any cleaning agent that contains sulfuric or hydrochloric acid.

Do not use steel wool or scouring pads as these may scratch the surface.

Use coasters and placemats to prevent marks, stains and scratches.

Marble and stone tabletops are sure to bring gorgeous, upscale style to your space. And due to the natural variance in marble, every piece is unique in its own way. However, it is a soft and porous material and can easily be stained, scratched and chipped. To help prevent damage and keep your marble looking like new, your tabletop should be sealed once a year.

For general maintenance and care, follow these simple tips to preserve your marble tabletop.

Eliminate surface spills immediately by blotting with a clean, soft cloth.

To prevent water rings and other marks, always use coasters or trivets when placing cups, glassware and hot dishes on the tabletop.

Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Dust the surface once or twice a week with a soft cloth.

Periodically wash the marble with a cloth, warm water, and if necessary, a small amount of mild dish soap. Be sure to remove all soap from the surface with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

How to care for outdoor furniture

Keep furniture dry when not in use; wipe spills clean with a dry cloth and avoid the use of harsh cleaners and abrasives.

To extend the life of your cushions, keep them free of dirt and foliage. To prevent mildew, stand cushions on end and dry completely before storing.

Cover or store indoors when not in use for long periods of time or during inclement weather.

Store cushions separately from furniture to prevent possible transfer of moisture. Make sure furniture is completely dry before covering.

Natural Teak will have oil surfacing that resembles a watermark. These can be removed by washing gently with mild soap and a soft, damp cloth.

If furniture is near the ocean, rinse weekly with water to remove all salt.

Cracking may occur if left in a freezing environment. To prevent this, clean thoroughly and store in a dry place during the winter. If storage is not available, use outdoor furniture covers.

As Natural Teak ages, it will take on a silvery grey patina. If you are partial to warmer tones, clean your furniture regularly and protect it with teak oil. Sand down the patina with fine-grade sandpaper if it starts to develop.

If using teak oil, be sure to apply every few months to maintain the finish and quality of the wood.

Do not allow water to sit on the surface of your furniture.

Cover or store indoors when not in use for long periods of time or during inclement weather.

Natural Eucalyptus will have oil surfacing that resembles a watermark. These can be removed by washing gently with mild soap and a soft, damp cloth.

If furniture is near the ocean, rinse weekly with water to remove all salt.

Cracking may occur if left in a freezing environment. To prevent this, clean thoroughly and store in a dry place during the winter. If storage is not available, use outdoor furniture covers.

As Natural Eucalyptus ages, it will take on a silvery grey patina. If you are partial to warmer tones, clean your furniture regularly and protect it with a natural penetrating oil; like linseed, tung or Danish oil. Sand down the patina with fine-grade sandpaper if it starts to develop.

If using a natural penetrating oil, be sure to apply every few months to maintain the finish and quality of the wood.

Do not allow water to sit on the surface of your furniture.

Cover or store indoors when not in use for long periods of time or during inclement weather.

If furniture is near the ocean, rinse weekly with water to remove all salt.

Do not allow water to sit on the surface of your furniture.

Hairline cracks may occur, resembling the look of natural, beautifully aged stone. Such cracks will not impact the tables integrity.

Avoid hitting the tabletop with other objects as this can chip the surface.

Stone is very porous and will absorb liquids if not cleaned after spills.

Stone should be cleaned regularly to remove abrasive agents from its surface.

Cover or store indoors when not in use for long periods of time or during inclement weather.

How to care for your rug

Rug pads ensure the longevity of your new rug by helping to keep the rug in place, taking the pressure off the fibers created by foot traffic and furniture, aiding in noise reduction, increasing comfort, and providing insulation from cold floors.

Wool is a durable and natural fiber that lasts for years and is stain, dust, and flame resistant. Since it is a natural fiber, it can be susceptible to mold and mildew. Over time, this material’s shedding will decrease. Careful cleaning is recommended – vacuum with beater bar on highest position or handheld attachment, spot clean stains with dish soap and cold water, for entire rug professionally clean only. 

Polypropylene is considered a performance material, and the durable synthetic fibers are resistant to mold and mildew. Easy to self-clean with non-bleach cleaners. 

Polyester is a durable synthetic fiber that’s resistant to mold and mildew. It is also considered to be a performance material. This material is easy to self-clean with non-bleach cleaners.

SmartStrand Silk is a durable synthetic fiber made from corn silk resistant to mold and mildew. Rugs made with this material are easy to self-clean with non-bleach cleaners. It is also considered a performance material. 

PET (EverStrand) is a durable synthetic fiber that’s considered a performance material and is made from recycled water bottles. This material is engineered to resist dirt, mold, and mildew. It is also easy to self-clean with non-bleach cleaners.

Viscose is a synthetic fiber that can be crushed over time and shed with wear. Not recommended for high traffic area if content exceeds 25%. Professionally clean only.

Machine wash these rugs separately in cold water using non-bleach detergent. Sizes up to a 5x8 can be washed in a 2.2 cubic feet capacity washer while the 8x10 size needs 3.8 cubic feet of capacity. Dry on low heat or line dry. Do not use fabric softener.

Hand Tufted rugs experience heavy initial shedding that will dissipate over time. Vacuum with hand attachment recommended. Professionally clean only. 

Hand Hooked rugs will experience some initial shedding that will dissipate over time. Vacuum with hand attachment or beater bar raised to the highest level recommended. Professionally clean only.

There is little to no shedding with this type of rug. Spot clean with dish soap and cold water on all fibers or self-clean with non-bleach cleaners with synthetic fibers.