Cleaning & Maintenance for Special Surfaces: Stone, Timber, Leather, Electronics & Fabrics
Each surface needs its own care. Use this expert guide to clean smarter and protect your home’s most delicate materials.
Every home is made up of unique materials — stone benchtops, timber floors, leather couches, fabric furniture, and delicate electronics. The wrong cleaning method can dull, scratch, or permanently damage them. This guide shows you the safest ways to clean and maintain each surface.
🪨 Stone Surfaces — Marble, Granite, Quartz & More
Stone looks luxurious but many stones are porous and sensitive. Even a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can cause etching or dull spots.
How to Clean Stone Surfaces
- Wipe daily with warm water and a mild, pH‑neutral detergent.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth — avoid anything abrasive.
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent streaks and water marks.
What to Avoid
- No vinegar, lemon, or citrus‑based cleaners.
- Avoid bleach, ammonia, or scouring pads.
- Never place hot pans directly on the surface.
Seal natural stone every 6–12 months. If a few drops of water darken the stone within a minute, it’s time to reseal.
🌳 Timber Floors & Furniture
Timber adds warmth and character but is easy to damage with moisture or harsh cleaning.
How to Clean Timber
- Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft‑bristle attachment.
- Weekly: microfiber mop lightly dampened with a wood‑floor cleaner or a few drops of mild detergent in water.
- Always follow the grain when wiping.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t flood floors — excess water causes warping.
- No steam mops or harsh chemicals.
- Skip wax or oil polishes unless designed for your floor.
Maintenance Tips
- Use felt pads under furniture legs.
- Limit UV exposure to prevent fading.
- Doormats at entrances catch grit before it scratches.
🛋 Leather Surfaces — Couches, Chairs & Car Interiors
Leather looks sophisticated but is sensitive to products and sunlight. With regular care, it can last decades.
How to Clean Leather
- Wipe weekly with a dry microfiber cloth.
- For deeper cleaning, mix a few drops of mild soap in warm water.
- Dampen a cloth, wring well, wipe gently.
- Finish with a dry cloth to remove residue.
Conditioning
Every 3–6 months, apply conditioner. Use beeswax‑based creams for natural leather and silicone‑free products for coated or synthetic types.
Avoid
- Bleach, alcohol, or household sprays.
- Direct sunlight which causes fading and dryness.
Blot spills immediately — don’t rub. For oily stains, apply cornflour or talcum powder overnight, then brush off gently.
💻 Electronics & Screens
Dust and fingerprints build up quickly, but screens are delicate.
How to Clean Electronics Safely
- Turn off and unplug devices first.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth for dusting.
- For smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water or a 50/50 mix with isopropyl alcohol.
- Wipe gently — never spray liquid directly on screens.
Avoid
- Glass/window sprays or vinegar on coated screens.
- Paper towels that can scratch.
- Pressing too hard on LCD or OLED panels.
Keep a soft cloth at your workspace for quick daily wipes. Clean keyboards and remotes weekly with alcohol swabs.
🪶 Fabrics & Upholstery
Fabrics trap dust, oils and pet hair. Gentle, regular care keeps them fresh.
How to Clean Fabric Furniture
- Vacuum weekly with an upholstery attachment.
- Check the care label codes (W, S, W/S, X) before using cleaners.
- For small stains, blot with warm soapy water; don’t rub.
- Let fabrics air dry completely before use.
Deep Cleaning
Every 6–12 months, consider professional steam cleaning to remove deep‑seated dirt, dust mites and allergens.
Pro Tips
- Rotate cushions to even out wear.
- Use fabric protection to resist stains.
- Keep upholstery out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
⚡ Combining Materials? Here’s What to Do
Modern furniture often mixes materials. Use this quick guide:
| Material Combo | What to Know | Cleaning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Stone + Metal | Moisture from stone cleaning can rust metal legs. | Dry thoroughly after wiping. |
| Timber + Fabric | Moisture from upholstery can stain wood edges. | Clean fabric first, wood second. |
| Leather + Metal | Metal polishes can stain leather. | Cover leather while cleaning metal parts. |
| Glass + Electronics | Watch for overspray on ports and screens. | Always spray onto the cloth, not directly. |
🌱 Eco‑Friendly Cleaning for Every Surface
Natural alternatives that protect your surfaces and the planet:
| Surface | Natural Cleaner | Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Stone | Warm water + Castile soap | 1 tbsp soap per litre of water |
| Timber | Olive oil + vinegar (for sealed wood only) | ½ cup olive oil + ½ cup vinegar |
| Leather | Coconut oil + lemon juice | 1 part each, apply thinly |
| Electronics | Distilled water + isopropyl alcohol | 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle |
| Fabrics | Baking soda + warm water | Paste for stain removal |
Avoid essential oils with strong acids (like citrus) on natural stone or wood — they can etch or discolour the surface.
🧽 When to Call in the Professionals
- Stubborn stains on stone or timber that won’t lift
- Sticky or patchy areas on leather
- Fading or water marks on upholstery
- Mould or mildew on fabric or wood
- Sensitive electronics needing safe deep cleaning
Our experienced Melbourne team uses eco‑safe products tailored to each surface — no guesswork, no damage, just fresh results.
✨ Book your next professional clean
We’ll handle every surface with precision and care — so you can enjoy your home.
Related & Helpful
- Read our Eco‑Friendly Cleaning Guide for natural alternatives.
- Explore our End of Lease Cleaning Checklist — a great reference for a full deep clean.
- See the Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist 2025 for room‑by‑room tasks.