Custom-made furniture is becoming increasingly popular among Hong Kong residents, especially for small apartments or public housing units. This is because it makes the most of every inch of space, combining functionality with aesthetics. However, custom-made furniture requires more than just attention to design and installation; daily maintenance and care are equally important. With proper upkeep, custom-made furniture can last for more than a decade. Today, we’re sharing some practical tips to help you take good care of your home furniture and extend its lifespan!

1. Regular Cleaning is Key

Hong Kong's weather is both humid and dusty, exposing furniture to stains and dust daily. Regular cleaning is essential. Here are some cleaning tips tailored to different materials

Wooden furniture

• Normally, use a clean soft cloth (such as a microfiber cloth) to wipe away dust. Avoid using a wet cloth directly, as moisture can cause the wood to swell or even lead to mold growth
• If there are stains, you can use a small amount of mild detergent. Remember to immediately wipe off the moisture with a dry cloth after cleaning

Glass and metal parts

• For glass tabletops or door panels, simply use glass cleaner and a soft cloth to get the job done
• Metal frames can be gently wiped with a dry cloth to prevent oxidation. If you notice small rust spots, you can treat them with rust-proof oil

Leather or fabric

• For custom sofas, it's recommended to vacuum them once a week to prevent dust mites from accumulating
• Leather materials need to be regularly maintained with professional care oils to keep them soft and prevent cracking

2. Moisture and mold prevention is key in Hong Kong furniture care

Hong Kong's humid climate, especially during the rainy season, makes furniture prone to mold and deformation, so moisture prevention is crucial.

Keep the air ventilated

• When using furniture, try to keep the air ventilated, such as opening windows or using a dehumidifier, especially in small units or enclosed spaces like wardrobes
• For furniture placed in the kitchen, such as custom storage cabinets, you can add moisture-absorbing packets to prevent steam buildup

Use moisture-proof products

• Moisture-absorbing beads and boxes are highly effective tools. Placing them in wardrobes, under-bed storage, or shoe cabinets can reduce the damage caused by humidity to furniture
• A special reminder: remember to regularly replace moisture-proof products to maintain their effectiveness

3. Avoid heavy pressure and scratching

Custom furniture is durable, but if handled too roughly, it can significantly reduce its lifespan

Be careful when placing heavy objects

• Avoid placing excessively heavy items on furniture surfaces for long periods, such as large appliances on small tables. Over time, this could cause deformation or cracks
• In wardrobes and bookshelves, try to distribute the weight evenly when placing items and avoid concentrating the weight on one side

Prevent scratches

• For furniture with wood, glass, or marble surfaces, you can add a protective pad, such as a transparent mat or non-slip cloth, to effectively prevent scratches and impact damage
• If the custom furniture includes metal parts, remember to avoid using sharp objects that could scratch the surface, as scratches can lead to rust spots

4. Pay attention to the maintenance of hardware accessories

Many custom furniture pieces use hardware components, such as drawer slides, door hinges, or cabinet handles. Although these small parts may not be obvious, proper maintenance will ensure your furniture works smoothly

Regularly check the drawer slides and door hinges

• Every few months, check the drawer slides and door hinges for rust or deformation. If any issues are found, make sure to replace them immediately
• You can spray some lubricant (such as WD-40) on the slides to ensure smooth opening and closing

Keep the screws secure

• During daily use, the weight of the furniture or extended use may cause screws to loosen. If you notice any issues, use tools to tighten them immediately to prevent further wear

5. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight

If furniture is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, especially wood and leather, it can cause fading or cracking. Therefore, try to avoid placing custom furniture in spots where it gets direct sunlight through the window

Use curtains or sun-blocking films

• If your home has floor-to-ceiling windows, remember to install curtains or sun-blocking films to reduce the damage from sunlight to your furniture
• Especially for frequently used furniture like sofas and dining tables, try to minimize direct sunlight exposure

6. Seek professional after-sales service

Lastly, if you encounter any major issues during the maintenance process, remember to contact the company that did your custom furniture, as they typically offer maintenance and repair services. For example, some companies in Hong Kong even provide after-sales warranties of 5 years or more, giving you extra peace of mind

Careful maintenance, furniture lasts longer!

Custom furniture for the whole house is indeed a great choice for efficiently utilizing space in Hong Kong’s limited area. However, its durability depends on your daily maintenance habits. Remember to regularly clean, prevent moisture and mold, avoid scratches and heavy pressure, and take good care of hardware components. With these steps, your custom furniture will stay both beautiful and durable!