Furniture is necessities in every home. They serve both functional and aesthetic roles. Homeowners can become emotionally attached to this investment based on their design, appeal, or memory.
Every piece of furniture has an expected lifespan, but many get damaged faster due to poor purchase decisions or maintenance.
Regardless, all pieces of furniture are prone to wear and tear due to use. Despite this, there are ways they can be protected to make them last longer.
It is, however, essential to note that the first guarantee of long-lasting furniture is quality. Therefore, when you visit a Dining Room Furniture Store, for instance, make sure only to purchase quality furniture made of hardwood. Common hardwood sources are mahogany, oak, maple, walnut, and teak.
Below are some tips to protect and make your home furniture last longer:
1. Regular and proper cleaning
Furniture is a magnet for dirt and dust. Aside from making the furniture less attractive, they can cause significant damage over time. If left unattended, the damage can be permanent.
That is why furniture needs regular cleaning. Not just that, the cleaning has to be done correctly. Do not clean with water to avoid damaging the finish. Water can also penetrate the wood to cause it to swell, split and crack. Use the appropriate solution best for the wood type.
Whenever you notice any spot, such as spills, do not wait until your cleaning day before getting rid of it. If left there, they can become solidified and eventually damage the furniture.
2. Do not expose it to weather elements
Weather elements such as rain and sunlight are no friend to any furniture, especially those made of wood. They can cause severe and permanent damage to both indoor and outdoor furniture.
When placing your furniture indoors, make sure they away from direct ultraviolet rays (UV). UV rays can fade the furniture painting and weaken the fabric by interacting with the color molecules to induce a chemical reaction that causes them to break down.
Use window coverings to block direct sunlight penetration indoors and place outdoor furniture in shaded areas. Cover your furniture with fabrics whenever they will not be used for some time.
3. Use proper protection materials
Furniture protection materials can help prevent scratches, spills, and other damage that can be caused by daily use. There are different materials available in the market, including cotton, leather, polyester, and vinyl.
When choosing one, consider furniture size and location. Using a cotton cover might not be a good idea for outdoor furniture. You do not want it too tight to avoid damaging the furniture. Likewise, wind can remove loose materials.
Furniture covers and slipcovers
Covers and slipcovers protect furniture against stains and spills, especially from pets. Slipcovers can also be used to cover fabric damage instead of re-upholstering.
They are available in various materials, including leather, cotton, and polyester. Choose the design and material that best suit your furniture and decor.
Protective pads and coasters
Pads are perfect for protecting furniture without legs, such as bed frames. They protect against stains and moisture damage.
Coasters, on the other hand, can be placed underneath drinks to protect the furniture from being damaged by heat or liquid spills. They also add aesthetics to the table design.
Upholstery and fabric protection sprays
As the furniture owner, you might be cautious of how you use it, but visitors such as in-laws? Not so sure. You cannot blame them; furniture is meant to be used, and you are responsible for protecting them from damage.
Protection sprays are inconspicuous shields on the upholstery and fabric that make your furniture resistant to stains, spills, wear, and tear.
4. Polish old wood furniture
As furniture ages, they may need polishing to restore their look. It is also a good opportunity to repaint them to fit your new decor.
Polishing does not only help correct fading and scratching; if appropriately applied and regularly, it can protect the furniture from pest damage. It also helps to repel dirt and dust, making cleaning easier.
Use quality polish products to ensure the furniture will not need another polishing soon.
5. Store unused furniture safely
If you are in-between moves, downsizing to save up for a new home, or staying with a roommate, you may need to store some of your furniture. While nothing is wrong with this, doing it wrong might damage the furniture.
Wooden furniture is susceptible to cracking and breaking. When covered with upholsters, they may attract insects and pests in storage. Therefore, control the storage environment to prevent this.
When moving the furniture to storage space, disassemble them if you can. This extra step will help reduce the possibility of breaking or scratching anything.
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