Whether you are interested in buying furniture or have already purchased a piece of furniture, there are some important steps that you should take to make sure it stays in good condition. Taking care of furniture can be a lot of fun and rewarding, but it can also be a little overwhelming. The key is to know what steps to take and which ones to avoid.
Avoid sunlight
Keeping your furniture from the sun’s rays is a must if you want your treasures to stay looking new for years to come. Not only can sunlight damage wood, but it can cause upholstery to fade, scuff, and rot. You can prevent these annoyances from ruining your swanky abode by using a few easy steps.
First, choose your furniture wisely. Wood types are different, so you need to know your teak from your walnut. Similarly, you want to keep your tabletops and chair arms out of the sun’s glare. Luckily, there are several ways to do this. Using a UV protector is a good start, but you may also need to get creative with your placement. Another idea is to rotate your furniture every few months. This will help to evenly distribute the sunlight around your home.
Clean with natural products
Natural cleaning agents can be used to clean a wide variety of furniture. Wooden furnishings, for example, can be cleaned with an extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice mixture. This method can remove watermarks and lingering stains.
When cleaning fabric-covered furniture, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some materials can be cleaned with water and soap while others require special treatment. To find out more about a specific material, check the company’s website.
Natural cleaning products offer a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-based cleaners. Using natural ingredients allows you to clean different types of furniture without harming yourself, your family or pets. Many companies offer a wide range of options that are effective and meet Eartheasy standards for safety and effectiveness.
Avoid positioning furniture in direct sunlight
The best way to keep your furniture looking good for years to come is to avoid positioning it in direct sunlight. Even the slightest bit of direct exposure to the sun can cause some furniture to show its age. This is especially true of wood and leather, and is an all too common problem among homeowners with young families. Luckily, there are many products on the market that help to prevent the dreaded sun-stuck. These include furniture covers, UV-resistant fabrics, and weather-proof window treatments. Taking measures to protect your valuables from the rays of the sun will not only increase the lifespan of your heirlooms, it will also help you save on energy bills. It’s not a bad idea to check out a few options at your local home improvement center to see what’s available.
Repair scratches and dents on furniture
There are some different ways to repair scratches and dents on different types of furniture. The type of material your furniture is made from will determine the procedure you need to follow. However, there are a few household items that can be used to fix scratches and dents.
For minor scratches, you can try using lemon juice and oil to fill the scratch. If it is on a darker piece of wood, you can use shoe polish. Applying shoe polish is best done with a cotton swab applicator, and it can be applied with a few coats.
If the scratch is on a soft wood, you may be able to raise it with a wet cloth or water. Alternatively, you can try sanding it. This can be a time consuming process, and it will also destroy the finish.