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Giving your office furniture a spring cleaning each year is a good idea. Below we've highlighted a few ways you can do that with some of the most popular furniture materials—laminate, leather, and vinyl.

Cleaning Laminate Furniture

If you need to clean laminate furniture, you can follow these 3 steps:

Dust: Use an oil-free furniture spray or a clean damp cloth.
Hand wash: Using basic soap and warm water can get your furniture clean. You'll also want to dry it with a paper towel or cloth to avoid soap residue.
Remove stains: Get rid of pesky stains by using a simple home remedy of hot water and baking soda. Mix it into a paste and gently rub in the solution with a toothbrush until the stain is removed. Don't forget to rinse!

Cleaning Leather Furniture

Leather furniture wears down its shine after a while. A great way to bring some life back into your leather furniture is to clean your leather furniture with some home remedies and elbow grease.

Below are some methods you can use to clean your leather furniture:

Leather cleaner: Using leather cleaner is pretty straightforward. All you need is a little cleaner and a cloth to get the job done.
Vinegar and linseed oil: Applying a mix of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts linseed oil with a cloth is a great home remedy to clean your leather furniture.
Rubbing alcohol and water: Mixing equal parts alcohol and water and rubbing it in with a cloth is another reliable way to clean your leather furniture. If you use this option, consider using a leather conditioner afterward, as it can dry out your leather.
Cuticle remover: One way to remove pen marks and stains from your leather furniture is to use cuticle remover. Simply dab the cuticle remover on the stain, then rub away with a cloth. Repeat as needed.

Cleaning Vinyl Furniture

The steps to clean vinyl furniture are roughly the same as the steps for cleaning leather furniture.

Baking soda and water: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and rub it into your furniture. Use another damp cloth to rinse. If you need to remove a stain, mix the baking soda and water into a paste, then scrub with a brush and rinse.
Vinegar, warm water, and Murphy Oil Soap: Use half a cup of warm water, half a cup of vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of Murphy Oil Soap, then wipe with a damp cloth.

That wraps up our spring cleaning tips for your furniture! If you have any questions about the cleaning methods above, you can always contact us for more guidance.

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Real Wood vs. Wood Veneer vs. Laminate: What’s the Difference?

Real wood, wood veneer, and laminate are common materials used in everything from kitchen cabinets to living room furniture to office furniture. Even though these are 3 of the most widely used materials in furniture, many of us are still left scratching our heads wondering, “What’s the difference?”

Conventional wisdom says that solid wood, or real wood, is best. But is that always the best choice when shopping for furniture? We’ll define each of these materials and run through the benefits to help you determine which material is right for you. The answers might surprise you.

What Is Wood Veneer?

Wood veneer is a thin layer of real hardwood applied to a less expensive material like plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).

What Is Laminate?

Laminate is an engineered material usually constructed of plastic and bonded to a composite base. Office furniture shoppers should know about 2 types of laminate. High-pressure laminate (HPL) is constructed of multiple layers bonded together under high pressure and heat, making the product incredibly durable. High-pressure laminate is favored by some of the biggest companies in the world because it’s been designed to resist stains, scratches, and heat.

Low-pressure laminate is more widely known as melamine. Melamine is constructed of a single layer bonded to the base material. Because melamine is less durable than high-pressure laminate, it performs better in lower-use areas.

Because of the way laminate is constructed, it can be designed to create different styles and mimic other surfaces like wood or marble.

What Is ‘Real Wood’?

Solid wood, often referred to as “real wood,” refers to natural wood or plywood rather than plywood. You may find furniture that has been constructed of solid wood or as a combination of materials. For example, it’s common to pair a solid wood desktop with metal desk legs. You might also find solid wood as an element within a mixed-material construction.

Understanding the Differences Between Laminate, Wood Veneer, and Solid Wood

Debating which option to go with for your new office furniture? Here are some distinguishing features of each material to make it easier for you to choose which is best for your needs.

The Benefits of Laminate

Laminate is engineered to stand up to high traffic and heavy use, making it a popular choice for commercial offices, home offices, doctor’s offices, schools, and anywhere else you expect your furniture to see a lot of “wear and tear.” It’s often easier to care for than real wood or wood veneer.

Durable, manufactured surface
Scratch, stain, and heat-resistant
Easy to clean and maintain
Modern, on-trend finishes
Budget-friendly and easier to manufacture

The Drawback of Laminate

One downfall of laminate is that, since it's a manufactured surface, you will not get the natural variations and true wood grains that you see with real wood veneer; however, the color possibilities are endless.

The Benefits of Wood Veneer

Wood veneer gives you a solid wood look without the matching price point of solid wood furniture. Because the veneer is composed of natural wood, it has a richer and more varied look. Since more effort goes into crafting a veneer top, they are usually priced higher than laminate alternatives. Wood veneer is softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents when compared to laminate, so we recommend using desk pads and coasters to protect your surfaces.

Real wood finish with natural variations
Richer, stained finish options
Requires coasters and desk pads
Higher price point versus laminate

The Drawbacks of Wood Veneer

Wood veneer can be more delicate because it’s topped with a very thin layer of natural wood, making it susceptible to chipping and scratching.

The Benefits of Solid Wood

Solid wood gives you a natural wood finish that is beautiful and luxurious. In furniture production, solid wood has become a stand-in for “luxury.” Nothing sounds more opulent than a solid mahogany desk (however heavy it may be in real life). Solid wood gives you the beauty of the natural grain, and because it’s a natural material, it will break down faster than laminate wood or wood veneer, making it a sustainability favorite.

Beautiful natural grain
Luxurious
Sustainable

The Drawbacks of Solid Wood

While not as fragile as wood veneer, solid wood can be prone to chipping, staining, and rings. Because of this, many shoppers will choose solid wood for their homes and laminate for their offices.

Maintaining Laminate, Wood Veneer, and Solid Wood

If you plan on using your desk or table for years, you'll want to know how to keep that beautiful finish looking its best even after daily use. Always consult the manufacturer of the product to ensure that you are using the proper cleaning method for your furniture. Make a habit of performing these regular maintenance tasks, and you'll thank yourself for it in the long run.

Pay special attention to wood veneer and solid wood finishes. They require a special cleaning process to ensure the wood is not damaged.

Laminate vs. Wood Veneer vs. Solid Wood: Which to Choose?

Choosing between laminate, veneer, and solid wood really comes down to durability and consistency versus natural beauty and variation. Consider which of these benefits is more important to you when making your decision.

How to Clean Your Workstation

We all get busy at the office, so it can be easy to let messes build up in our workspaces over time. A cluttered and dirty desk can negatively affect productivity and employee happiness, so do yourself a favor and take our tips for cleaning your workspace and keeping it clean for good.

Throw Away What You Don't Need

For the packrats, this can be a tough concept to accept and implement. But if you have paperwork and old stacks of used Post-its laying around, do yourself a favor and throw them out. Those stacks upon stacks of stuff add more mess to your space, and that's the last thing you need when trying to work.

Get Rid of Clutter

Speaking of clutter, get rid of it! You should eliminate the trash at your desk and clear any unnecessary office supplies and materials you aren't using regularly. Keeping a clear desk surface will help you keep a clear mind.

Designate a Space for Personal Items

Although you should keep your desk as clear as possible, it's also important to keep personal items such as family photos nearby as a source of inspiration. We recommend limiting personal items to 1 or 2 designated areas at your workstation, depending on how large your desk is. At NBF, every employee is equipped with an inward-facing bookshelf perfect for displaying personal items while maintaining a clean look.

Disinfect and Sanitize

Now comes the actual cleaning part. There are all kinds of disinfecting agents that effectively help stop and prevent the spread of germs. Try using disinfecting wipes across your workstation once a week if you can. It doesn’t take long, and it can make a huge difference in stopping the spread of germs that can get you sick. Don’t forget to clean out your desk drawers and keyboard too!

Save Meals for the Breakroom

Although it may be tempting to snack away at your desk, crumbs and drinks can be easily spilled over important files and equipment. Keep mess to a minimum by only eating in your company's breakroom. While coffee and water are a must-have for many to keep at their workspace, just be careful to keep drinks away from electronics and paperwork.

Stop Mess Before It Starts

The best way to keep a clean and organized workspace is to not let it get messy in the first place. Think that's easier said than done? The best way to accomplish this is by making cleaning and organizing part of your everyday routine. Organize the important paperwork and throw away the things you don't need every single day. You don't need to wipe down and sanitize your desk on a daily basis, but try doing so once a week or even once every other week until you can make the action a habit.

How to Clean Your Cubicle

The cubicle is your home away from home. But do you clean it like you do your home? If you don't, you're not alone. After all, who can be expected to make the time to clean their workspace when office hours are spent on job duties?

Whether you've just realized how dirty your desk looks or you’re a neat freak by nature, incorporating these simple tips into your office routine will help keep you happier and healthier at work.

Daily Cubicle Cleaning

1. Unclutter. Freeing your workspace of unnecessary clutter will immediately minimize visual distractions and make it look cleaner. Eliminate any paperwork, office supplies, and personal items that are not needed regularly. Doing this once per day, either at the start of your morning or before you leave for home in the evening, will keep your space looking nice and clean. You'd be amazed at what difference a quick tidy-up can make!

2. Wipe down. You don't need to scrub your whole cube to make an impact. Do a quick wipe down of the items you use most frequently to prevent the spread of germs and keep things looking their best. Commonly used workspace items may include your desk phone, mouse, keyboard, and certain office supplies. These items can all be cleaned with a simple disinfectant wipe or damp microfiber cloth.

3. Clean up food and drink. From your coffee mug to that plate you used for your morning doughnut, you should clean anything used to eat or drink daily—no exceptions.

Weekly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Disinfect your work surface. Begin or end each week by wiping down your entire desk. Friday afternoon or Monday morning are great times to perform this task. The top of your desk is a high-traffic area that can quickly become a breeding ground for germs if not properly maintained. Be sure to read our complete guide to desk cleaning for details on cleaning specific types of furniture.

2. Deep clean frequently used desk items. Although you should wipe down commonly used items such as your desk phone and keyboard daily, you should take it a step further once per week. Get out your canned air, disinfectant spray, paper towels, and Q-tips to get between keys, in cracks, and everywhere else a simple wipe-down may not cover.

Monthly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Organize. Whether you use a lot of paper filing space or your desk hutch needs some help, take time once a month to reorganize. Tasks like arranging paperwork in your file cabinet by date, sorting out your junk drawer, and alphabetizing your bookcase can greatly impact how you use your cubicle. You will find items are easier to find and cause less stress when you keep them properly organized.

2. Clean those screens. Although you may not touch your computer monitors often, they are right in the way of every cough and sneeze that comes out of your mouth. Plus, they get dusty pretty quick too. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth once a month to keep them looking like new.

Yearly Cubicle Cleaning

1. Clean cubicle walls. Because most cubicle walls are made of a tactile material like fabric, they must be deep cleaned at least once each year. Standard cleaning protocol for cube walls involves vacuuming, removing stains, and scrubbing with a mixture of mild detergent and water. If that all sounds like a bit much for you to handle on your own, fear not. Ask your office manager how often cubicle walls are cleaned and express your concern if the answer is less than once a year. Requesting the cleaning of cubicles should be within the realm of reason for the business. Remember to help wherever you can by removing any artwork or notes hanging from your cubicle walls before cleaning.

2. Tidy up computer cords. Do a quick sweep under your desk and remove any dust bunnies residing between computer cords with a microfiber cloth. Getting this done yearly will help keep the space nice and clean.

3. Wipe down the insides of drawers and storage units. Once a year, take all your office supplies and papers out of your storage units and filing cabinets, grab some disinfectant spray and paper towels, and wipe down the insides. You'll be amazed by how much debris builds up in there.

4. Don't forget your office chair. You sit in your computer chair every single day. Is it overdue for a cleaning? Read our complete guide to office chair cleaning to learn more about effectively removing crumbs and stains, depending on what type of chair you sit in.

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