Rip Happens: How to Protect Your Furniture From Wear and Tear
The furniture in your home doesn’t get the proper recognition it deserves. It stands up to daily wear, environmental factors, family members, and even pets, all while being a comfortable place where you can sit back, relax, and kick your feet up. Your furniture works hard. And you should show it some love (no, not sentimental handwritten love notes or an expensive vase of flowers). There are a few different things you can do to show just how much you appreciate your furniture. Let’s get started.
Keep It Fresh: Regularly Clean Your Furniture
How often do you vacuum around the house? There is a good chance you probably wouldn’t go six months, a year, or — gasp — a lifetime without vacuuming your floors. So why aren’t you regularly vacuuming your furniture? Over time, dust can build up in the fabrics and textiles of furniture, which can make these items look dull and dingy. But a quick vacuum can help maintain a clean and lustrous appearance.
Other furniture pieces made from materials like leather should be wiped occasionally with a soft damp cloth to keep them looking their best. Honestly, life happens. The Oops Proof five-year protection plan provides coverage against damage and stains on leather as well as fabric and vinyl upholstered furniture so you can live life without fear.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T Your Sofa
A little respect can go a long way. You might not realize it, but you are probably disrespecting your furniture. To give your sofa the regard it deserves, follow a few simple rules. First, do not eat on your sofa. It is gross, unsanitary, and leaves crumbs everywhere. Use your dining set instead.
Next, sofas are made for sitting, not sleeping. Naps are fine, but when you lay on the sofa for a long period of time, you are actually causing it to sag and deteriorate. Nobody likes a saggy sofa.
And, hate to break it to you, but your favorite spot on the couch is likely causing uneven wear. Mix up where you sit. You don’t want your sofa to look worn in some places and completely new in others.
Here Comes the Sun, Now Protect the Furniture
So you finally turned your dream decorating board from Pinterest into a reality — hooray! New furniture can make any living space look fabulous. And if you want to keep your new furniture looking new, there are a couple things you should do.
Everyone loves a good tan, but truth is, direct sunlight is no good for your furniture. Do your best to keep your furniture out of direct sunlight by protecting your loveseat and sofa with stylish throw blankets. You can also add window treatments to block out excess light.
Keep Your Pets off the Sofa and Loveseat
They are cute and cuddly, sure. But some family pets can leave behind spills and messes that completely ruin the furniture in your house. It is not always easy to keep your pets off of the furniture entirely. So, try to be realistic. Set boundaries and create an alternative space away from your sofa or loveseat just for your pet. A comfy pet bed or pet-friendly rug can work. If you have cats in the home, get a scratching post so your cat can scratch all she wants — just not the furniture.
If your family pets are already allowed on the furniture in your home and there's no way to tell them no at this point, keep your furniture fresh and looking its best by rotating the removable cushions, vacuuming fabric furniture, or wiping down the leather sofa on a weekly basis.
Don't Prematurely Ruin Your Furniture
Keeping your furniture looking its best is easier than you might think. By regularly cleaning your furniture items, respecting your sofa, protecting your items from direct sunlight, and defending against pet damage, the furniture around your home will keep its like-new look for a long time. And when it comes time to replace worn-out pieces, check out Jerome's wide selection of living room, bedroom, and dining room furniture options.