A piece of furniture is a costly investment, but it’s also a worthwhile one too. The more expensive it is, the more durable it usually is thanks to the high-quality material it’s made out of. However, that doesn’t make it indestructible. During the course of its lifetime, your furniture will receive a ton of wear and tear from daily use. Too much of it will result in it breaking down, sometimes even sooner if you don’t take good care of it. Here are some simple and practical tips to make sure your furniture lasts longer:
Shield it from UV damage
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can significantly damage your furniture. It can fade fabric dyes and discolor and warp different surfaces such as wood and plastic. One way to protect your furniture from the harmful UV rays of the sun is to install a UV window film on it. This solution offers protection from the sun’s rays while still allowing some sunlight to shine through. You can go the extra mile by installing heavy-duty curtains and blinds on the windows nearest to your furniture.
Designate off-limits areas for pets
Much as you love your pets, they’re still the number one culprit for damaged furniture. Besides teething, their fur, dirt, and odors get trapped into the fabric of certain furniture too, further compromising the quality and lifespan of your furniture. You don’t have to completely sequester them to one area, but you should try your best to keep them away from the pieces you value the most.
Tighten bolts and screws
Bolts and screws on tables, chairs, and beds are bound to loosen up over time. If you don’t tighten them regularly, you could risk potentially damaging these pieces of furniture. The stress on the wood could lead to it simply breaking apart. It’s recommended that you tighten any bolts and screws at least twice a year or whenever they feel loose.
Stain-proof your sofas and chairs
As much as possible, you should opt for stain-proof surfaces like leather and vinyl when it comes to sofas and chairs. However, if you’ve already purchased furniture that isn’t made out of those materials, you can still protect it from stains by coating it with a fabric seal stain proof spray. You can also have this professionally done, although it’ll cost you more.
Avoid using polishes or waxes
Store-bought wax and polish contain harsh chemicals that can break down the material of your furniture. Rather than taking matters into your own hands, it’s better to leave it to a professional to get furniture polished up. You could also just use more gentle cleansing methods such as wiping things down with a damp cloth then dry it with a soft dry cloth.
Refrain from placing hot items on furniture
This one is a bit of a given, but it’s still worth reminding people of it. Hot objects placed on furniture can instantly melt finishes away. If you must place something hot on these surfaces, make sure to use a rubber placemat or coaster before you do. This protects your furniture from getting stained or burnt.
Get your money’s worth and get the most mileage out of your furniture with these simple tips to make sure they stick around longer.