Furniture Care Guide

How to Care for Your Furniture: A Complete Guide by Freedom Tree

Introduction

Every piece of Freedom Tree furniture is handcrafted by artisans across India using natural materials and traditional techniques. Because these aren't mass-manufactured items, a little care goes a long way — and with the right attention, your furniture will last for decades.

How to Care for Hardwood & Teak Wood Furniture

We use natural hardwoods — including teak wood, mango wood, and sheesham — across our furniture range. To keep your wooden furniture looking its best, protect it from direct sunlight and moisture, and use sheer curtains in sun-heavy rooms.

For daily care, dust regularly and wipe down wooden surfaces with a soft, mildly damp towel. Always use coasters or table linen to protect hardwood surfaces from drinks, hot food, or heat-generating laptops.

Living with Hardwood Furniture: What to Expect

Hardwood furniture benefits from a light polish once a year to keep its finish fresh. If scratched or damaged, a skilled carpenter can restore most pieces — teak wood in particular responds well to refinishing and can last for generations.

Moving & Storing Your Furniture Safely

When moving furniture, always lift rather than drag — dragging scratches both the piece and your floor. For heavy items like dining tables or wardrobes, remove drawers and detachable shelves first to reduce weight. Protect corners with cloth or bubble wrap during a move, and avoid stacking items directly on top of each other.

Small dents and scratches on hardwood can often be minimised using a light furniture wax or touch-up pen matched to the wood tone. For deeper damage on teak or sheesham, a furniture restorer or carpenter can sand and refinish the affected area without replacing the whole piece.

Protecting Your Furniture from Sunlight & Moisture

Direct sunlight causes hardwood furniture to fade, dry out, and crack over time. Position wooden pieces away from south- and west-facing windows if possible, or use sheer curtains to diffuse light. Upholstered pieces, especially velvet and printed cottons, will also lose vibrancy with prolonged UV exposure.

India's monsoon season brings elevated humidity which can cause wood to swell and joints to loosen. Keep wooden furniture away from windows during heavy rain. Avoid placing pieces directly against exterior walls, and use a dehumidifier in rooms where you store high-value wooden or upholstered furniture.

How to Care for Rope Furniture

Our rope furniture is handwoven onto sturdy metal or wooden frames, bringing a relaxed, bohemian charm to any living space. Think of it as your indoor hammock — textural, characterful, and built to last indoors.

How to Care for Metal Furniture

Our metal furniture — including iron, steel, and powder-coated frames — is built for durability but does require basic care to stay looking sharp. Wipe down metal surfaces with a dry or lightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which can scratch powder coatings.

To prevent rust on iron or steel frames, keep metal furniture dry and avoid prolonged exposure to rain or standing water. If light surface rust appears, use a fine-grade rust remover or steel wool gently, then apply a clear metal lacquer or wax to protect the surface. For outdoor-adjacent pieces, bring them indoors during monsoon months.

How to Care for Wicker Furniture

Wicker and rattan furniture at Freedom Tree is woven by hand and designed primarily for indoor use. To clean, use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to remove dust from the weave — dust can settle deep in the gaps and is harder to remove once it compacts.

Avoid saturating wicker with water — occasional light wiping with a damp cloth is fine, but soaking will loosen the weave and cause warping. Keep wicker pieces away from direct air conditioning vents, which dry out the fibres and cause brittleness over time. A light application of furniture oil once a year helps maintain flexibility.

Caring for Upholstered Furniture & Fabric Sofas

For upholstered sofas and armchairs, vacuum regularly and dust the fabric surface. Avoid eating or drinking near upholstered pieces, and take care with textured fabrics like velvet, tweed, or raffia — studded accessories can snag the weave. For detailed stain and wash guidance, see our Textile & Upholstery Care Guide.

We're Here to Help

Got a specific care question or dealing with a repair? Our team is happy to help. Reach us at askft@freedomtreedesign.com or visit any of our design stores for in-person guidance. We also offer free design consultation services — from placement advice to fabric selection — at all Freedom Tree stores.