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Most people have a lot of furniture in their homes. They buy them because they like them, and they also spend some time deciding which one to buy. But, after all, do they take good care of them? If not, those lovely pieces might start looking worn out or old within just a few months! You can easily prevent this from happening by following these simple steps:
Pay Attention to the Manufacturer’s Cleaning Instructions
It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, as they contain vital information about how to keep your furniture looking brand new. If you don’t follow these instructions, you could damage your furniture or void its warranty.
Always use a dry cloth for dusting and wiping down surfaces in your home. Never use a damp cloth on wood or other porous materials to avoid wood rot and water marks from damaging them over time (especially if you live in a humid climate).
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Remember how you run in the house to find sunscreen before going out in the sun? Well, that’s essential because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiations can devastate the skin. In fact, WHO data shows that harmful UV caused 1.2 million new skin cancer cases and 64,000 premature deaths due to melanoma in 2020.
Sunlight can have a similar impact on your furniture. Hence, avoid direct sun exposure to keep your furniture looking as good as new. Sunlight can fade the fabric and cause it to become brittle, which will lead you to replace your furniture more often than you would like. Moreover, it can also make the furniture wood go pale and lose its elegant looks.
To avoid this, place your furniture away from windows or doors, so they are no longer exposed to daylight. If this is not possible due to the style of the room or other physical limitations of your home, consider using a UV protective cover for any uncovered items such as chairs or couches placed in areas where sunlight is likely to hit them directly during most hours of the day. This will slow down the process and keep your furniture looking brand new for an extended period.
Protect the Furniture’s Fabric
Protecting your furniture’s fabric from stains, dust, and hair is an essential part of keeping it looking brand new. To do this, you will want to use a variety of cleaning tools:
- A spray bottle or mister filled with water and a few drops of dish soap or mild detergent.
- A damp cloth for wiping away dust and dirt from the surface. You can use a soft bristle brush on more stubborn dirt if necessary.
- Use a vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment to remove dust and hair from both sides of the fabric (the side facing outwards and the side facing inwards). To help cut down on time spent vacuuming every day, invest in an extra-long hose attachment so that you can reach areas higher than usual when cleaning low-lying tables or chairs.
While all the steps mentioned above can help prevent stains and keep the furniture looking brand new for a short time, they become inefficient if you are looking for a long-term solution. In such a case, it is best to use a protective spray to prevent stains from sticking to the fabric. The best long-term solution is a fabric protection spray that prevents stains and sun fade. These sprays can protect your furniture and its fabric for as long as a decade or more. The best thing is that most such fabric protection sprays don’t have harmful chemicals, making them safe to apply in the house.
Regularly Dust and Clean Your Furniture
Dusting is an essential part of keeping your furniture in good shape. It’s also one of the easiest ways to keep your home clean, as it only takes a few minutes once you get in the habit.
- Use a feather duster or soft rag to dust all surfaces, including tops, legs, and feet (if any).
- Cloth covers on upholstery are made from fabrics that attract and hold dirt; they will quickly become stained if not cleaned regularly.
- Vacuuming is an effective way to remove loose dirt and debris before you begin cleaning with water-based products. However, some stubborn stains may remain even after vacuuming, so you must try different cleaners until you find one that works!
When it comes to cleaning your furniture, there is no one-size-fits-all method. You should always carefully consider the materials in your piece before selecting a cleaner. The best way to do this is by reading the labels on the back of the product. Check them for these key things:
- Is it safe for my furniture? If you have a sofa made of leather or suede, you’ll want to skip cleaners with strong chemicals because they can weaken those materials over time and cause discoloration or other damage.
- Does it smell? A strong smell might indicate harsh chemicals in the product; avoid anything with an overpowering fragrance if possible (especially if you plan on using it inside).
- Is its main ingredient toxic? Read labels carefully and ensure all ingredients are safe for your home and its inhabitants—you don’t want any harmful fumes floating around while someone’s sleeping upstairs! An increasing number of studies have shown that cleaning products can contain hazardous substances. According to a study, an average cleaning product has around 3.5 chemical substances. Continuous exposure to these substances can lead to health problems. Hence, it is vital to check the ingredients.
Keep the Pets Off the Furniture
Keeping pets off the furniture can be a challenge. If your dog or cat doesn’t have access to the couch, then you’re good to go! However, if you allow them on furniture but want to keep it looking nice for guests and family members who don’t love animals as much as you do, you can use a pet-proof cover. Such products are designed with edge stitching around their perimeter so that they will fit snugly over any piece of furniture to keep pets from getting up there in the first place.
Another way to keep your pets off the furniture is by setting rules. You need to restrict them from using the furniture from the start. You can also give them treats when they behave nicely to encourage such behavior. Lastly, you can also give them an alternative. If you have a spare furniture piece, allow your pet to use it. You can use any of these ways to keep your pet off the furniture; the goal is not to let them get on a new piece.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, keeping your furniture looking brand new is an important part of maintaining your space. Whether you’re looking to protect your furniture or need to care for someone else’s, there are many ways like the ones mentioned above to keep it in great condition.
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