Furniture and upholstery can be a good long-term investment provided they are taken good care of. But with busy schedules and everyday wear and tear, it can be difficult to keep them looking their best. Whether it's preventing stains or removing scratches, there are a few easy things you can do to prolong the life of your furniture. Looking for some simple ways to take care of your furniture and make them last longer? These DIY hacks are sure to help.
Pet-friendly Solutions
As endearing as pets are, they can be tough on your furniture. As a preventive measure, opt for pet-friendly fabric on couches, drapes, and other upholstery. Existing fabrics are prone to deterioration by chewing, scratching, and shedding. For this, you can use a lint roller which curbs lasting damage. You can also mark areas with transparent tape to protect furniture and keep it looking its best for prolonged periods. This will also deter your pets from scratching or biting. For stains, a good fabric protector can come in handy to regain the colour and texture of the upholstery.
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Wooden Furniture Requires Care Too!
When it comes to wooden furniture, many people think that all it needs is a quick dusting now and then. However, if wooden furniture is to last for years, it requires a bit more care.
Some Simple DIY Hacks to Take Care of your Wooden Furniture are:
Get Rid of Water Rings: If you have any water rings on your wood furniture, simply rub them using Petroleum jelly or Mayonnaise to remove water stains. Gently rub petroleum jelly or Mayonnaise on the stain with a microfiber cloth and then wipe with a clean microfiber cloth to get rid of the stain
Remove Scratches: If you have light scratches on your wood furniture, try rubbing them with walnut. The natural oils in the walnut will help to camouflage the scratch. For deeper scratches, you can use steel wool or sandpaper to sand them down before applying touch-up paint or stain.
Prevent Fading: To keep your wood furniture from fading in direct sunlight, simply apply a coat of clear polyurethane sealer once every few months. This will create an invisible barrier that will protect the wood from UV damage.
Be Gentle With Fabrics
When it comes to taking care of your upholstered furniture, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to be gentle with fabrics. Mindful cleaning and not using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials can greatly preserve the richness of your upholstery. One of the best ways to clean upholstered furniture is to vacuum it regularly. This may help to remove any dirt or dust that is accumulated on the surface.
A mild soap and water solution can also be used for a gentle scrub. Be sure to test this in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't damage the fabric. When you're not using the furniture, be sure to protect it from the sun and other sources of UV light. These can fade and damage fabrics over time. If possible, store your furniture in a cool, dry place when it's not in use. Following these simple tips can help keep your fabric furniture looking its best for years to come.
Polish Your Furniture
With the furniture segment gaining momentum, a lot more effort is being put into maintaining the aesthetic of your home decor. There are a few different ways you can go about polishing your furniture. Commercial furniture polishes are a great investment to increase the longevity of furniture. These products typically come in aerosol cans or pump bottles and can be found at most home improvement stores. A lot of home tricks involving vinegar and olive oil are said to retain the shine of wood but it is advisable to use targeted products that will offer a longer and better result.
If Nothing, Regular Dusting Can Work Wonders
You should dust furniture at least once a week. A build-up of dust can lead to health problems such as sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause long-term damage to your furniture. To dust your furniture, you will need a soft cloth or brush. First, remove any loose dirt and debris from the surface of the furniture. Next, gently wipe the cloth or brush over the surface of the furniture in a circular motion. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Finally, use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment to reach any hard-to-reach areas.
(Hussaine Kesury, Chief Category Officer, Pepperfry)