High-quality furniture and accessories made of brass, marble, bouclé, and leather require different care. Each material reacts differently to moisture, cleaning agents, and mechanical stress. Knowing their properties helps prevent stains, scratches, and premature wear. This guide explains how to properly treat these four materials and which products you should use.
Polishing Brass and Protecting it from Oxidation
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that tarnishes over time and develops a patina. Whether you preserve or remove this patina is a matter of taste. For shiny brass, use a special brass polish or a paste made from lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste with a soft cloth, rub in circular motions, and then rinse with clear water. Dry the surface immediately to prevent water spots.
Lacquered brass should not be polished, as this will damage the protective lacquer. A damp microfiber cloth is sufficient here. Before treatment, check an inconspicuous area to see if the brass is lacquered. Avoid aggressive cleaners, abrasive agents, and steel wool. These will scratch the surface and accelerate oxidation.
Cleaning Marble Without Acid and Scratches
Marble is a limestone with open pores that is sensitive to acids. Lemon juice, vinegar, wine, and acidic cleaners leave dull stains that cannot be removed. Use only pH-neutral cleaning agents and a soft cloth. Wipe up spilled liquids immediately before they penetrate the pores.
For regular care, lukewarm water with a drop of neutral soap is sufficient. Dry the surface after wiping to prevent limescale marks. Treat stubborn stains with a paste of baking soda and water, which you apply, let dry, and carefully wipe off. Impregnating with a stone sealer protects the surface from penetrating liquids. Apply this every six to twelve months.
Vacuuming Bouclé Fabrics and Dabbing Stains
Bouclé is a fabric with characteristic loops that trap dust and crumbs in its structure. Vacuum upholstered bouclé furniture weekly with the upholstery nozzle to remove dirt before it settles. Use a low suction setting to avoid damaging the loops. Do not brush the fabric against the grain.
Dab fresh stains immediately with an absorbent cloth, without rubbing. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fabric. For wet cleaning, mix lukewarm water with a little mild detergent, dip a cloth, wring it out well, and dab the stain from the outside in. Let the fabric air dry. For stubborn dirt, consult a professional textile cleaner experienced with delicate upholstery fabrics.
Greasing Smooth Leather and Protecting it from Drying Out
Smooth leather requires regular care to remain supple. Remove dust with a dry, soft cloth. Every three to six months, apply a thin layer of leather grease or leather balm, massage the product in, and polish with a cloth after 20 minutes of exposure. This care prevents cracks and maintains natural elasticity.
Avoid direct sunlight and proximity to heaters, as leather will otherwise dry out and become brittle. Treat stains with special leather cleaners, never with household cleaners or solvents. Test every product on an inconspicuous area. Aniline leather, which is not pigmented, shows every touch and develops an individual patina. This change is intentional and not a defect.
Treating Suede and Velour Dry
Suede and velour should not be wet cleaned, as water leaves stains. Use a special suede brush with rubber nubs or brass bristles to roughen the surface and loosen dirt. Always brush in one direction. Remove stains with a suede eraser or a dry sponge.
Impregnate suede every three months with an impregnating spray for textiles and leather. Spray from a distance of 30 centimeters and let the product dry completely. The impregnation protects against moisture and facilitates cleaning. Avoid grease stains, as these cannot be removed from suede.
Guidelines for Care and Cleaning Intervals
| Material | Regular Care | Intensive Treatment | To Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass | Dust weekly | Polish every 3 to 6 months | Acids, abrasive agents, steel wool |
| Marble | Wipe damp daily | Impregnate every 6 to 12 months | Vinegar, lemon, acidic cleaners |
| Bouclé | Vacuum weekly | Dab damp as needed | Rubbing, brushing against grain, bleach |
| Smooth Leather | Dust weekly | Grease every 3 to 6 months | Water, solvents, direct sun |
| Suede | Brush every 2 weeks | Impregnate every 3 months | Water, grease, wet cleaning |
Tools and Aids for Material Care
- Microfiber cloths in different colors for different materials to avoid cross-contamination
- Soft brushes with natural bristles for leather and upholstery, brass brushes only for suede
- pH-neutral cleaning agents without solvents, bleach, or ammonia
- Special care products: brass polish, stone sealer, leather grease, impregnating spray
- Vacuum cleaner with adjustable suction power and upholstery nozzle with soft bristles
- Distilled water for marble to avoid limescale stains
You can find suitable pieces under Furniture and Accessories. How the pieces are constructed, what dimensions are available, and what the delivery time means can be found on Eichholtz Furniture and Eichholtz Decor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I treat marble and brass with the same cleaner?
No, use separate cleaning agents for each material. Marble only tolerates pH-neutral products, while brass requires special polishes. Brass cleaners often contain acids that attack marble. Use separate cloths to prevent residues from one material from transferring to another. Label your cleaning utensils or use color-coded cloths.
How do I know if my leather needs care?
Smooth leather feels dry and shows fine cracks when it needs grease. Rub your finger over the surface: If the spot remains darker, the leather is still supple. If the spot immediately lightens again, you should apply leather grease. Suede can be recognized by its velvety surface. If it appears smooth and greasy, brush the material. Shiny spots usually cannot be removed.
What do I do about water spots on marble?
Water spots on marble are limescale deposits. Wipe the spot with distilled water and dry immediately. Remove stubborn limescale spots with a paste of baking soda and water, which you apply, let sit for 15 minutes, and carefully wipe off. Then re-impregnate the surface. Avoid vinegar or citric acid, as these will permanently etch the stone.
How often should I vacuum bouclé upholstery?
Vacuum bouclé furniture once a week, or more often with heavy use. The loop structure traps dust and skin flakes, which can wear down the fabric over time. Use the upholstery nozzle on a low setting and move it in the direction of the fibers. Pat cushions every two weeks to release trapped dust. Regular care significantly extends the lifespan of the fabric.