Furniture is not meant to last forever. There are things around the house that, if you choose right, can be passed on to your children or your grandchildren in the future. However, in most cases, the items in your home will experience regular wear and tear that not only make them look unattractive, ruining the overall look of your home, they can also be a health hazard.
Take your carpet, for example. This piece of home decor requires regular maintenance. You have to do carpet cleaning on your own every few weeks and professionally at least once a year. However, despite maintenance, it should only be used for at least five years, more depending on quality. Otherwise, it will collect dust, dirt, pet dander, and viruses and bacteria that will exacerbate existing respiratory conditions.
Obviously, when the fibers have flattened and worn out, or there are stains that cannot be removed, then it is definitely time to have it replaced.
It can be expensive to buy a piece of furniture and then toss it a few years later, but you can prolong the lifespan of items around the house. Just avoid doing these.
Using Liquid Cleaners on Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture can last generations if given enough care, but cleaning it too frequently and using the wrong products will only damage it. Some cleaning products sold in supermarkets can permanently alter the look of wooden surfaces.
Stay away from harsh ingredients. Bleach, for example, is a no-no because it is too harsh of a chemical. It will strip away the natural color of the wood, making it look faded and old. Vinegar is often touted as a safe alternative to bleach, but it is also quite harsh. It would have the same effect on your precious furniture.
Water seems to be a safe option for wiping but wood is porous which means it absorbs moisture. If it gets too much moisture, it would warp.
There is an appropriate method of cleaning for everything. For furniture made of wood, the best thing to do is wipe away dust from the surface with a barely damp cloth and follow it up with a dry cloth to absorb/remove any moisture. Do spot cleaning with a drop of dish soap and a bit of water to remove any residue.
Letting the Sun Shine on Your Furniture
Natural light is good for the body and the mind but bad for your furniture. Although the sunshine brightens the room and provides warmth, it will age the items around the house quickly.
The ultraviolet rays of the sun break down the chemicals that were used and exist in furniture. This includes dyes. If your upholstered sofa, for example, gets too much sun exposure regularly, its color will fade. It will make the piece of furniture look older and worn out.
Moreover, direct sunlight will cause the vinyl or leather of your furniture to split and crack.
You can move your furniture away from the window so that it would not be exposed to natural light regularly. Another option is to apply a window film that will block harmful ultraviolet rays.
Leaving Plants Near or on Top of a Furniture
It is nice to have plants around the house as decor and to help clean indoor air. However, plants can damage furniture.
When you water your plants, excess drips down on the furniture. Eventually, the wooden drawer where your snake plant or succulent sits will start to look disfigured.
Plants should, therefore, be placed somewhere it would get enough sunshine but would not destroy anything. However, they do look good when placed on the furniture, so get a waterproof coaster to place under the pot and strive to water the plants on the sink where excess water can drip freely.
Not Paying More for Stain Protector
Upholstered furniture is expensive and, no matter how careful you are, your normal activities, such as eating and drinking, will cause it to deteriorate. If you want to keep using your furniture for years to come, it is worth it to pay more to get it treated with a stain protector.
A stain protector will prevent any food and beverage from leaving a permanent mark in case of spills. Any dirt will be easy to wipe off with a damp cloth.
Furniture is an expensive investment plus the environment will be happy if people learn how to properly take care of the items around their homes. There would be less rubbish heading to landfills and in nature. Moreover, you get to enjoy your stuff for far longer.
