When furniture arrives in your home, it's factory-issued, perfect and clean. From that day forward, however, accidents can happen, causing damage to your pieces. Sometimes the damage is permanent.

Know how to react when the inevitable spill or scratch occurs and you can "save" your furniture and extend its useful life.

From Martha Stewart, these "first-aid for furniture" tips should come in handy.

Wood

• Moisture "rings" : Pour table salt on the white rings/haze and cover with a terry cloth. Apply hair dryer on low setting until rings are gone.
• Alcohol spills : Blot spills immediately, do not rub. Apply small amounts of ammonia to damage.
• Wax spills : Allow to cool and harden, then freeze the wax with an ice cube in a sandwich bag. Use a butter knife to gently scrape off wax.

Fabric

• Red wine stains : Cover wine with table salt and let sit until salt has wicked up the wine. Vacuum salt and repeat, as necessary. Blot remaining stains with damp cloth and dish soap.
• General spills : Repeatedly blot with a damp white cloth. Use white cloths to prevent dye transfer.
• Oil spills : Cover spill with baking soda and vacuum once absorbed. Blot remaining stains with rubbing alcohol

Leather

• General stains : Blot with all-purpose household cleaner. To prevent fading in the upholstery, avoid products with bleach or bleach alternatives.
• Scratches : Apply saddle soap to a damp cloth and rub the scratch to help it "blend in". It won't go away.

The tips on leather furniture also makes mention that you should never bother with touch-up kits or colored markers. It's nearly impossible to match leather colors and your repair work will only make the scratch more noticeable.