8 tips on how to clean high gloss furniture including using HAIRSPRAY to remove pen marks

High-gloss furniture looks great – it’s fresh and modern and easy to keep clean.

But its appearance can be ruined if it is scratched and there are lots of great hacks you can learn for trouble-free cleaning.

High gloss pieces are consistent best-sellers – whether in white, black, grey or marble effect.

Here interiors expert Laura Rich from the online store Furniturebox explains easy-to-follow steps to get your favourite high gloss table, desk, TV unit or shelving unit looking as good as new.

1 Be gentle – the number one tip for cleaning anything high gloss is: BE GENTLE! You shouldn’t scour, scrub or scrape at high-gloss pieces because they are a veneered surface that could be damaged by doing so. A soft, dry cloth should be all you need for daily wipe-downs. Don’t use those sponges with the green scrubby stuff on them, either. And always use water-based cleaning products. Never use bleach or anything with ammonia or other solvents in it.

2 Dry spills and water immediately – you can use a damp cloth with a dash of washing up liquid to cut through any dirt or grease and then immediately dry off with a soft towel. Don’t use a dripping-wet cloth/sponge; wring it out well first. And avoid leaving liquids of any kind (whether you’re cleaning, or in the event of an accidental spill) on high-gloss surfaces because it can dull its glossy appearance.

3 Avoid going in circles – use up-and-down movements rather than circular movements with your sponges, cloths and soft pads will help avoid streaks or any accidental scratches.

4 Use furniture polish sparingly – you can give your gloss surfaces an extra boost for shine once every 3 months or so by using a light dusting of furniture polish. Wipe off quickly after application using a soft cloth, sponge or pad, using straight movements rather than circular. You only need to do this a few times a year, as your surfaces really won’t need it, and you could over-polish, resulting in damage to the glossy veneer. Always do a patch test with any cleaning products on an inconspicuous spot first.

5 Avoid placing near windows – dust does like to accumulate near windows (it’s the draft and the light). Keeping a table or unit further from windows will help combat the dreaded dust.

6 Consider a glass table topper – it will add an extra little protective barrier while you can still enjoy the bright, crisp look of the high-gloss surface beneath. You can use glass cleaners and also white vinegar to keep the glass topper sparkling.

7 Avoid putting things that get hot directly onto high gloss surfaces – the heat from consoles could damage the gloss. Use a mat or other protective layer between any consoles, laptops or TV devices that get a bit hot. Also avoid putting sharp or scratchy objects directly onto surfaces – keys, scissors, rough ceramics, etc.

8 Use hairspray to remove pen marks – the mild alcohol content of the hairspray will lift the ink. This works on other surface types, too. Always make sure you do a patch test on a small inconspicuous area first.

4 high gloss best sellers from Furniturebox

1 Giovani 4 Black White High Gloss Glass Dining Table – it has a high-cost look for a low price with its tinted black gloss top and white gloss support.

2 Siena White High Gloss Rotating Computer Desk – clean yet stylish design and the perfect centre piece for a home or corporate office.

3 Romero White High Gloss TV Stand – combining high gloss with crisp, minimalist lines in a modern G-shaped design

4 Giovani Modern Halo Grey White High Gloss and Glass Coffee Table – modern minimalist style and stunning elegance.