Green Home

18 Best Sustainable Furniture Brands For Your Home in 2023

Learn about the sustainable furniture brands we recommend you check out in 2023!

Sustainable Furniture Featured

Sustainable and eco-friendly furniture brands offer an ethical alternative to fast furniture, helping cut down on household furniture waste and reduce the amount of toxic substances and unsustainable materials that enter into our homes.

In recent years, fast furniture has led to furniture waste rising above 12 million tons. Like fast fashion, fast furniture is a significant risk to our planet, but by buying sustainable furniture you can do your bit to help save the environment.

Below, we’ve listed 18 ethical furniture brands that use socially and environmentally sustainable practices and high-quality manufacturing methods, which enables them to create furniture that is good for the environment and can last for decades.

We’ve chosen these eco friendly furniture companies because they use sustainably-sourced materials and fair hiring practices, so they’re not just good for the environment, but also for people. In addition to responsibly sourced and recycled materials, many use low-VOC finishes, use ethical production practices, and are fair trade. When you purchase from one of these brands, you are not only improving your home decor, but you are also helping the planet and helping others earn a fair wage.

Quick Picks: The 5 Best Sustainable Furniture Brands We Recommend

Here’s a rundown of our top sustainable furniture brands. Click to view their website or scroll down to read detailed overviews of each one.


1. Burrow – Best Sustainable Furniture Company for Modular Seating

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, Sustainably-Sourced Wood, Non-Toxic Fabrics, Recycled Packaging

Burrow Nomad Fabric Sectional Sofa
Burrow Nomad Sectional Sofa (image by burrow.com)

Burrow, a USA-based furniture company, started with their collection of eco-friendly modular seating but has now expanded to include shelves and tables. Their contemporary and light designs look great in any home – this is sustainable style at its best.

By producing their pieces locally, and shipping direct-to-consumer, Burrow reduces both shipping costs and pollution. Their furniture uses sustainably-sourced hardwood, non-toxic fabrics, and recyclable packaging materials to keep their footprint low. With a focus on durability and build quality, Border designs eco-friendly pieces that will last for generations.

Range: Burrow’s eco-friendly furniture includes accent tables, armchairs, leather seating, loveseats, ottomans, sectionals, side tables, shelves, sleepers, sofas.
Out top picks: Burrow is known for the Nomad seating collection – comfy, customizable sofas that are sustainably made (see image above). Choose from five fabric colors, six leg finishes, and three arm styles. Available as a 2-seater, 3-seater, all the way up to an 8-seater. Optional extras include moveable chaise, ottoman, sleep kit, and bolster pillows.
Financing: Yes


2. Mater – Environmentally-Friendly Scandi Furniture

Budget: $$$$
Features: FSC-certified wood, recycled and upcycled materials

Mater Lounge Furniture
Furniture by Mater (image by materdesign.com)

Mater is a Copenhagen-based ethical furniture company that produces a wide range of sustainable furniture products, including seating, tables, outdoor furniture, and bar furniture, from eco friendly materials.

Their use of ethical materials and responsible production practices makes them an easy recommendation, especially when you take into account their stunning designs and focus on great craftsmanship and durability – these pieces will last you a lifetime.

The majority of their eco-friendly collection is ethically made using FSC-certified wood (Forest Stewardship Council), and they frequently use locally sourced recycled and upcycled waste materials – including car parts! – in their designs.

Range: Barstools, bowl tables, dining chairs & tables, lounge chairs, lounge tables, rockers, outdoor furniture, sofas.
Out top picks: We love Mater’s range of bowl tables as well as this stunning rocker.
Financing: Yes


3. The Citizenry – Handmade Products From Around The World

Budget: $$$$
Features: Ethical furniture, fair wages, fair trade practices, 10% of proceeds go back into communities

The Citizenry Tara Rattan Lounge Chair
Tara Rattan Lounge Chairs by The Citizenry (image by the-citizenry.com)

The Citizenry focuses on and celebrates the people behind its items. This sustainable furniture brand brings together eco-friendly handmade products from a wide range of artists & designers from around the world, including Chile, Vietnam, Japan, and Portugal, and provides them for sale in small batches of limited edition pieces.

The Citizenry is committed to fair trade, fair wages, and supporting good working environments. They only work with furniture manufacturers and artisan communities that create ethically made furniture. Additionally, The Citizenry invests 10% of its proceeds back into these communities.

Range: Chairs, coffee tables, headboards, nightstands, ottomans, poufs, stools.
Out top picks: Our top pick has to be the Lindu Cane Lounge Chair (pictured above), which has been handcrafted in a fair trade workshop in Indonesia from natural manau rattan and cane.
Financing: No


4. PlushBeds – Sustainable Beds, Mattresses, & Bedding

Budget: $$$
Features: Certified organic materials, renewable wood, Rainforest Alliance Certification, GreenGuard Certified & more

PlushBeds Scoresby Designer Bed
Scoresby Bed by PlushBeds (image by plushbeds.com)

PlushBeds is an eco-friendly mattress company that sells its own range of sustainable beds, mattresses, toppers, and bedding. The company uses certified organic materials and has an impressive range of certifications that include Rainforest Alliance Certification, GOTS, GOLS, and GreenGuard Certified (among others). They use renewable wood, are a Green America Certified Business and a member of the Sustainable Furnishing Council.

This brand’s eco-conscious outlook extends beyond its sustainable furniture: PlushBeds also offer green scholarships for students undertaking eco-degrees such as biodiversity, ecology, forestry, environmental law, and many others.

Range: Beds, bedding, organic mattresses, toppers.
Out top picks: Pictured is the Scoresby Designer Bed, available in four sizes (Full, Queen, King, and Cal King), and five colors (charcoal, desert, oat, spruce, and stone).
Financing: Yes


5. Copeland Furniture – American-Made Sustainable Furniture

Budget: $$$$
Features: US-based, Sustainable-harvested American hardwoods, Safe Award for Environmental Excellence, Greenguard certified (low emission) varnishes

Copeland Furniture Astrid Bed
Astrid Bed by Copeland Furniture (image by copelandfurniture.com)

Founded in the early 1970s in Vermont, Copeland Furniture has grown from a one-man operation to an international supplier of high-quality eco-friendly furniture, including beds, dining tables & chairs, office furniture, and dressers. Still based in Vermont, Copeland Furniture uses sustainably-harvested hardwoods from the American Northern Forest to create its range of sustainable furniture.

Copeland Furniture is a recipient of Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishing Council (SFC), a recipient of the Safe Award for Environmental Excellence, and uses varnish that is Greenguard-Certified for low chemical emissions. Copeland Furniture also has a 500kw solar array to help power their factory, enabling them to offset nearly one million pounds of CO2 emissions each year.

Range: Bar furniture, beds, bed frames, benches, bookcases, computer desks, desks, dining chairs, dining room tables,  coffee tables, dressers, kids furniture, office storage, platform beds, seating, side & end tables, stools.
Out top picks: The Astrid bed (pictured above) will look great as part of your home decor. This handmade, hand-finished bed is available in 11 different kinds of woods and in Queen, King, and Cal-King sizes.
Financing: Yes


6. Saatva – Low-Waste Sustainable Mattresses & Beds

Budget: $$$$
Features: Organic and natural materials, members of Sustainable Furnishings Council, former winner of Sustainability Product of the Year

Saatva Minori Bed Frame
Minori Bed Frame by Saatva (image by saatva.com)

Saatva is a sustainable mattress and bed manufacturer. Their materials include organic cotton, recycled steel, plant-based flame retardants and CertiPUR-US certified eco-friendly memory foam. Saatva further reduces its carbon footprint by operating a direct-to-consumer model, which cuts down on shipping and increases the sustainability of their products.

Saatva are members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and in 2018 their mattress was named Sustainability Product of the Year by the Business Intelligence Group.

Range: Beds, bed frames, mattresses
Out top picks: The Lineal Adjustable Base enables you to elevate your head and feet using a remote control and enjoy a massage from your own bed.
Financing: Yes


7. Skagerak – Danish Eco-Friendly Furniture Company

Budget: $$$$
Features: FSC-certified wood, fair pay, member of the UN Global Compact Act, certified b corp.

Skagerak Virkelyst 3-Seater Sofa
Virkelyst 3-seater by Skagerak (image by skagerak.com)

Founded in 1976 in Denmark, Skagerak produces beautiful sustainable furniture for a global audience. It is a member of the UN Global Compact Act and B Corp, and is FSC-certified. Currently, 71% of their wood comes from FSC-certified forests, and they are working towards 100% sustainably sourced wood furniture.

With a global supply chain, Skagerak takes its commitment to its workers seriously, aiming to produce sustainable furniture that is fair to both the planet and humans. It is committed to the principles of fair pay, no discrimination, no child labor, and decent working hours for its employees and only works with partners who do the same.

Skagerak is available at Finnish Design Shop – the world’s largest store for Nordic-designed furniture and furnishing (ships globally).

Range: Armchairs, bar stools, benches, cabinets, deck chairs, desks, outdoor furniture, side tables, sofas, stools, tables, wood furniture.
Out top picks: The Virkelyst 3-seater sofa (pictured above) has been designed for outdoor use without sacrificing the comfort and quality you’d expect from indoor furniture.
Financing: Yes


8. Simbly – Contemporary Minimalist Furniture

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, FSC-certified wood, eco-friendly packaging

Simbly Coffee Table
Simbly Coffee Table (image by simbly.com)

Made in the USA, Simbly creates beautiful tables and benches using responsibly harvested FSC-certified wood. They create their contemporary minimalist furniture using Appleply, a premium hardwood plywood that is strong, durable, and beautiful. By both harvesting their wood and manufacturing in the USA, they cut down on shipping and reduce their carbon footprint.

Simbly’s aim is to become the first climate-positive furniture company in the world. In addition to using FSC-certified wood, they also use eco-friendly packaging, ship flat-pack to reduce emissions (more product per truck), and promise to plant a tree for every product a customer buys. Simbly is also a member of 1% for the Planet, which means they donate 1% of their revenue to environmental causes.

Other benefits of shopping at Simbly include free shipping and returns and a 100-day return option.

Range: Simbly offer a bench, coffee table, dining tables, and desk/kitchen table in their signature contemporary design.
Out top picks: With similar styles across their four products, pick whichever is best for your situation. We like the Simbly Dining Table in Walnut, which would make a great focal point for your dining room.
Financing: Yes


9. Nikari – Eco-Conscious Finnish Craftsmanship

Budget: $$$$
Features: Responsibly-sourced wood, hydro-powered factory, recycle packaging, certified natural finishes

Nikari December Lounge Chair
December Lounge Chair by Nikari (image by nikari.fi)

Nikari’s simple and beautiful sustainable furniture products are created using traditional Finnish craftsmanship from their workshop in south-west Finland. They use responsibly-sourced wood, power their workshop and offices with hydropower, and deliver using recyclable packing. They treat their sustainable wood with certified natural oil mixtures, soaps, and waxes.

Like many Nordic furniture brands, Nikari is available at Finnish Design Shop – the world’s largest store for Nordic-designed furniture and furnishing (ships globally).

Range: Bar chairs, bar stools, benches, cabinets, lounge chairs, ottomans, tables, space dividers.
Out top picks: The December lounge chair’s (pictured above) simple and natural styling would look good as part of your home decor. Made in Finland and available in Ask or Oak with a linen or leather seat.
Financing: Yes


10. Masaya & Co. – Plants 100 Trees For Every Product Sold

Budget: $$$$
Features: Eco-friendly furniture made from renewable hardwoods, plant 100 trees for every product sold.

Masaya & Co Chontales Dining Chair San Geronimo Pattern
Chontales Dining Chair by Masaya & Co. (image by masayacompany.com)

Masaya & Co is a socially and environmentally sustainable furniture store. Their eco-friendly furniture is handmade in Nicaragua using renewable hardwoods grown on their reforestation project, which manages over 1100 acres of trees using sustainable methods. Each time you buy a product from Masaya & Co, they plant 100 trees; this year, Masaya & Co expects to plant 250,000 trees as part of this project.

Masaya & Co. is available at Made Trade. Made Trade is a curated online store for sustainable and ethical furniture and home decor.

Range: This sustainable furniture brand’s range includes armchairs, barstools, beds, bed frames, benches, bookshelves, credenzas, desks, dining chairs, dressers, lounge chairs, love seats, nightstands, ottomans, rocking chairs, side tables, sofas, stools.
Out top picks: Masaya’s range of pieces includes many eye-catching patterns, but we particularly like the Geronimo pattern (seen above on a teak dining chair). The same pattern (and many others) are available on a rocking chair, lounge chair, ottoman, and even on the headboard for Masaya’s Monimbo bed.
Financing: Yes


11. VivaTerra – Large Range of Globally-Sourced Furniture

Budget: $$$
Features: Recycled & reclaimed materials, FSC-certified wood, supports global artisan craftsmen

Vivaterra Iron and Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables
Nesting Tables by Vivaterra (image by vivaterra.com)

VivaTerra sells a large range of eco-friendly decor items, including furniture. This furniture and home decor company sources its items from artisans and family-owned businesses around the world, supporting creators and their communities who use sustainable methods to create beautiful items.

Most of their pieces are handcrafted, made with reclaimed or recycled materials, made using natural products, and using responsibly-sourced wood (either FSC-certified or reclaimed wood).

Range: Accent tables, armchairs, benches, chairs, coat racks, consoles, cupboards, desks, dining chairs, dining tables, drawers, dressers, nesting tables, lounge chairs, ottomans,  outdoor furniture, side tables, sofas, storage boxes, wine racks.
Out top picks: Vivaterra’s Iron and Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables (Set of 3, shown above) with naturally distressed reclaimed wood look incredible and will make a versatile addition to your living room.
Financing: No


12. Greenington – Beautiful Eco-Friendly Solid Bamboo Furniture

Budget: $$$
Features: Sustainable bamboo furniture, sustainable materials, fair living wage

Greenington Azara Dining Table
Azara Dining Table by Greenington (image by greenington.com)

Greenington creates beautiful sustainable furniture products from molded Mosu Bamboo, a material that is sustainable, eco-friendly, and easy to grow. The natural materials are grown in China, where the products are manufactured, and Greenington is committed to paying all its workers and artisans in China a fair living wage.

Greenington is available at Made Trade. Made Trade is a curated online store for sustainable and ethical furniture and home goods.

Range: Accent tables, beds, bed frames, bookshelves, chairs, coffee tables, dining chairs, dining tables, drawers, dressers, end tables, media centers, nightstands, sideboard, stools.
Out top picks: Check out the Greenington Azara Dining Table.
Financing: Yes


13. Medley – Handcrafted in California

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, FSC-certified hardwoods, organic materials, no harsh chemicals, eco-friendly furniture

Medley Rio Sofa
Rio Sofa by Medley (image by medleyhome.com)

Family-owned and founded in Los Angeles, Medley Furniture (aka Medley Home) is handcrafted in California using American hardwood from FSC-certified hardwoods. Medley doesn’t stop at wood when choosing sustainable materials: their foam is created using either natural latex foam (certified organic by The Global Organic Latex Standard), or, if you choose synthetic, the cleanest polyester foam available on the market (certified by CertiPUR-US).

Other natural materials used include eco friendly fabrics, such as sustainably-sourced Eco Wool (Oeko-Tex 100 Certified) and organic cotton (certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard). They also offer a 100-day trial, and they don’t use harsh chemicals on their products, making them great for the planet and your home or working environment.

Range: Accent chairs, accent tables, armchairs, benches, beds, bed frames, credenza, dressers, dining chairs, nightstands, ottomans, sectionals, side tables, sleeper sofas, sofa beds, sofas, stools, and many other furniture pieces.
Out top picks: The Rio Sofa (pictured above) is a popular choice, but our favorite piece is the Burr Accent Chair. We like this stunning wood chair best in Solid American Walnut paired with a darker fabric.
Financing: Yes


14. Thuma – One Product Superstar

Budget: $$$
Features: Reclaimed wood, recycled packaging

Thuma Bed Charcoal
‘The Bed’ in Charcoal by Thuma (image by thuma.co)

Thuma sells just one product – ‘The Bed’ – but what a product! Thuma’s beds are made from responsibly sourced rubberwood from rubber tree plantations close to their factories. This reclaimed wood has reached the end of its useful life (it has finished producing rubber) and is given a new purpose when it is upcycled and repurposed into a bed.

In addition to using reclaimed wood for their products, Thuma also use packaging made from recycled cardboard boxes, and they have partnered with One Tree Planted so that each bed sold means another tree planted.

Range:The Bed‘ available in Twin, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King sizes.
Out top picks: There’s only one product to choose from!
Financing: Yes


15. Floyd – US-made Sustainable Furniture

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, sustainable furniture

Floyd Bed
The Bed Frame by Floyd (image by floydhome.com)

Floyd is reducing waste by creating eco-friendly furniture pieces that last for decades and reducing transportation emissions by manufacturing their products in the USA.

This eco friendly furniture brand has five sustainability goals they are aiming to hit by 2025, including a resale and refurbishment program, to extend the life of their furniture products, using 100% FSC-certified wood, and 70% of materials coming from recycled or renewable sources. Floyd haven’t hit all those targets yet, but they’re moving in the right direction – although the if off-gassing is a concern for you, be warned they use plywood which is stuck together with a flue that includes formaldehyde.

Range:  Bed, bed frames, mattresses, sofas, sectionals, tables, side tables, coffee table, standing desk, modular table, shelving, media console, outdoor chairs, outdoor tables, outdoor benches, rugs, dining tables.
Financing: Yes


16. Kaiyo – Second-Hand Superstars

Budget: $$
Features: Second-hand & pre-loved furniture, one tree planted for every order

Kaiyo Couch
Pre-owned Couch by Kaiyo (image by kaiyo.com)

Unlike many of the other sustainable furniture brands we’ve mentioned, Kaiyo is an online marketplace for second-hand designer furniture. By offering pre-owned products, Kaiyo have kept more than 2,201,390lbs of furniture out of landfill, and provided many sustainably-minded customers the opportunity to get high-quality pieces for a lower cost.

Kaiyo buys furniture from sellers, picks it up, cleans it, photographs it, then sells it on their website before delivering the furniture with their own delivery teams. This means buyers deal with Kaiyo, and not with individual sellers. And because Kaiyo offers second-hand pieces, it provides more affordable sustainable furniture options for consumers (let’s face it, some sustainable options are pretty expensive)

Range: Sofas, loveseats, chaises, sofa beds, bed frames, dining chairs, recliners, ottomans, dressers, wardrobes, armoires, ottomans, media units, dinner tables, dining tables, end tables, coffee tables, office desks, lamps, mirrors, rugs, and more!
Out top picks: Every furniture piece is unique!
Financing: No


17. Sabai – Sustainable Sofas made in North Carolina

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, FSC-certified woods, recycled & upcycled fabrics, plastic-free shipping, local materials

Sabai Loveseat
The Essential Loveseat by Sabai (image by sabai.design)

Sabai create eco-friendly sofas, sectionals, loveseats and ottomans. They are fully committed to sustainability, using FSC-certified wood, Certipur-US certified foam, and recycled and upcycled natural fabrics. Additionally, their pieces are created ethically in North Carolina with 90% of materials sourced locally and do not include fire retardants or toxic materials.

They allow owners who want to replace their Sabai to trade their existing models in, and then refurbish and sell these pieces online secondhand. Additionally, they offer repairs and replacement components so that their pieces can keep being used for longer and stay out of landfill.

Range: Sofas, sectionals, loveseats, ottomans
Out top picks: We’re partial to the Essential Sectional with a recycled velvet fabric.
Financing: No


18. West Elm – Wide Range of Fair Trade & Sustainable Furniture

Budget: $$-$$$
Features: US-based, FSC-certified woods, recycled plastics, organic cotton, certified non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials (note: some ranges are less eco-friendly)

West Elm Anton Dining Table
Anton Dining Table by West Elm (image by westelm.com)

West Elm designs their large range of products from their Brooklyn studios, many of which use sustainably sourced materials, including FSC-certified wood (52% of wood furniture), upcycled and recycled materials, and organic cotton. Although their full-range is not yet eco-friendly, West Elm were the first furniture retailer to join Fair Trade USA and have invested $200M into artisan communities and local craftsman.

West Elm state they have saved 66 million plastic bottles from landfill ( the recycled water bottles are turned into polyester fabric) and saved 2.3 billion liters of water (in 2019 alone) by using organic cotton. Many of their pieces are also certified nontoxic by OEKO-TEX.

Range: Full range of furniture for your dining room, living room, bedroom, and office
Out top picks: The best-selling handcrafted Harmony Sofa is a popular choice.
Financing: Yes


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James Evans

James is a copywriter based in the UK. He writes on sustainability, finance, tech, and anything else that interests him. He likes tea.

Green Home

8+ Sustainable Construction Materials For a Greener Future

Learn how these sustainable materials are helping the construction industry become greener.

Sustainable Construction

Sustainable construction materials are a critical factor in reducing the amount of waste and pollution we create. A recent report by the United Nations found that the construction industry accounts for 38% of energy-related C02 emissions. By switching to sustainable building materials that release less carbon, we can save significant amounts of pollution.

What Are Sustainable Materials?

Sustainable materials are made from renewable raw resources, produce little waste during production, can be recycled, and help create an efficient home. Other important factors include the lifespan and durability of the material and shipping distance; imported products have lower sustainability due to pollution created during transportation.

There is no one set definition or award that states a building material is sustainable, and in many cases, you may need to weigh up contrasting factors. For example, if a material creates pollution when it is manufactured but then saves significant energy during its lifetime and can then be recycled, is it sustainable? Examples of sustainable materials include rammed earth, straw bales, bamboo, slate roof tiles, and wool insulation.

Below, we’ve provided an overview of sustainable options for construction, roofing, flooring, insulation, and more.

Sustainable Building Materials for Eco-Friendly Homes

Sustainable building materials such as rammed earth, straw bales, structural insulation panels (or SIPS), and mass timber enable home builders to create an energy-efficient home from eco-friendly materials that are durable, renewable, and can be recyclable or biodegradable once they reach the end of their useful life.

Below, we’ve looked at eight materials you might want to consider when planning the construction of your home. This section just concerns materials used for the walls of your home – there are separate sections below for insulation, roofing, and flooring.

Rammed Earth

Rammed earth construction is a traditional form of construction that involves filling a framework with earth and/or aggregates such as sand, gravel, and clay, and then ‘ramming’ them down with a wooden pole or pneumatic ram before moving the framework. Some modern rammed earth structures add 5-10% cement to increase stability.

Rammed earth construction is very eco-friendly: the materials it uses are plentiful and they can be reused if the structure is demolished. While its distinct appearance is popular with some, it isn’t for everyone. Rammed earth does not insulate well, so outer walls require additional insulation, and there are some concerns over the long-term durability of structures made using this method.

Straw Bales

Straw bale construction is a sustainable building technique that produces thick, airtight walls with a high thermal mass for a low cost. Straw bale buildings stay cool in summer, retain heat in winter, and are at no greater risk of fire than other types of building. Straw bales are easy to work with and can be carved using a chainsaw, allowing the creation of curved walls and other pleasing designs.

Straw bales are extremely eco-friendly – they use an easily obtainable waste product that will biodegrade if the building is demolished. However, straw bale construction does have a few downsides: the thickness of the walls restricts the available square-footage of the building and they must be protected from damp both during and after construction. Excess moisture leads to rotting and expansion, which can allow mold to infiltrate the walls.

Bricks

Clay bricks are durable, recyclable, and made from an abundant material. As a construction material, bricks are strong, low maintenance, and a good insulator for both heat and noise. They can also be used in a wide variety of styles and are fire-resistant.

Bricks are sometimes described as an eco-friendly construction material, but this depends on how the clay is baked (many kilns use natural gas to heat them) and whether the mining of the clay is good or bad for the environment. Recycled bricks are a good option for an eco-conscious builder, or there are some companies that produce green bricks from recycled products and/or using eco-friendly baking processes.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing and sustainable grass that can be used to create construction materials. It is strong, durable, and abundant, and is commonly used in both Asia and the Americas, although the wetter, colder climate in Europe make it less suitable for use there.

Bamboo is considered highly eco-friendly. Not only can it absorb a lot of greenhouse gases, but compared to trees it can grow back incredibly quickly, and can often be harvested every few years (annually for some types). In comparison, a hardwood planation might only be harvested once every 50 years.

Structural Insulation Panels (SIPS)

SIPs, or Structural Insulation Panels, are pre-built storey-high insulated panels made from two sheets of either oriented strand boards (OSB) or cement particle board (CPB) with a layer of insulation between them. They enable builders to maximize room space, build quickly, and create a highly efficient, highly insulated building.

SIPs are considered an eco-conscious choice because they can be used to create highly-insulated homes which improve energy conservation and reduce energy bills. Additionally, the manufacturing process used to create them is nearly waste-free as they are made to size for each project. This does, however, mean that the design of the home must be locked-in before production begins.

Mass Timber

Mass timber is a general term for a range of building materials created from engineered wood. Multiple layers or pieces of wood are stuck together to create load-bearing panels, columns, or beams that can be used instead of steel or concrete. The most common type of mass timber is CLT, or cross-laminated timber, but there are many other types including laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glue-laminated beams (glulam).

Mass timber has plenty of benefits as a building material. It can compete with steel and concrete in terms of strength, is quick and easy to build with, and is considerably better for the environment. Where steel and concrete production adds C02 to the atmosphere, mass timber actually reduces it. All that wood sucks up carbon and keeps it there for the lifetime of the building. There has been considerable interest in mass timber, and successful projects such as the 18-storey Mjøstårnet have received considerable press-time.

Recycled Shipping Containers

Recycled shipping contains can be upcycled into a modular building material that can be used to create anything from single rooms to large buildings. They are tough, stackable, quick to build with, and affordable, and can make a great alternative to traditional building materials like concrete.

Bark Siding

Bark, typically discarded as a waste product, is a sustainable cladding solution. It looks great, has a low impact, and requires no chemicals to create. It is also durable and requires no maintenance. The main downside of bark siding is that it isn’t the cheapest solution, something that holds it back from widespread use.

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James Evans

James is a copywriter based in the UK. He writes on sustainability, finance, tech, and anything else that interests him. He likes tea.

Green Home

14 Stunning Sustainable Tables For Your Home in 2023

Discover 14 exceptional sustainable tables for use in your home

Sustainable Tables Featured

These 14 sustainable tables are a great eco-friendly choice for furnishing your home. By using sustainably-sourced, recycled, or reclaimed wood, natural finishes, and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, these sustainable furniture brands create high-quality tables that look great, are good for the environment, and will last for decades.

In this collection of 14 tables we’ve chosen the best products our favorite sustainable table brands have to offer.

Quick Picks

Short for time? Below are our five favorite tables:

or click below to skip to a specific section:

Sustainable Dining Tables

These 5 options are the best dining tables we’ve found for eco-conscious buyers:

Accent Dining Table by Mater

This stylish dining table is made from FSC-certified oak and is available with a matt white lacquered finish or a Sirka grey stain. With a diameter of 43” (110cm), this table seats four people comfortably.

Mater Accent Sustainable Dining Table
Accent Dining Table by Mater (image by materdesign.com)

The Accent Dining Table pairs perfectly with Mater’s Shell Dining Chair, which is made from Forest Stewardship Council certified oak and leather. In addition to this wood dining table, Mater’s Accent range also includes a cafe table, side table, and oval lounge table in the same style, all made from sustainably sourced solid wood.

Mater is a Copenhagen-based ethical furniture company who use ethical materials and methods and great craftsmanship to create pieces that last. In addition to tables, their range includes seating, outdoor furniture, and bar furniture.

Mater is available on 2modern.com, a leading retailer of modern furniture and home accessories. Click below to see prices:


Entwine Round Dining Table by Copeland Furniture

This stunning eco-friendly table will make the perfect focal point for your dining room. Manufactured in the US, it has an american black walnut hardwood base and a tempered glass top, making it the perfect focal point for your room.

Copeland Furniture Entwine Dining Table
Entwine by Copeland Furniture (image by copelandfurniture.com)

This dining room table is available in three sizes (48”, 54”, and 60”), even the smallest should comfortably seat five or six people, with the largest seating up to eight. The combination of US-made (cuts down shipping) and sustainable wood may make this the best dining table option available.

Based in Vermont, Copeland Furniture uses sustainably-harvested American hardwoods to create their furniture. They have been awarded Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishing Council (SFC) and the Safe Award for Environmental Excellence. In addition to solid wood tables, their range includes bar furniture, benches, bookcases, dressers, beds, and seating.

Copeland Furniture is available on 2modern.com, a leading retailer of modern furniture and home accessories. Click below to see prices:

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Xiloa Dining Table by Masaya & Co

The Xiloa is handcrafted by local artisans in Nicaragua from sustainably harvested Royal Mahogany, Rosita Walnut, or Teak. This beautiful handmade rustic dining table seats eight and has a water-based, low VOC poly finish. Pairs great with the matching Xiloa Dining Chairs or the Xiloa Dining Bench.

MadeTrade Masaya & Co Xiloa Dining Table
Xiloa Dining Table by Masaya & Co (image by masayacompany.com)

Masaya & Co. grew out of a reforestation project which sustainably manages more than 1000 acres of trees. Masaya & Co. plants 100 trees every time a customer buys one of their dining room tables (or another piece of furniture), and as part of this scheme expects to plant 250,000 trees this year.

Masaya & Co. is available at MadeTrade.com – a curated online store for sustainable and ethical goods. Click below to check prices:

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Simbly Dining Table by Simbly

We love the clean lines of the minimalist Simbly Dining Table. Made in North Carolina from FSC-certified Appleply, a premium hardwood plywood, this sustainable dining table is easy to assemble (or disassemble for storage) and made with non-toxic adhesives and finishes that are free from formaldehyde. Pair with the Simbly bench or dining chairs of your choice.

Simbly Dining Table Walnut
Simbly Dining Table by Simbly (image by simbly.com)

Simbly use sustainably harvested wood, eco-friendly packaging, and ship their products as flat packs to reduce emissions. They are a member of 1% for the Planet and have pledged to donate at least 1% equivalent of revenue to eco causes. They also plant one tree for every product sold.

Click below to see prices at Simbly.com:

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Sustainable Coffee Tables

Add the finishing touch to your living room with these eco-friendly coffee tables:

Bowl Table by Mater

These stunning Bowl Tables from Mater combine Indian craftsmanship with Scandinavian style and design. These coffee tables are made from sustainably harvested mango wood with steel legs and finished with a lead-free, water-based PU lacquer.

Mater Bowl Table 3
Bowl Table by Mater (image by materdesign.com)

Available in four finishes (black, grey, natural & nori green) and four sizes ranging from 15.7” diameter (small) to 29.5” diameter (extra large), these tables will look great either as a set or as a standalone piece.

Mater is a Copenhagen-based ethical furniture company who use ethical materials and methods and great craftsmanship to create pieces that last. In addition to tables, their range includes seating, outdoor furniture, and bar furniture.

Mater is available on 2modern.com, a leading retailer of modern furniture and home accessories.

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Catalina Side Table by Copeland Furniture

Made from solid American black walnut hardwood and with a natural, Greenguard-certified finish, the Catalina’s clean lines are reminiscent of Mid-Century Modern designs and will look good in almost any living room.

Catalina Side Table in Oak
Catalina by Copeland Furniture (image by copelandfurniture.com)

This round table is just one part of the Catalina range, which also includes a nightstand, dressers, desk, and more. Their range of ethically made sustainable furniture is made from eco friendly materials and is a great purchase for any home.

Based in Vermont, Copeland furniture uses sustainably-harvested American hardwoods to create their furniture. They have been awarded Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishing Council (SFC) and the Safe Award for Environmental Excellence.

In addition to tables, their range includes bar furniture, benches, bookcases, dressers, beds, and seating.

Copeland Furniture is available on 2modern.com, a leading retailer of modern furniture and home accessories.

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Serif Coffee Table by Burrow

Best known for their range of modular seating, Burrow are now branching out into other areas. One of their new products is the Serif, a beautiful coffee table design in the Danish Modernism style.

Burrow Serif Coffee Table
Serif Coffee Table by Burrow (image by burrow.com)

Made from sustainably-sourced ash from local forests, these Burrow coffee tables offer both style and substance and are easy to make with tool-free assembly and a flat pack.

Founded in the USA, Burrow ships direct-to-consumer to cut down on shipping. They use sustainably-sourced hardwood, non-toxic fabrics, and recyclable packaging materials. The Burrow range also includes armchairs, sectionals, sofas, shelves, ottomans, and sleepers.

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Gavilana Coffee Table by Masaya & Co

The Gavilana Coffee Table by Masaya & Co. is handmade from sustainably-sourced Rosita Walnut by skilled craftsmen in Nicaragua.

Masaya & Co Gavilana Coffee Table
Gavilana by Masaya & Co (image by masayacompany.com)

Each piece is unique, vividly displaying the character of the wood it is made from. Measuring 48” wide, 30” deep, and with a height of 16.5”, this is a great choice for a statement coffee table.

Masaya & Co. grew out of a reforestation project which sustainably manages more than 1000 acres of trees. Masaya & Co. plants 100 trees every time a customer makes a purchase, and as part of this scheme expects to plant 250,000 trees this year.

Masaya & Co. is available at MadeTrade.com – a curated online store for sustainable and ethical goods.

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Wood Stump Coffee Table by ABC Carpet & Home

This Wood Stump Coffee Table brings a chunk of Mexican sustainably-sourced wood straight into your home. Aged using heat to enhance its natural color and grain, this table has minimalist legs that ensure the focus remains on the stunning solid wood table top. Measures 28” diameter, 16” high.

ABC Carpet & Home Aged Wood Stump Coffee Table
Wood Stump Table by ACC Carpet & Home (image by abchome.com)

ABC Carpet & Home is a family business that delivers high-quality eco-friendly products. A ‘Top Scorer’ on the 2019 Furniture Scorecard (an initiative run by the Sustainable Furnishing Council and National Wildlife Federation to promote sustainability), ABC Carpet & Home have also founded the ABC Home & Planet Foundation to support communities and charities around the world.

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Sustainable Side & End Tables

Check out these eco-friendly side and end tables from some of our favorite brands:

Bento Side Table by Burrow

This stylish and smart Bento Side Table features multipurpose trays that enable you to cover or uncover the hidden storage department as you please.

Burrow Bento Side Table
Bento Side Table by Burrow (image by burrow.com)

The simple, uncluttered design is improved by its hidden cord slot, which allows you to run a charger into the table without cluttering the top with wires. Available in Oak and Walnut finishes, this table measures 20” L x 20” W x 17” H.

Founded in the USA, Burrow ships direct-to-consumer to cut down on shipping. They use sustainably-sourced hardwood, non-toxic fabrics, and recyclable packaging materials. The Burrow range also includes armchairs, sectionals, sofas, shelves, ottomans, and sleepers.

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Georg Side Table by Skagerak

Simple, clean lines and a natural finish make Skagerak’s Georg side table a great choice. Made from 100% FSC-certified Oak, this versatile table can be used as a side table, stool, or bedside table. Also available with a painted black finish.

Skagerak Georg Side Table
Georg by Skagerak (image by skagerak.com)

Skagerak is a Danish sustainable furniture firm. It is a member of the UN Global Compact Act and B Corp, and is FSC-certified. Currently, 71% of their wood is FSC-certified, and they are working towards 100%.

Skagerak is available at Finnish Design Shop – the world’s largest store for Nordic-designed furniture and furnishing (ships globally).

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April Table (Set of 3) by Nikari

This set of 3 April tables (also available individually) gives an unusual twist on the normal table design, emphasizing the legs over the tabletop. Each table is made from a different wood – the low from Ash, the medium from Oak, and the highest table from Birch – all responsibly-sourced.

Nikari April Table Set
April Table Set by Nikari (image by nikari.fi)

Nikari use sustainable local wood and traditional Finnish craft skills in their workshop in Finland. They power their workshop with hydropower, use recyclable packing, treat their wood only with certified natural products, and also donate part of their sales to the Finnish WWF to help protect global forests and rainforests.

Nikari is available at Finnish Design Shop – the world’s largest store for Nordic-designed furniture and furnishing (ships globally).

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Hand-Carved Twisty Stool Collection by VivaTerra

This set of two beautiful twisty stools (also available separately) is hand-carved from sustainable Monkey Pod wood and finished with natural lemon oil. Because they are hand-made, your pieces will be unique. Works equally well as a table or a stool. Available in 18” and 23”.

VivaTerra Hand-Carved Twisty Stool Collection
Twisty Stool Collection by VivaTerra (image by vivaterra.com)

Vivaterra sources items from artisans around the world, paying them a fair wage for their unique pieces. The majority of pieces use responsibly-sourced wood (reclaimed, recycled, or FSC-certified) and are created using traditional methods.

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Sustainable Stacking Tables

We’ve currently got just one stacking table to recommend, but it’s a good one!

Iron and Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables (Set of 3) by VivaTerra

Save space with this set of 3 reclaimed wood nesting tables by VivaTerra. Each of these versatiles pieces has a unique, naturally distressed reclaimed wood top with a powder-coated iron base. VivaTerra also sell round nesting tables with a similar design, available as a set of two.

Vivaterra Iron and Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables
Nesting Tables by VivaTerra (image by vivaterra.com)

Vivaterra sources items from artisans around the world, paying them a fair wage for their unique pieces. The majority of pieces use responsibly-sourced wood (reclaimed, recycled, or FSC-certified) and are created using traditional methods.

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Sustainable Bedside Tables

Buy something nice for your phone to sleep on!

Willow One-Drawer Nightstand by Greenington

This nightstand by Greenington is made from eco-friendly Moso bamboo. Its clean lines, simply style, and generous storage make it a great choice for almost any bedroom.

Greenington Willow One Nightstand
Willow Nightstand by Greenington (image by greenington.com)

Greenington creates its products exclusively from renewable Moso Bamboo, a material that is strong and fast to grow. The bamboo is grown in China, where the products are manufactured, and Greenington is committed to paying all its workers and artisans in China a fair living wage.

Greenington is available at MadeTrade.com – a curated online store for sustainable and ethical goods. Click below to check prices:

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Conclusion

These tables are a great way to support sustainable businesses while purchasing great furniture. But you shouldn’t stop there – check out our sustainable furniture guide for some ideas for good brands you can use to fill your house with eco friendly furniture.

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James Evans

James is a copywriter based in the UK. He writes on sustainability, finance, tech, and anything else that interests him. He likes tea.

Green Home

How To Get Blood Out of Upholstery

Learn how to get blood out of upholstery.

How To Get Blood Out Of Upholstery Featured

Blood stains on your upholstery? Getting it out can be tricky, but it should be possible if you act fast and use the right cleaner.

To remove blood from upholstery, blot up the excess and use a cleaner such as hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, off-the-shelf upholstery cleaner, or baking soda & water. Some upholstery may need to be dry cleaned instead. Always check the label first.

Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, it isn’t always quite that simple. Removing blood stains can be tricky, and many of the cleaning solutions we’ve listed above (there’s some more below) may also react with your upholstery in different ways. It’s important to balance speed (dried blood is harder to clean) with caution (you don’t want to ruin your couch or chair by using the wrong product while removing blood).

(BTW – you might also want to check out our Couch Cleaning Guide if you also have other more general stains that need cleaning)

Let’s get started:

6 Steps to Remove Blood Stains From Upholstery

Step 1: Stop the Bleeding!

You or your child’s well-being is more important than your furniture, so apply first-aid as necessary! This will also ensure that you won’t get any more blood on the upholstery while you’re trying to clean it.

Step 2: Blot to Remove Excess Blood (If Fresh)

If the blood stain hasn’t dried yet, blot the stained area carefully with a paper towel to mop up excess blood before it has a chance to soak in. Start on the outside and work your way towards the center to avoid spreading the blood. Do not scrub as this can spread the blood further and push it into the fibers. The quicker you can take action, the more blood you may be able to get off before it soaks in.

Step 3: Check Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Check the label on the upholstery to see if the item should be dry cleaned. If you see the letters W, S, or SW, this indicates you can clean it safely at home. The SW indicates you can clean it with solvent-based and water-based cleaners, respectively.

If only an S or W appears, you must only use solvent or water-based solutions as appropriate. If it says ‘S’ for example, you can only use solvent-based cleaners and cannot use cold water.

If instead you see an X or ‘dry clean only’ your best option is to take it to the dry cleaners. Taking further steps on a dry-clean-only piece may risk damaging your upholstery – you have been warned!

Step 4: Dab With Cold Water

Please Note: The following steps assume your fabric is labeled ‘SW’ and can be cleaned with both solvent-based cleaners and water-based cleaners. If you are not sure which cleaners you can safely use on your fabric, we recommend you consult with a professional.

Start cleaning the blood stain by dabbing with a cloth with cold water and then blot dry with another cloth (dry). Keep repeating this for as long as it keeps removing blood. Only use a clean white cloth when cleaning upholstery to avoid color problems.

Start on the outside and work your way in to avoid spreading the blood. Do not scrub as this can spread the blood stains further and push the blood into the fibers. Do not use warm or hot water as this can make the blood stain worse and make it harder to get the blood out.

Step 5: Color Test Then Apply a Cleaning Solution

In addition to premium branded upholstery cleaners, there are a number of common household items that can help remove blood stains. Before you use one of these extensively, we recommend that you color test them. This means applying a small amount on a hard to see part of your upholstery to check it does not affect the color or stain it. There’s no point removing a blood stain only to replace it with a new one!

Commonly recommended household cleaning solutions used for blood stain removal include:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Baking soda (one part) and water (two parts)
  • Rubbing alcohol (a solvent)
  • Diluted dishwashing liquid
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Hairspray

Apply your chosen cleaning solution to a clean cloth and then dab plenty on to the blood stain and leave it to do its work. Leave for up to 30 minutes and then use a second dry cloth to help remove any residue. If using hydrogen peroxide, wait until you see small bubbles form and then wipe off – you should not need to wait 30 minutes. Repeat this process until the blood stain is gone.

Step 6: Rinse With Cold Water and Dry

Once the blood stain has been removed, rinse the area with cold water using a clean dry cloth. This ensures that all the cleaning material has been removed. Blot with a dry cloth to dry the area.

Removing Blood Stains on Leather Upholstery

If you have a specialist leather cleaner that will remove blood stains, use that first. If not, most manufacturers suggest you can use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on leather. Use sparingly and as directed above, dabbing on and then leaving for a while before taking off. When it starts working, you should see small bubbles form – once you see these, wipe it off.

Another choice that should be safe for leather is diluted white vinegar. After cleaning the leather, use a leather moisturizer on it.

Remove Blood Stains from Removable Couch Seat Covers

If the blood stain is on a removable cover and it is suitable for machine washing, you’re in luck. Remove the cover, turn it inside out, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Put the cover into the washing machine with laundry detergent using the instructions on the label or the manufacturer’s website.

How to Get Blood Stains Out of Car Upholstery

Car upholstery should be treated as above. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and check the material before applying any cleaning material to the blood stain.

What Happens If You Can’t Get Blood Out of Your Upholstery?

If you can’t get the blood stain out, contact a specialist; they may have products you do not have access to that can get the blood stains out. If the mark remains, consider covering it up with a cushion or throw. You could also get your furniture reupholstered.

Finally, if you must replace your furniture, we recommend you read our guide here – it will help you find an eco-conscious brand for your next couch or chair.

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James Evans

James is a copywriter based in the UK. He writes on sustainability, finance, tech, and anything else that interests him. He likes tea.

Green Home

How to Clean Your Couch

Learn how the right cleaning products and methods can revitalize even the most tired couch

How To Clean Your Couch Featured

Like all household items that get a lot of wear, your couch can easily look tired and grubby. Sticky fingers, spills, pet hair and regular grime can leave your couch looking very sorry indeed.

But there’s no need to hunt for a brand new couch just yet! By giving this vital piece of home furniture a good clean, you’ll be amazed at how you can revitalize your whole room and add years to your couch’s lifespan.

Let’s look at how to clean a couch so that it looks as good as new.

What Do Your Upholstery Cleaning Codes Mean?

Before you begin looking at how to clean a couch, make sure that you’re familiar with the material that’s been used to upholster it. After all, you wouldn’t use leather conditioner on a velvet couch, so familiarize yourself with the cleaning codes found on your manufacturer label.

The code for your couch will likely be underneath or at the back of your couch, and will display, along with the fire code, one of the following: W, S, S-W, X, DC or F. These relate to the washing instructions for your couch. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these codes mean:

  • W stands for Wet cleaning. It means that the products that you use on your couch cushions must be water-based. With this couch code, you can safely dilute fabric detergents or similar products with water, and even use a steam cleaner. Chemicals such as rubbing alcohol should be avoided.
  • S stands for Solvent cleaning. This type of couch will show up water stains and so can’t be cleaned with water. Instead, use only a water-free solvent or a dry-cleaning product. Solvents can be toxic in closed rooms though, so be sure to well ventilate the room when using them.
  • S-W stands for Solvent-Wet cleaning. It can be somewhat of a confusing code because it seems to give conflicting advice, but it means that the fabric upholstery can take both water-based cleaning products and dry cleaning solvents. It can also mean that different parts of the couch should be cleaned in different ways. If you’re in any doubt, spot clean only and call the manufacturer for clarification.
  • X stands for No Products. If you have an X code, your couch fabric is too delicate for any kind of cleaning products and should only be brushed, or lightly vacuumed.
  • DC stands for Dry-Clean only. This is similar to the S, or solvent, code, and means that no water-based products should be used.
  • F stands for Foam cleaning. It’s a rare code to find but some couch fabrics can only be cleaned with a mild cleaning agent that, when applied, becomes a foam.

How to Clean a Couch (Regular Cleaning)

You can save yourself a huge cleaning job once a year by keeping up to date with light couch maintenance. When it comes to knowing how to clean a couch, the trick is that little and often is always better. We recommend you follow the cleaning tips below once a week to keep your couch in good condition.

Cleaning an Upholstered Couch

Take your vacuum cleaner and use a light setting and preferably an upholstery attachment and go over the couch, including along the back and the arms. Take off all of the cushions and vacuum up crumbs, dirt, and pieces of food that have slipped down under the cushions.

A regular vacuuming removes not just crumbs and dirt but germs that rest on the surface of the fabric, particularly if you regularly have your pet on the couch, too.

Cushion covers can be removed and taken outside to be shaken or beaten over a washing line to remove more ingrained dirt. Some cushion covers can even be put in the washing machine if they’re made of a more durable fabric but you must always check the label to make sure this is an option. However, many people prefer not to put their covers in the washing machine because they find they can’t get the right shape back again afterwards.

For small stains on the sofa, use distilled water mixed with a water-based cleaning solution and put into a spray bottle. Spray the solution lightly onto the fabric and dab the area with a cloth. Never rub the cleaning solution into the couch, as it can only stain the area further. Instead, always dab lightly.

If your couch label specifies a solvents-only cleaning process, first ventilate your living room and then apply the dry-cleaning solvent to the area you want to clean. Gently work the stain out with an upholstery brush.

Take away excess moisture with a dry cloth lightly pressed on the fabric, and then leave the couch to air dry. If cleaning a stain on a cushion, don’t put it back on the sofa until it’s dry.

Cleaning a Leather Couch

While leather makes for a more expensive material, it’s so much easier to keep clean and is often the fabric of choice for those with allergies to dust because it doesn’t hold dust and dirt the same way upholstery couches do.

Once again, vacuum first to get off all your pet hair, crumbs from the toast the kids ate earlier, and germs. Many vacuum cleaners come with more than one brush attachment to choose from.

Then, it’s as easy as wiping down the couch with a microfiber cloth or even antibacterial wipes, which are a great way to keep your leather couch protected against bacteria.

To get rid of marks and stains, you can begin to introduce soft cleaning products, starting with regular dish soap and water, dabbed into the marks with a cloth. If the dish soap doesn’t do the trick, then try a 50/50 solution of a cup warm water mixed with a cup vinegar as an effective yet still gentle cleaner.

If there’s grease on the leather, make a solution of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda has active agents that lift dirt from all manner of materials without damaging them.

If you’re not sure about whether your cleaners will damage your furniture, first do a spot test in a small area that’s not usually on show, such as the back of the couch. Wait to see the results before you apply the product to the rest of the couch.

Cleaning an X-Code Couch

If your couch is marked as an X for cleaning products, then don’t use any products on the piece of furniture, including water, which can stain.

Instead, lightly vacuum the couch and cushions only, using the correct brush attachment.

How to Deep Clean a Couch

Sometimes, the regular light cleaning just won’t do. Maybe the kids have had an accident on the couch, or you’ve got something tough like blood on it (click here for our guide for cleaning blood off upholstery), or maybe you’ve bought a second-hand sofa but want to give it a thorough cleaning once you get it home.

In that case, deep cleaning is the answer, and the best method of deep cleaning your couch is to use a steam cleaner. The beauty of steam cleaners is that it’s not so much the detergent or chemical used, but the steam itself. High heat kills bacteria, tackles odors, and lifts stains.

A good handheld steamer will work well without any added products but if the stains or odors are more stubborn, add an approved steam cleaning upholstery cleaner, and be sure to read the instructions on the back of the bottle and spot test as normal (always check steam cleaning is appropriate for your fabric before proceeding).

Odors can also be treated with a sprinkling of baking soda over the cushions, which is left for a while, and then vacuumed away.

How to Remove Stains From a Couch

Stains on your couch are an unfortunate occurrence from time to time, whether from glasses of red wine slipping out of hands or the occasional spill of coffee. Don’t worry, though: acting fast is the key. A dry cloth immediately dabbed on the area will soak up much of the offending product.

Cleaning your couch of tougher stains depends on the type of fabric your sofa is made of, so once again go back to the label.

For fabrics that can take water-based products, it’s not always necessary to use a commercial upholstery cleaner. Here’s where your cup water/cup vinegar solution in a spray bottle will be your best friend.

Spray, dab, and repeat the process until the stain has lifted. It may take several applications to get rid of the stain completely, so if your pure white sofa just won’t recover from the red wine spill, call a professional cleaner to your home. Their whole job is couches, and they’ll know what to do!

Grease stains can be dried out and lifted using baking soda, and this applies to both fabric and leather couches in your home. For a biro mark on a leather sofa, a small amount of rubbing alcohol applied with a Q-tip can lift the ink, but it can also dry out the leather, so be sure to treat the leather of your couch with some good-quality leather furniture cream afterwards.

Conclusion

Good couch care can mean the most-used item in the home will last much longer than expected! By following the instructions carefully and being sure to use the right products for your couch, you’ll find that the family sofa will look and smell great.

Green Home

4 Easy Methods to Remove Wax From Wood

Learn how to remove was from wood by freezing it using ice, melting it using a dryer or iron, or even through careful use of white spirit or vinegar.

Remove Wax From Wood Featured

A thin layer of wax can be good for your table or desk – furniture and flooring is often coated with wax to increase its resistance to moisture and protect it – but blobs of candle wax are not ideal.

You can remove candle wax from wood, by freezing it using ice, by melting it using a dryer or iron, or even through careful use of white spirit or vinegar. Our recommendation is to use ice, as it hardens the wax and makes it easier to scrape off in once chunk.

4 Methods For Removing Wax From Wood

Here are some popular ways to remove candle wax that has melted on, or even into, your wood. Because the wax was hot as it landed, the finish of the wood will have melted slightly and bonded with the wax (this is what makes the wax hard to remove). When you do remove the wax, there may be a mark. In some cases you may need to re-varnish or re-wax.

1 – How to Remove Candle Wax By Freezing It

The aim of this method is to harden the wax by freezing it so that it is easier to scrap off with the tool of your choice (we recommend an old credit card or plastic ruler). If the affected piece is small, you can stick it in your freezer, but in most cases you’ll need to bring the ice to the spill. Put ice cube or ice cubes in a bag or wrap them in a cloth then put them on the wax to harden it.

If the wax is frozen it should scrape off quite easily and in flakes. Be careful not to scratch the wood too hard; even a credit card can damage the surface when trying to get those last few bits of remaining wax.

2 – Removing Wax From Wood By Melting It

As you apply heat, wax softens, which can make it easier to remove from the affected area. You can use a blow dryer at low or medium heat to achieve this. Some users also suggest using an iron at low heat in place of the dryer (use it with a clean cloth or paper bag between the iron and the table to help protect the area). Personally, we think the hair dryer is safer as its easier to control the heat.

Set your blow dryer (or iron) on a low heat setting to avoid damaging the wood’s vanish. Once you have softened the wax you can remove it by simply scraping it off now that it has softened slightly.

This method has it drawbacks however, because for some wood furniture that has deep wood grains, melting the wax will cause it to become further embedded in the wood. This is not ideal as it will be far harder to remove once it is deep inside the wood. To avoid this while utilizing this method, control the heat so the wax is soft, but not fully melted.

3 – How to Remove Candle Wax From Wood Using Vinegar

Scraping wax often leaves remnants stuck to the surface. These are pieces of wax that have bonded with the surface of the wood (often the varnish). Vinegar is acidic, and can be used to collect the remnants of the wax by breaking its bond with the surface. You can use this method in conjunction with the ice cube method or heat method listed above.

Please Note: Vinegar may do more than just remove candle wax – it can strip the furniture wax or varnish from the furniture. In order to avoid or minimize this, when removing candle wax, just add a small drop of vinegar to a clean dry cloth and apply it carefully to the affected area only. If you use too much vinegar on the cloth, you risk damaging the finish even further.

4 – How to Remove Candle Wax From Wood Using Mineral Spirits

Some users have reported success using mineral spirits (white spirit for you UK folks) to help remove the stain that wax can leave. To remove the residue of candle wax from wood, first use one of the other methods to get most of the wax off then apply a small amount of the spirits using a clean cloth or very fine steel wool to the affected area.

Please Note: If your piece of furniture has a varnish or another finish, this will likely remove it along with the wax. White spirit is an irritant and should be handled carefully, if it gets onto your skin it will cause a mild reaction such as drying or cracking. Leave it on your skin longer and it can cause redness, burns, and even blistering. So be careful, apply only a small amount to a clean cloth and wipe the area carefully.

Does White Spirit Remove Wax From Wood?

Yes, white spirit (or mineral spirits) does remove wax from wood. However, it removes everything else too. White spirit is a strong solvent that will remove and vanish or staining that your wood has on it. Be careful when using white spirit on wood, as it will strip the wood of its coating.

How To Remove Wax From Wood Floors?

Wood floors can be treated the same as wooden furniture. To remove candle wax from wooden floors requires the same tactics. Try freezing it off first. If that fails then try the other methods. Wood flooring is more often treated with more resistant varnishes, so candle wax may not be as damaging.

How To Remove Wax From Hair?

Petroleum jelly shampoo can be used to remove wax from hair. The shampoo will dissolve the wax than can then be washed away down the plughole.

Final Word

In many cases, the methods above can help you get candle wax out of your wood and make it look as good as new. If, however, you are considering purchasing a new piece of furniture we recommend you check out this great guide we’ve written about sustainable and eco-friendly furniture companies. 

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James Evans

James is a copywriter based in the UK. He writes on sustainability, finance, tech, and anything else that interests him. He likes tea.

Green Home

How Soon After Carpet Cleaning Can You Put Furniture Back?

Moving furniture too soon after carpet cleaning can risk water damage. Learn how long you should wait in this article.

Carpet Cleaning Featured

Removing furniture before cleaning your carpets ensures that your carpets can be cleaned quickly, easily, and thoroughly. Of course, this is hardly convenient, and you’ll want to put that furniture back as soon as possible. However, if you put it back too soon you can risk water damage to your furniture, rusting of metal parts, and make the denting on your carpet worse.

How Long After Carpet Cleaning to Put Furniture Back?

You should not move furniture back after carpet cleaning until your carpet is completely dry. The typical rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours, but the length of time may vary depending upon the thickness of your carpet, the method used to clean it, and environmental factors. Some carpets may be dry in as little as 6-10 hours.

The method used to clean your carpet – hot water extraction, steam cleaning, dry cleaning – may have a significant impact on the dry time; the more water is added to your carpet, the longer the time to dry. For this reason, you may wish to use dry cleaning methods if it is important that you are able to quickly walk on your carpet.

You may be able to reduce the dry time and get furniture back on your carpet quicker by using dehumidifiers or fans in the room that has had professional carpet cleaning. Both these methods reduce the time to dry wet carpet dry quicker (humidifiers reduce humidity, fans increase air flow which aids evaporation).

Failure to adhere to these guidelines can lead to damage to your furniture legs. The dampness can damage wood parts and cause metal parts to rust, leading to further rust stains on your carpet and wood stains on your furniture.

How to Protect Furniture From a Wet Carpet

If you really must move furniture back into your room quickly after a professional carpet cleaning, you can do so by putting something underneath the furniture so that it is not in direct contact with the carpet.

Waterproof protectors are available on Amazon and in home stores, but you can just as easily make do with pieces of polystyrene or something similar. Putting something on top of the carpet may increase drying time for that part of the carpet.

p.s. Need some new furniture to go with your clean carpets? Check out our sustainable furniture guide for some ideas.

How Long After Carpet Cleaning Can You Walk On The Carpet?

If your carpet has just been professionally cleaned it is best to walk across it as few times as possible before it has dried (up to 24 hours). At a minimum, you should wait at least 30 minutes before walking across the carpet after it has been cleaned, and then only with clean white socks so that colors do not transfer to the carpet.

Walking on carpet before it is completely dry can lead to dirt and odors entering deeply into the carpet fibers, which will reverse the work done while cleaning it and make it harder to clean the next time.

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James Evans

James is a copywriter based in the UK. He writes on sustainability, finance, tech, and anything else that interests him. He likes tea.

Green Home

How to Remove Mildew On Wood Furniture

Learn how to remove mold and mildew using regular household cleaning items.

Remove Mildew On Wood Furniture Featured

Our homes are filled with wood furniture. From desks to beds, chairs to bookshelves, we’ve been using wood to furnish the home for over 10,000 years.

Unfortunately, wood furniture is highly susceptible to mold and and mildew, particularly if it’s been left in humid or damp conditions for too long. Whether you’ve been living in a house with mold problems or have purchased an antique beauty that has grown mold spores, you’ll want to get rid of the mold as soon as possible.

With a few simple solutions, many of them easily found in regular household items, you’ll be able to remove mold from wood furniture and soon have your items looking as good as new.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew From Wood Furniture

The important thing to know before you tackle the problem is what type of mold your wood furniture is growing.

If your furniture is painted, stained or varnished, then there’s a good chance that the mold or mildew is sitting on top of the wood and hasn’t yet penetrated beneath the surface. If that’s the case, then this is great news.

Either way, you shouldn’t take mold spores lightly. These tiny spores are found in the air all around a mold patch and can easily be inhaled, potentially causing a serious health hazard. So, before you tackle your mold problem, get on the safety goggles, air mask and rubber gloves.

Don’t use your nice clothes, as this is dirty work! The last thing you want is stains on your favorite jeans when you’re battling mildew.

Move the furniture to an area with good ventilation not just for your health, but to stop the mold from spreading to other pieces of furniture. If possible, take the furniture outside and tackle it there, as opposed to inside the home.

Removing Surface Mold from Wood Furniture

Wearing gloves, swipe across the mold and see if the wood underneath is still intact. If it is, then it’s likely you only have surface mildew. One way to tackle this is to get a vacuum cleaner, preferably one with a HEPA filter, and remove the mold this way.

Once you’ve done this, remove the vacuum bag outside where there’s plenty of ventilation, put it into a separate plastic bag, tie it up and dispose of it safely.

Once you’ve removed as many of the spores as possible with the vacuum cleaner, the remainder can be cleaned off with a mild solution made from dishwashing detergent mixed with some warm water. By cleaning the wood surfaces with a soft bristled brush or cloth, you should find that the mold spores lift easily.

For molds that have spread for a longer time and have taken hold a little more strongly, then the cleaning process may need to be a little more rigorous and you’ll need to apply white vinegar to the affected area.

By filling a spray bottle with white vinegar you can cover a larger surface area evenly, without concentrating too much one on spot. There’s no need to dilute the vinegar with water, as it will not cause stains on your wood.

Leave the vinegar to kill off the fungus spores on the wood surface over the following hour and once you return, wipe off again with a clean towel. It helps if the towel is slightly damp.

Go over the wood surface again, now with a dry towel, in order to catch any loose spores. Mold is a live fungus that only needs a small amount to be left behind for the whole process to begin all over again.

Removing Deep Mold from your Furniture

If you’ve tried cleaning the mold off using the dishwashing detergent and soft bristled brush approach and it’s either reappeared quickly or seems to be under the wood surface, then you’ll need to make up a stronger cleaning solution or even look at more practical methods to remove the mold.

Those rubber gloves and face mask from earlier are even more vital now! Furniture that has been sitting for long periods of time in conditions with very high moisture levels, for example extreme humidity or after flooding, may have developed black mold.

Black mold, or stachybotrys chartarum, is a toxic type of mold that appears more slimy than the powdery surface mold found in less severe cases. It often makes the furniture smell musty and damp, but don’t get too close for a sniff as you don’t want to inhale any of these potentially toxic spores.

You might think that bleach is the answer but you’d be surprised. Bleach isn’t as likely to remove mold from wood furniture as you might think. Rather than killing the mold or mildew, bleach is more likely to blanche the color of the spores so they’re less easy to spot, but still present and active.

Bleach can also end up leaving a stain on your wooden furniture without affecting mold growth, so no matter what you’ve heard, put down the bottle of bleach and look for something that’ll do a much better job.

A mold removal expert is likely to recommend a borax solution rather than bleach. Borax is a white powder found with other cleaning solutions in your local store. Use one cup of borax in a gallon of hot or very warm water, mix well and apply the solution to the affected area.

Scrub with a coarser scrub brush than the soft bristled brush from earlier. You may need to try a different scrub brush attachment if the first doesn’t work. Once you’ve tackled all the mold, don’t worry about rinsing off the borax solution as you want it to continue working even after you’ve scrubbed the wood.

Leave to air dry, preferably in the sunlight. Mold is like a vampire: it thrives in the dark and hates the sun. The UV rays help to kill mildew and mold so feel free to leave the furniture outside until dark if it’s a dry, sunny day.

What to Do When the Mold Won’t Leave!

If you’ve tried the household detergent and water solution, the vinegar in a spray bottle method, and even the borax solution and you still can’t shift the mold, then it may be in too deep.

Take some sandpaper and gently sand off the mold until you can’t see any more. Start with a finer grain of sandpaper then work up to a coarser sanding if you need to get deeper. Once you’ve finished sanding the affected area, use the vacuum to remove to remove dust, take the bag out, and dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag.

It’s still a good idea to treat the deeper wood with the borax and water solution to snuff out any chance of the mold returning. Air dry in the sun, and only when the furniture is completely dry (this may require several days) should you refinish the wood with sealant or paint to stop the mildew from returning.

If the piece of furniture is already too damaged by the mold and cleaning would make no difference, then consider having the affected area cut out altogether and replaced. If this is an antique piece of wood furniture, you will need to contact an expert restorer to do the job for you.

If all else fails, you may need to replace it. We recommend you check out our sustainable furniture guide, packed full of great eco-friendly furniture manufacturers.

How to Prevent Wood Furniture From Getting Moldy Again

Even if you’re now an expert with your vinegar spray bottle and borax water combination, it doesn’t mean you’ll be rid of mold for good. It’s always better to treat the environment as opposed to dealing with mold and mildew outbreaks.

If your home suffers from damp, take steps to rectify the problem and if you’re a renter, then approach your landlord. All the detergent products in the world are pointless if the environment is making the mildew thrive. Besides, even if your furniture remains unaffected, your health won’t.

Mildew and mold are notorious for exacerbating lung conditions and causing chronic illnesses, which is all the more reason to get on top of the issue as soon as possible.

Use air conditioning and de-humidifiers to reduce moisture in the air so that you’re not allowing any mildew to take hold. If one piece of wood furniture is affected by mold, move it away from the others so as not to cross-contaminate, and deal with it effectively.

Always clean affected wood furniture outside of the home and once you’re done, throw away all of the materials you’ve used, including any cloth, brush, air mask or glove in a sealed plastic bag.

Conclusion

There’s no reason to give up on a piece of furniture just because it’s suffering with a mildew issue. As long as you follow the steps above, use the right cleaning products for the right surfaces, and take active environmental measures to stop it recurring, you can conquer this problem for good.

Green Home

How to Clean Non-Removable Couch Cushions

Learn how to clean and remove stains from those tricky non-removable couch cushions.

How to Clean Non Removable Couch Cushions

When we choose a new sofa, we usually look for two things: how it looks, and how comfortable the cushions are. We don’t often worry about whether the cushion covers are removable… until they need cleaning!

So, if you and your cushion covers are in a bit of a sticky spot, don’t worry, as these cushion cleaning tips have you covered.

Cleaning Non-Removable Cushion Covers

You’re not likely to find leather sofas with non removable cushion covers, so this article is looking primarily at fabric and upholstery couches and their non removable cushions. If you have a leather sofa that needs cleaning, we recommend you check out our comprehensive coach cleaning guide.

Let’s get started:

Step 1: Vacuuming your Cushion Covers

First, your couch cushions will immediately look better after a light vacuuming. Find the upholstery attachment (it’ll have a soft brush) and go over the couch to remove surface dirt, dust, hair, pet hair and general debris from your sofa cushions.

Some vacuum cleaners may be without an upholstery brush attachment. If that’s the case, be careful when using the vacuum on your cushions and use a low power setting so as not to mark or tear the fabric in the process.

Step 2: Give Your Cushion Covers a Good Beating!

Even if the cushion cover is not removable, the cushions themselves may be. If you can, remove them and give them a good beating outside – this is a great way to remove dust and debris. Then, you can tackle any stain you may find. Skip this step if your cushions cannot be removed from your couch at all

Step 3: Check Your Cushion’s Label

Because there are so many different types of fabric, you should always consult the care label on your couch. It is usually found under one of the cushions or at the back of the couch itself. This will tell you how to clean the cushions.

Check if you can use water based products on your cushions, or whether you’re restricted to a dry cleaning solvent stain remover before tackling any stain on your chair. Always test a cleaning product on a small non-visible area of your couch or cushion before using it somewhere it might be seen.

Step 4a: Cleaning Non-Removable Cushions With Water-Based Cleaning Products

If your care tag shows either a W or an S/W, then you can use water-based products. When tackling stains and marks, first try a solution of dish soap and warm water on a paper towel or sponge. Dab the stain on your cushion cover and don’t scrub – scrubbing can push the stain deeper into the cushion stuffing.

If the soap and water concoction doesn’t work, then it’s time to give the couch cushion a more thorough cleaning with some more active cleaning products. That doesn’t mean you have to rush down to your local hardware stores just yet, though.

A solution of warm water and baking soda can work wonders when applied to stains and is particularly effective when it comes to grease. Allow the active agents in the soda to lift the grease and then dab the affected area of the cushion cover with a cloth.

Similarly, a solution of equal parts vinegar and water applied with a cloth can take out plenty of stains without damaging the fabric of your cushions. If you’re not sure whether the material will discolor, try first on a piece of fabric from a hidden area of the sofa, such as the back, before you try it on the stain itself.

Step 4b: Cleaning Cushions With Solvent-Based Cleaning Products

There are some fabrics that will carry an S on their care tag, and this means that no water whatsoever should come near the fabrics. In this case, use a recommended solvent-based cleaner to tackle stains but always ventilate the room first.

You can use a little ingenuity to make this easier by grabbing an air compressor from your office (if they have one) or borrowing one from a friend. Apply the solvent-based cleaner or foam to your non removable cushion cover, and once it’s done its job, blast it away with the air compressor. No more stain, but no water comes into contact with the cushion cover.

Step 5: Using Steam to Clean Non-Removable Couch Cushions

Even couches that shouldn’t have water in liquid form can benefit from another form: steam. Steam cleaning is a highly effective way of cleaning sofa cushions. The steam itself can work wonders, but you may also be able to add either soap or a specially designed cleaning product to the steam cleaner to really give your non removable couch cushion covers a deep clean.

The heat from the steam draws out dirt and and stains that the vacuum cleaner may have found too stubborn. Steam cleaning also destroys bacteria and removes unpleasant smells on your cushions from pet hair, older fabric and spills that have been dry for a while.

While a steam cleaner is a great investment for many areas of the house, it doesn’t mean you have to buy one. Instead, check local hardware shops and other local businesses who rent out steam cleaners for these kinds of jobs.

Step 6: Dry Your Cushions in the Sun

If you have someone to help you, take the couch or the cushions outside to dry in the sunshine. This is a particularly good tip for when your cushions have been damp and have developed mold in some areas, as the UV rays from the sun kill mold cells.

How to Clean Tough Stains on Non-Removable Couch Cushions

If the above steps don’t help, you may need to investigate a solution for the specific stain that is on your cushion. There’s a solution for most problems: Ice cubes can be used to freeze chewing gum, so that you can then just pick it off. Rubbing alcohol applied to your sofa cushions with a clean cloth can lift ink stains. An enzyme cleaner removes blood, vomit, urine and other unpleasant liquids.

When to Call the Professionals

If you’ve tried all the above cleaning tips for your chair cushions and nothing’s worked, it’s okay to admit defeat! Call a professional chair or couch cleaning company in your area who specialize in cushions and who will have all the quality cleaning items and the experience to tackle any stain.

Conclusion

Non-removable cushion covers don’t have to be such a headache! Following the tips above, you can clean almost any issue with your couch cushions. Once you’ve cleaned your couch or chair cushion, keep it in good conditions with a regular going-over with the vacuum cleaner. This will save you a lot of bother and help you keep your sofa cushions looking and smelling fresh.

Green Home

How to Remove Wrinkles From a Leather Couch

Learn how to remove wrinkles from your wrinkly leather couch

How To Remove Wrinkles From Leather Featured

Incredibly hard-wearing and a real sign of luxury, leather is still being used for all manner of items, from clothes to furniture. But because it’s a natural product, it doesn’t always behave the way we’d like it to. In particular, leather couches and other items can wrinkle and crease with use.

But should you settle for a wrinkly leather couch? No! Thankfully, if your leather sofa is showing wrinkles and creases, there are ways to remove them. Read on to find out more.

(p.s., more than just wrinkles on your couch? Check out our comprehensive guide to couch cleaning!)

How to Remove Wrinkles and Creases From Your Leather Couch

Getting the wrinkles out of leather is important, and not just aesthetically. Over time, the wrinkles and creases can widen and become cracks, eventually causing significant damage to your settee.

That doesn’t mean that all creases have to come out. Some creases are natural, but if your sofa has developed wrinkles post-purchase you should consider treating them. Thankfully, the main item you need to help you is heat. Too much heat, of course, can damage your leather, so use these tips carefully, and don’t let your couch get too hot.

How to Use a Blow Dryer To Remove Wrinkles From Your Leather Couch

A blow dryer won’t get as hot as an iron but it will still heat up your leather enough to remove smaller, shallower wrinkles and creases. Turn the blow dryer onto the maximum heat setting and hold it eight to ten inches away from the leather wrinkles.

Every few seconds, smooth one of your hands over the leather to encourage wrinkles out of leather and repeat the process until the wrinkles have disappeared. If the blow dryer method doesn’t work, try something hotter.

Using a Heat Gun to Get Wrinkles Out of Leather

Getting wrinkles out of leather couches might not work with a hair dryer, so you might want to now try a heat gun. Heat guns look like blow dryers but you certainly wouldn’t want to dry your hair with one. Because heat guns get so hot you must be careful not to get your leather too hot.

First, apply a leather conditioner to the leather furniture to avoid it cracking. Leave this to soak in for an hour. Then, plug in the gun and put on the lowest setting.

Wave the gun over the wrinkled piece of leather furniture, getting no closer than 7 inches to it. Don’t let any one piece get too hot, and continually wipe the leather with a washcloth dampened with water.

You may create a light steam but don’t worry. Steam from a steam cleaner is too intense for leather furniture but a small amount from the heat gun won’t damage the leather. Continue the process

Removing Wrinkles in a Leather Couch with an Iron

If the wrinkles are too deep for the blow dryer or heat gun, it’s time to introduce the iron. But before you plug in your iron and take it to your leather seats with abandon, wait!

First, remove any water from inside the iron and then set it to its lowest temperature setting. Then, place a brown paper bag or sheet of material or cloth over the crease and slowly but steadily move the iron over the creased or wrinkled area.

You don’t want to let the iron heat any one area too much so keep it moving. Remove the paper bag or cloth and check the depth of the wrinkles. If they’re still there, first let the leather cool down and then iron again in the same way as earlier.

Repeat the process as many times as necessary to get the wrinkles out of your leather couch. You may never get a completely smooth surface but you’ll have removed plenty of the wrinkling using this method. Once again: never forget the paper bag or cloth on top of the couch first!

At this point, apply a leather cream or conditioner because an iron can quickly dry out your leather and cause a different kind of damage, so don’t undo all the good you’ve just done.

Should You Use a Steamer on Your Leather Couch? (No)

Using steam to get wrinkles out of a leather jacket, leather skirt, leather purse or even curtains can work by allowing the weight of the leather materials to straighten the wrinkle with the help of the steam. You can’t use a steamer on these items but you can use steam from a hot shower. The same cannot be said of a leather sofa.

To be clear, you should not take a steamer to a leather sofa. One of the reasons you place a paper bag over the leather before you put the iron over it and empty the water reservoir is to reduce the amount of steam that gets near the leather.

How to Remove an Indentation From a Leather Couch or Seat

Sitting in one particular part of the couch will cause indentations over time. That’s why it’s a good idea to turn over the leather seat cushions if they’re removable, to equal out the wear. But if you have an indentation, you can fix it.

First, check that there’s no damage to the seat cushion core. If that’s what’s causing the indentation or sagging, no amount of leather treatment will restore the shape. If you’re happy it’s a leather indentation, then first try the ironing technique.

Like before, run the iron over the affected surface, making sure to put down a brown paper bag or cotton cloth first. When it heats up, move it around, stretching it out gently all over the leather until you’ve restored the shape.

Getting indentations out of leather furniture takes more time than it would getting wrinkles out, but the same methods still apply. If the wrinkle or indentation has caused a crack in the furniture, you can even repair this yourself with a leather repair kit, or if it’s beyond your own expertise, contact a leather furniture professional who will help you restore the material.

Look After Your Leather

In the same way you look after a leather jacket or favorite pair of smart leather shoes, you should also take the time to look after your leather couch. Clean up spills of water and other liquids as soon as they happen, and act before wrinkles get too deep.

Use a leather conditioner every few months, rubbing in the cream to keep it supple and avoid wrinkles and cracks. Prevention is always better than cure, and looking after your leather before the wrinkles appear should always be your aim.

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James Evans

James is a copywriter based in the UK. He writes on sustainability, finance, tech, and anything else that interests him. He likes tea.