Best sonic cleaning pros near Whippany, NJ

Stay away from using window cleaners and other harsh cleaning solutions on antique wood—or any wood in your home for that matter. The pH of the cleaners can break down the finish and permanently damage and stain the wood below. Even when it comes to more durable areas, such as when cleaning your baseboards, only use cleaning solutions that are safe for porous materials. 

Wood furniture can become sticky for several reasons. Often, it's due to an accumulation of dirt, grime, or oils on the surface. Another common cause is using too much polish or wax, which can leave a sticky residue, especially after cleaning. If excess product is the culprit, you can remove the buildup with a cloth dampened with warm water and a little dish soap. Afterward, you can reapply a small amount of polish or wax, making sure to wipe away any excess. However, if cleaning doesn't help, the stickiness may be a sign that the furniture's finish is failing. As varnish and lacquer age, they can degrade and become tacky. In this case, the furniture will need to be refinished to resolve the issue.

It’s possible to DIY upholstery cleaning, but it’s usually best to leave the work to a professional. If you use aggressive cleaning solutions or are too rough with the material while trying to clean it, you could do permanent damage that demands repair or a full replacement. This issue is especially risky with more delicate materials, like leather, silk, and rayon. Some upholstery needs to be dry cleaned, and knowing how and when to use different cleaning methods is paramount for avoiding damage. A professional upholstery cleaner will know what products and methods are safe to use.

The time it takes for a professional to clean upholstery varies. For a single piece of furniture, you can generally expect the process to take between 30 and 60 minutes. However, the duration depends on the item's condition and material. Cleaning small, isolated stains may be quicker, while heavily soiled or delicate antique furniture could take up to three hours. For a room full of furniture, the process might take a couple of hours. Your cleaning expert should be able to provide a more accurate time estimate before they begin.