As we look to the future of Senior Living, we predict the increased furniture cleaning procedures many communities have implemented won’t be going away any time soon. That’s why it’s important to choose furniture for Senior Living facilities that can withstand rigorous cleaning processes.
Not only will these senior furnishings be easier to maintain, but outfitting communities with easy-to-clean furnishings can be a marketable benefit to prospective residents and their families.
The Best Features for Easy-to-Clean Senior Furniture
When choosing furniture that’s simple for staff to maintain, start with commercial-grade products, which are made with durable materials that will stand up to rigorous cleaning.
Faux-Wood Metal Chairs
Boasting durable, bleach-cleanable faux-wood metal, like the Gainesville Dining Chair (pictured right), these chairs can withstand the rigorous cleaning routines of today’s environment. A solution of up to 5% bleach and minimum 95% water can be applied with a soft, clean cloth. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding bleach solutions suitable for cleaning.
Performance Fabrics
Maxwell Thomas fabrics are designed specifically for Senior Living with outstanding performance and durability. They come treated to stand up to spills and incontinence in Senior Living, which helps reduce lead times and added costs.
Savvy Dining Design
Dining chairs with back cutouts or space between the seat and back, like the Scottsdale Dining Chair (pictured right), prevent crumbs from collecting and make it easier for staff to clean.
Additionally, choosing dining chairs that feature easy-to-clean materials, like vinyls, Crypton fabrics and hard-surface arms, can help with maintenance.
Explore our full selection of dining chairs.
Thermolaminate Tabletops
Durable thermolaminate tabletops are an excellent choice for furniture that’s easy to clean. Thermolaminate is heat-sealed to furniture in one continuous piece, making it highly resistant to moisture, denting, cracking, chipping and peeling. Because there are no seams, crumbs and germs can’t build up in crevices.
How to Clean Furniture
Start by identifying the furnishing type to determine the best cleaning method:
Solid Wood
Wipe tables with a damp cloth, then immediately wipe dry. Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents containing ammonia or other solvents (e.g., paint thinners, turpentine). A solution of warm water, vinegar and about five drops of dish soap can clean and disinfect the furniture if soiled.
Remove dust and protect using a soft cloth and non-abrasive furniture polish. Avoid polish build-up by applying furniture polish sparingly to a soft cloth and gently wiping wood surfaces.
Thermolaminate
Clean with a solution of warm water and soap. Use a clean cotton or microfiber cloth and wipe in a vertical movement with light pressure.
Cleaning agents/detergents should not contain solvents (e.g., paint thinners, turpentine), abrasive detergents (e.g., baking soda), furniture polish or denatured alcohols (e.g., white spirit). Avoid using a cleaner in combination with a brush or scouring pad.
Laminate
Clean the top with liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. For stubborn stains, use a household cleaner that is appropriate for use on wood products. Avoid bleach or abrasive cleaners, as these may void the warranty of the product.
Metal & Aluminum
Clean with a solution of warm water and mild soap. A non-corrosive cleaner (such as glass cleaner) will work well. Use a fine automotive wax to maintain the gloss on non-textured finishes.
How to Clean Upholstery
To properly clean fabrics, first identify the fabric type:
Crypton
Blot ordinary spills and wipe with clean water and a sponge. For challenging stains, use a powdered enzyme detergent diluted with water, then brush, blot and rinse. Bleach is not required or recommended, but you may use a highly diluted solution if necessary.
To clean syrupy stains (e.g., cola, cough syrup), apply a few drops of water on the stain for 5 to 15 minutes, then brush, blot and rinse. For ink, marker or crayons, use a strong water-based cleaner. For ballpoint ink, use rust removers.
For gum, harden with ice, remove with a dull scraper and use a powdered enzyme detergent diluted with water. For oily stains, use oil and grease removers and quickly wipe off. Follow up with a powdered enzyme detergent diluted with water and rinse.
Vinyl
Clean with a solution of warm water and mild soap. While vinyl is made to withstand daily cleanings with commonly used all-purpose cleaners, strong solvents can severely damage or discolor this material.
For help selecting the right products for your Senior Living project, contact us today.