Furniture can be one of the most expensive investments in the house. Here are ways you may accidentally be ruining your furniture.
Not considering sun exposure
Sun exposure can cause fabrics and leather to fade and age more quickly. The same is true for rugs, dining tables, and chairs. One solution is to rotate furniture and things like rugs over time or select fabrics specifically designed to protect against fading.
Not rotating and flipping cushions
Failing to rotate and flip cushions lessens the life of the foam and can cause sagging and unevenness over time. You should do it once every few weeks or once a month depending on how often you use the specific cushion or furniture. This is especially important for people who sit in the same spot and risk overworking those areas.
Wrong cleaning habits
Not all cleaning products are safe for your furniture. Before using a cleaning product on a specific fabric, research to find out what products work best with it and which ones to avoid entirely. Most fabrics conceal dust and dirt so don’t wait for your furniture to be obviously dirty before you clean it. Regular maintenance is key to maintaining longevity.
Over-cleaning and professional cleaning too often can harm your furniture and fabric, especially leather. It speeds up normal wear and tear. When cleaning, focus on the affected area and refrain from scrubbing even when a stain won’t budge.
Not considering ambient conditions
Humidity, dryness, and excessive heat and cold can take their toll on wooden furniture. Consider a dehumidifier, keep the indoor temperature moderate and keep your furniture dusted to prevent warping and cracking. Warping and cracking are caused by rapid changes in temperature which cause the wood to expand and contract.
Eating on the sofa
One of the worst habits you can encourage is eating on the sofa or in bed. Some spills don’t go away no matter how hard you try. In general, and especially when hosting people, place coasters on wood surfaces during meals to create a protective barrier.
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Plant mistakes
While it may look good to have plants on top of furniture like side tables, they can really wreak havoc on wooden pieces. If you must have plants on wooden surfaces, water them over a sink and away from the furniture. When you take it back, use a soft, waterproof coaster to avoid damaging the wooden surface and floors.
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No regular checks
Not being protective of your furniture and failing to check for damage can reduce the lifespan of your furniture. Check for loose screws, small tears, stability of joinery, and other signs of wear then deal with them early before it worsens. The sooner you catch a problem, the better your chances of fixing it.
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