How to Take Good Care of Your Furniture

Your furniture not only makes your home more stylish, but it also gives you the comfort you seek when you just want to flop down after a hard day of work or play. Basically, your furniture takes care of you, so you should take care of it, right? Well, here’s how you can do just that:

1. Treat Your Furniture to a Spa Day 

Okay, so if you want to take good care of your furniture, so that it lasts as long as possible, and always looks great, then the first thing you need to do is give it a weekly wide down with a gentle furniture cleaner, to get rid of any dust or debris that could cause it to degrade. Think how much better you look and feel after a good pampering session at the spa, well, it’s basically the same for your furniture. Just a soft cloth, a mild solution, and a little elbow grease will help keep your tables, chairs, and shelves looking like they just strutted off a showroom floor.

2. Respect the Coaster

A coffee table is not a coaster graveyard. Seriously, how many times have you placed a sweating glass of iced tea directly on that innocent surface? Your furniture deserves better! Give it a shield—aka a coaster—and prevent those pesky water rings. If you’re feeling fancy, invest in quirky coasters that make you smile. The table won’t actually smile back, but trust me, it’ll feel the love.

3. Sunlight Is Not Always the Furniture’s Best Friend

You know how you need sunscreen on a scorching day? Your furniture hates sunburn too. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade fabrics and dull finishes. Keep blinds slightly closed or rearrange furniture occasionally so that your beloved armchair isn’t always on the front lines of UV warfare. Your sofa will thank you by not looking like a tie-dye experiment gone wrong.

4. Keep Pests at Bay

Few things are more heartbreaking than discovering tiny tooth marks on your wooden chair legs. Rodents, with their annoyingly persistent incisors, can turn your cherished heirloom into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Take charge: seal up entry points, set humane traps, or call in the rodent control pros if you must. Show those furry freeloaders that your furniture is off-limits for midnight snack attacks.

5. Rotate Cushions Like You Rotate Your Tires

Ever notice how one couch cushion ends up looking as flattened as a day-old pancake, while another remains plump and proud? Spread the wear and tear evenly by flipping and rotating your cushions every so often. Your guests may not applaud this effort, but your backside will appreciate the balance and comfort.

6. Don’t Forget the Underbelly

When was the last time you peeked underneath your furniture? Probably never. Dust, crumbs, and mystery items (Where did that missing sock go?) lurk below. A quick vacuum or sweep keeps critters away, allergies in check, and prolongs the life of your beloved pieces. Plus, you might finally find that puzzle piece you lost six months ago.

Here’s to furniture that always looks great, lasts as long as you love, and most importantly of all, supports you in being as comfortable as possible in your own home. Love your furniture and it will love you right back!