• Use toothpaste to erase water marks.Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  With day-to-day use, your furniture can take a beating, from scratches and water marks accumulated on wood surfaces to the discoloration of and absorption of odors in fabrics. Fortunately, you don't have to deal with furniture that looks worn or spend a lot of money to repair any damage as there are several home remedies that are effective at reversing such problems.
  
  

Water Marks

• If your wooden dining room or coffee table is plagued with water marks, erase the damage with toothpaste. Simply rub white toothpaste over the mark, wipe it dry and then apply wax to the wood. The toothpaste will remove the water mark and breathe new life into your table.
  
  

Gum

• If someone has stuck gum underneath your kitchen table or countertop, you can remove the gum and the stickiness it leaves behind with ice and a little elbow grease. Hold an ice cube on top of the gum to harden it. Once the gum feels hard to the touch, use your fingernail or a piece of hard plastic, such as a credit card, to pry the gum off of the surface. Once the gum is removed, apply a cleaning agent to the area and rub it with an extra-fine grain steel wool pad.
  
  

Ink

• You can remove an ink stain from a leather couch with soap-based dish-washing detergent. To remove the ink, wet a cotton cloth, wring out any excess water and then apply a small amount of soap to the cloth. Blot the leather surface with the damp, soapy cloth. Use a dry, cotton cloth to buff the surface and allow it to air dry. It is important to note that you should not repeat this process, as it may further damage the leather.
  
  

Cigarette Smoke

• Cigarette smoke quickly adheres to fabrics and upholstery, leaving a stale and unpleasant smell in your home. To remove the smell, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the fabric or upholstery. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least an hour and vacuum over the surface. If the odor persists, repeat the process.
  
  

Pet Fur

• If you own pets and allow them on your furniture, there is a good chance that they have left their fur behind on your upholstery. To remove pet fur, fill a spray bottle with one part liquid fabric softener and three parts water. Spray the solution on the piece of furniture and allow it to dry. Once it has dried, vacuum the furniture; the fur will be easily removed. Repeat the process if necessary.