5 Common Mistakes That Can Destroy The Beauty Of Your Lounge Furniture

Well-designed furniture adds beauty and life to the home. Those made with the highest levels of quality and craftsmanship don't come cheap. And when you spend hours, if not months, curating each piece for every room in your home, you may consider them investments. 

Proper cleaning and maintenance are imperative to keep fittings in good condition. It doesn't matter if it's old or brand new when it comes to furniture care. Moreover, there are some dos and don'ts you should follow to avoid spending money on costly repairs and immediate replacements. 

Continue reading to find out if you've been committing some of the common mistakes that can potentially ruin your furniture:

1. Not Cleaning Regularly 

Sometimes, people's busy lifestyle makes it challenging to ensure that all parts of the home are spic and span. And that includes furniture pieces. 

Remember that looks can be deceiving. Even if you think the lounge furniture is clean because there are no visible stains, it's probably not true. Dust, molds, bed bugs, microbes, allergens, and food particles can accumulate in your furniture over time, especially your couch, settee, and ottoman. 

According to many experts, cleaning your furniture should be done at least once a week. If you have pets at home, you might have to do it more often. However, before you start cleaning, always check for the care instructions. It contains a care code and tells you which cleaning products you can use safely for its material. Keep in mind to always test a small area first to see if the material reacts to the cleaning agent. 

Here are some cleaning tips you can follow:  

• Dirt – Use a handheld vacuum to remove dust, dirt, crumbs, and other loose particles.  
• Stains – Get a spray bottle, add a few drops of vinegar, and half a cup of water. Spray the area. Take a dry paper towel and blot, don't rub.  
• Odor – In a bowl, mix baking soda and water with a ratio of 1:1. Sprinkle the solution over the furniture. Let it sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. 

Additionally, while cleaning the furniture, check the foot of the tables and chairs. Tighten any loose screws and bolts, as wobbly furniture can easily break.

2. Too Much Exposure To Direct Sunlight  

Pure leather is made from a natural material, which is animal skin. Therefore, it's not recommended to leave it in the sun for a long time because it will cause discoloration, cracking, drying, and premature aging.

The general rule is to keep the leather furniture away from direct sunlight. If it can't be avoided, make sure to put up window films and tints or thick curtains as a barrier.  

Here are some ways to care for your leather furniture:

• Dust – Use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to remove the dust. Vacuum the hard-to-reach areas. 
• Stains – Blot the area with a dry clean cloth. The stain will disappear on its own. Don't use soap, ammonia, cleaning detergent, or solvents to get rid of stains. Also, don't soak it in water. Contact a professional leather cleaner if the stain doesn't go away. 
• Maintenance – Buy a leather protector, but it's best to consult with the manufacturer or the store where you got the furniture from. 

3. Poor Air Conditions

Humidity significantly impacts the durability of wood furniture. If there's too much moisture in the air, it will rot, swell, warp, and eventually grow molds. And if there's little humidity, the furniture may shrink, swell or crack.  

The recommended humidity range should be between 30 to 50%. Hence, it's advisable to get a dehumidifier for proper ventilation. In addition, check your home for any signs of water leaks, insulate the house and use air conditioning for warm climates.

4. Improper Use

Sitting on the same spot every time can cause it to sag and develop squeaks. Thus, distribute the weight evenly by sitting on different pieces of furniture. Also, refrain from jumping on it no matter how excited or frustrated you get. If you have children and pets, talk to them and let them know that it may ruin your furnishings. 

Taking naps on the sofa is allowed, but it shouldn't replace your bed for an eight-hour sleep. Aside from the possibility of neck and back pains, doing so may speed up its deterioration as they do not have enough support for that purpose. 

5.  No Rules In Place

The best way to maintain upholstered furniture is to have a set of rules for your household. A few ground rules won't hurt, so your furnishings can last for years to come.

Inform the family about it so they will be aware, and perhaps, pitch some ideas. Some rules you can impose in the living room include: 

• No eating in the living area. Use the dining room instead. However, if you're planning on having guests over or movie nights with family, use a sofa cover, blanket, or towel.  
• Use a coaster for the drinks to protect your tables from ugly water rings. You can install a glass panel for wooden coffee tables as an added layer of protection from spills. 
• Avoid sitting on the back or arms of sofas and armchairs.  
• Refrain from doing art and crafts in the living room. 
• Lift, don't drag, push or pull the furniture when cleaning the living room.

Conclusion:

The pieces of furniture aren't just decorations. They actually have a purpose in your home. Thus, keeping them in pristine condition will save you from the trouble of getting new ones.   

Furthermore, these can last for years with proper care, maintenance, and use. The list above will guide you on what to avoid when cleaning the furniture.