It’s easy to shop for furniture. You pick a color, pay for it, and place it wherever you want in your home. Because of the internet, you don’t even have to leave your house to do it. With just a few taps on your mobile phone, you can have a new couch, bed, or table delivered right to your doorstep.
The real challenge is to keep your furniture in top shape so that it’s not only functional but also adds to the house’s appeal. This is important because it can not only save you a lot of money but also help reduce the impact on the environment.
Here’s how you can ensure that your furniture lasts for years to come:
1. Keep It Dry
Water may be one of the most useful substances on the planet, but it can also be damaging. When exposed to water, metal chairs and tables can develop rust. While it may not be toxic, it can cause holes and ruin the quality of the product. You can prevent rust from forming by keeping water away from the pieces of furniture. Put a cover over them so that the effects are minimal even in the event of spills. Wipe them down immediately if they did get wet.
On the bright side, rust doesn’t mean the end for your furniture. There are sandblasting services available that can get remove rust from your metal tables or chairs.
It’s not just objects made of metal that should be kept dry. Wooden furniture can deteriorate because of exposure to water. Sometimes, water stains may form but on the other side of the spectrum, it can ruin the furniture entirely. Mold can grow on its surface which can eventually cause the wood to decay. Besides ruining furniture, it can also be a health hazard. Mold can cause a number of reactions to people with allergies and immune suppression.
2. Use the Right Type of Cleaner
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who’ve started working from home recently, you’re probably using your kitchen more than ever. If that is the case, your counter tops are probably one of the most used surfaces in your home. It’s crucial to know that you shouldn’t use just any cleanser you find in the store to wipe them down. It depends on the kind of material the counters are made of and the source of its stains.
Arguably the most high maintenance of type of counter top is the wood. It’s because you have to clean it regularly using a combination of acids. Plus, you have to avoid cutting meat directly on its surface because its scratches can attract bacteria. On the other hand, acids must be avoided when cleaning marble and laminate counter tops. Instead of maintaining the quality of the surface, it can be damaging. It’s best to stick with mixtures of water and mild cleansers.
The great news is that not all types of counter tops require a lot of work. Quartz and stainless steel are great options because they’re resistant to stain. You just have to make sure that you wipe them down regularly and avoid causing scratches on the surfaces.
3. Consider Your Usage
Couches are probably one of the most used pieces of furniture in the world. Yet, they don’t get a lot of attention during cleaning days. It may be because they’re hard to clean but it doesn’t mean that they should only be wiped down when they get stains. Make sure that you clean your sofa at least once every six months. Consult the recommendations of the manufacturer and wash using the correct product.
Wear and tear is inevitable but the right type of care can make your furniture last for a long time. Take into account what your furniture is made of before you start cleaning.
