Furniture is usually gorgeous out of the box, but after even light use, it can start to look duller and less lustrous and can even begin to weaken. To keep it looking beautiful while retaining its strength and durability, you need to perform periodic maintenance and cleaning. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s how to make your furniture last much longer.
Handle With Care
Furniture may seem tough and solid, but it’s mostly for sitting or resting things on, and the less stress you put on it, the longer it will last. Naturally, make a rule in your house to not jump, bounce, or otherwise leap on the furniture. As springy as they seem, couches, chairs, and other comfortable pieces transfer that stress to their joints and other connections between the wood, metal, and other materials that make up the piece. Carry that over to the days when you choose to move the furniture around. Pick up pieces carefully and never drag them to their new places. Think of furniture as art. Handle it carefully, and it will last for as long as you own it.
Watch the Wood
Here’s another tip on how to make your furniture last much longer. Wood is a near-universal material for fine furniture. It’s strong, lovely, and comes in so many colors and tones to complement your home. But it’s also subject to several common damaging substances and situations, so you must be prepared to preserve the wood. Keep your furniture out of direct sunlight, or it will fade quickly. Liquids are a big enemy of wood, so keep coasters handy to prevent water damage. Keep it wiped down and treat it with wood soap on occasion.
Keep It Covered
If you want to keep the fabric on your furniture looking good, be sure to regularly vacuum over and under the cushions and launder the covers if they are removable. A depiller can keep the fabric looking trim by removing pills and fuzz as well. The best way to keep things looking clean, however, is to invest in blankets and slipcovers that can go over the pieces to prevent stains and spills. You may choose to invest in multiple sets of slipcovers to ensure one is always available in case of accidents.
Keep Ready-To-Assemble Furniture Assembled
When putting together furniture purchased at a certain blue and yellow big box store (or any place that deals in ready-to-assemble furniture), secure your pieces. Make sure screws and other screw-in fasteners are extra tight. Add a touch of wood glue to wooden dowels for extra hold to keep the connections together for an exceptionally long time. A line of wood glue between planks can also keep things tight but be sure to remove any excess glue and allow time to dry. A little extra fastening, as well as the above techniques, will ensure your furniture looks good and lasts longer.