Your Questions, Answered: Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Furniture Care
22 July 2026
Investing in high-quality furniture means you want it to accompany you through every chapter of your life. However, Hong Kong’s fluctuating climate, alternating between humid spring and summer seasons and dry air-conditioned rooms, puts wood, leather, and fabric furniture to the test.
As someone who values aesthetics and a quality lifestyle, do you often find yourself perplexed by daily furniture care? Today, OVO has gathered the top 5 frequently asked questions about furniture care with professional and practical answers to keep your home in pristine condition!
Q1: With Hong Kong’s high humidity, how can wooden furniture avoid mold or warping?
Answer: Hong Kong's spring and rainy seasons are exceptionally humid, making it easy for moisture to penetrate wood pores, causing the wood to expand, warp, or even grow mold.
- Control Humidity: Keep indoor humidity below 55%. During humid seasons or the "Returning South" weather, run a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
- Maintain Air Circulation: Use fans simultaneously to promote indoor air circulation and reduce moisture accumulation.
- Regular Care: If your wooden furniture surface has no special sealing, regularly apply dedicated wood wax oil or protective oil to build a natural moisture-resistant barrier.
Q2: How should leather sofas be cleaned and maintained on a daily basis?
Answer: Leather furniture infuses spaces with a sense of luxury and warmth, but improper care can easily lead to dryness, cracking, or fading.
- Regular Dusting: Once a week, wipe the surface with a slightly damp, thoroughly wrung soft cloth in gentle circular motions to remove dust and sweat stains, then pat dry. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never place leather furniture in direct sunlight. Long-term exposure will sap moisture from the leather, causing the material to harden and discolor.
- Ensure Ventilation: Keep the environment dry and well-ventilated. Avoid covering leather sofas with unclean fabrics for long periods because this traps moisture and causes mold. Using a professional leather care kit, such as OVO’s Leather Care Kit, gently nourishes the leather and extends its lifespan.
Q3: Newly purchased wooden furniture always has an odor—how can it be effectively removed?
Answer: A faint scent from new wooden furniture or freshly painted wood products is normal. To accelerate odor dissipation, try these natural methods:
- Enhance Ventilation: Open windows daily at scheduled times to let fresh air circulate through convection, speeding up the dispersion of odors.
- Utilize Baking Soda: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside drawers, cabinets, or surfaces, leave it overnight to absorb odors, and vacuum it up the next day.
- White Vinegar Solution Wipe: Mix white vinegar with warm water, dip a clean soft cloth, wring it out completely, and gently wipe wooden surfaces and interiors. White vinegar neutralizes lingering smells and leaves the air fresher once it evaporates.
Q4: What should be done if fabric sofas or chairs accidentally get stained?
Answer: When dealing with sudden stains on fabric furniture, avoid vigorous scrubbing as it enlarges the stain and damages fabric fibers.
- Blot Immediately: If liquid spills, use a clean absorbent white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the moisture. Never rub in circles.
- Gentle Cleaning: Use a slightly damp cloth with a small amount of mild, neutral detergent. Dab the stain from outside inward, remove foam with a clean damp cloth, then air dry or use a fan.
- Regular Vacuuming: Use the specialized fabric brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner weekly to remove dust and dander, preventing dirt from settling deep into the fibers.
Q5: Are there any placement taboos for different types of furniture materials?
Answer: A piece of furniture's "home" has a decisive impact on its lifespan:
- Stay Away from Heat Sources: Keep wooden and leather furniture away from heaters, fireplaces, or direct sunlight. Excessive heat or drastic temperature changes cause wood to crack and paint to peel.
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: Do not place high-end woodwork next to bathrooms or in damp, dark corners. If space is limited, increase dehumidification in that area.
A home is much more than a physical space; it is an extension of your lifestyle and personal taste. With the right care practices, your cherished furniture will remain timeless and accompany you through many more wonderful moments at home.
If you have further questions about spatial design, custom furniture, or material maintenance, you are warmly invited to visit OVO’s Wanchai Flagship Store, Horizon Plaza Showroom in Ap Lei Chau, or the Basement Shop at The Peninsula Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui for a consultation. Let our professional team provide the best inspiration and answers for your ideal home!
