When it comes to furniture pieces around the house, we all want them to stand the test of time and retain their visual appeal. There's no doubt that furniture is an essential investment in home decor, and that's what makes proper care and maintenance very crucial. It not only extends the life of your furniture but also keeps it functional in the long run. Scroll down to explore some essential tips to preserve the life of your furniture while also taking a look at some common mistakes to avoid.
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How to Extend the Life of Your Furniture?
Here's what you can do to extend the life of furniture pieces around your house, right from selecting the right material to the appropriate cleaning methods.
Choose Quality Materials and Construction
The very first step to having long-lasting furniture is to invest in high-quality pieces made from durable materials. Solid wood, such as oak, maple, or cherry, is an excellent choice for chairs, while genuine leather upholstery that adds sophistication and stands up well to wear is perfect for accent chairs. When buying rattan chairs, go for high-quality construction that has been properly treated to avoid cracking and splitting. The Art Leon chair with gold legs, characterized by a sturdy frame and gold-finished legs is the perfect example of well-crafted pieces that can last for years with proper care.
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Regular Cleaning and Dusting
Maintaining the longevity of furniture items calls for regular cleaning and dusting to minimize abrasion and unsightly scratches over time. Follow a regular cleaning routine using soft microfiber cloths or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Plus, always use the right cleaning products that won't damage the material and finish of the items.
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Protect from Spills and Stains
To protect furniture from spills and stains, use fabric protectors or slipcovers, especially for accent desk chairs and upholstered swivel chairs. These covers provide an additional barrier that prevents liquids from seeping into the fabric. If there's an accidental spill - immediately blot the area with a clean cloth, but avoid spreading the stain further by not rubbing the spill.
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Mindful Use of Chairs
Although, Swivel chairs are cleverly designed to ensure flexibility, excessive force while rotating them can put unwanted pressure on the swivel mechanism - the solution is to employ gentle and controlled movements when using such chairs. Inspect the mechanism from time to time and apply a lubricant if it seems loose. Rattan chairs bring out a dash of natural charm to your space, but they also call for proper care to keep them in excellent condition. Make sure to clean chairs with a slightly wet cloth to get rid of dirt and dust, while also keeping them away from high humidity or damp areas to avoid mould and mildew.
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Fix Loose Parts
Make sure to inspect your furniture for any loose screws, wobbly legs, or other concerns that may affect stability, followed by addressing them immediately to avoid further damage. Tighten all loose screws and bolts, reinforce weak joints, and repair any damaged parts to ensure the safety and stability of the furniture.
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Properly Store and Cover Outdoor Furniture
Proper storage of outdoor furniture when not in use for extended periods or during harsh weather is essential to avoid damage. You can install weather-resistant covers to protect them from rain, snow, and UV rays, thereby enhancing their longevity. If you are not using the furniture at all, store the same in a covered spot around the house, i.e. the garage, shed, or covered patio. In case of less indoor storage space, it's recommended to stack and arrange the furniture properly, further covering it with weather-resistant covers to keep it protected.
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Periodic Maintenance Checks
It's a great idea to identify any potential issues on time by performing regular maintenance checks, including inspecting the swivel mechanisms, upholstery, frames, and other major parts of your furniture. To maintain even wear on cushions and upholstery, consider rotating and flipping them regularly, thereby preventing certain areas from becoming excessively worn and preserving their overall appearance. Catching problems at the very initial stage helps you avoid more significant repairs or replacements later.
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Mistakes to Avid
By understanding the following things to avoid, you can ensure that your furniture remains a lasting testament to quality and care - looking as good as new for years to come.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals
It's crucial to steer clear of harsh chemicals, abrasives, and strong solvents when it comes to protecting furniture surfaces. The use of aggressive substances can corrode delicate coatings and harm the underlying surface. Instead, go for gentle, non-abrasive cleansers or eco-friendly cleaning solutions as these alternatives safeguard your furniture as well as ensure a healthier environment.
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Avoid Excessive Sunlight Exposure
Besides causing warping and cracking of furniture materials, sunlight also leads to fading of colours and weakening of furniture materials. Place furniture away from direct sunlight - if placing it near windows, use curtains, UV-protection films on the glass, or blinds to prevent harmful UV rays. Also, protect your furniture from moisture to avoid warming and mould growth due to excessive humidity.
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Avoid Exceeding the Weight Limit
Every piece of furniture has a recommended weight limit, which must not be exceeded. For accent desk chairs, you must make sure they are apt for the weight of the people using them. Adhering to the weight limit prevents strain on the structure of the furniture, thereby increasing its lifespan. Overloading your furniture pieces can lead to weakening of joints and sagging cushions which compromises their aesthetics as well as stability.
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Avoid Dragging or Scratching
Avoid dragging chairs across the floor as it can scratch both the furniture and the floor. It's recommended to lift them slightly off the ground, further moving them gently to avoid putting unwanted pressure on their legs. You can also consider going for furniture sliders or felt pads beneath the chair legs to reduce friction and scratches when moving them.
By following the above tips, you can extend the life of your furniture significantly. The idea is to choose high-quality materials, further clean your furniture at regular intervals, and fix loose parts promptly. Implementing each of the aforesaid steps will preserve the appearance and functionality of your furniture pieces, while also ensuring that you get the best out of your investment for many years to come.