Furniture is one of the largest investments made when redecorating a house. So it stands to reason that protecting that investment can sometimes be stressful. Whether it’s keeping pets off the furniture, small children’s dirty fingers, or just the daily wear and tear of a well-worn family room, dirt can take its toll on furniture.

Proper cleaning techniques vary from part to part

Knowing how to properly care for furniture before buying it is the key to choosing the right fabric or upholstery for each space. Look for labels on furniture fabrics to see if the manufacturer recommends cleaning techniques. Some furniture requires professional steam furniture cleaning.

Leather furniture may be easier to keep dirt free, but it requires a special leather cleaner to keep it supple. Leather furniture has typically been dyed to create an even tone, so keeping it out of direct sunlight is essential to prevent premature or uneven fading. Leather should also be kept away from heat sources and fireplaces to prevent it from drying out and cracking. If the leather has not been sealed, consult a professional leather cleaner to seal the leather.

Fabric upholstery should be vacuumed regularly to prevent dust and mite buildup. If spills do occur, always test cleaners in an inconspicuous spot before applying to fabric. It is always best to only use recommended cleaning agents that are suitable for each type of fabric.

Furniture that has wood accents should be cared for with polishes made especially to protect the wood from moisture. On upholstered furniture with wooden arms or legs, extreme care must be taken to prevent furniture wax from coming into contact with neighboring upholstery fabrics. Always cover the cloth with plastic before using the polish on the wood and never spray the wood directly. When cleaning wooden arms and legs, it is best to spray a small amount of furniture polish on the cleaning cloth, then carefully apply it to the wooden parts of the furniture.

Proper care and cleaners can not only clean dirty furniture, but with regular maintenance they can prevent damage, dirt and debris.

Custom slipcovers are an easy way to protect furniture

Covered furniture is perhaps the best way to protect furniture from daily wear and tear. Because custom slipcovers sit over furniture, they can be removed for washing or dry-cleaned when needed.

From ottoman slipcovers to full-size sofa covers, they provide an extra layer of defense against stains, crumbs, kids, and more. The cushion covers can be quickly removed to prevent spills from getting into the cushions.

Before ordering custom slipcovers, consider the wear and tear each piece will receive on a daily basis and choose your fabric accordingly. Furniture that gets a lot of daily use should be covered in durable, tightly woven fabrics such as twill, canvas, cotton, or denim. The type of care given to each fabric is also essential to choose the right fabric for each piece. For example, if there are small children or pets in the image, it is better to choose a fabric that can be machine washed for frequent care. Fabrics that can only be dry cleaned can be used in accent chairs that receive less traffic.

Choosing the right colors and patterns is also the key to keeping your living room furniture clean. Dark colors should be avoided if you have light colored pets that shed and vice versa. An accent chair in a formal living room won’t get as much use as a favorite chair in the family room, so a light-colored fabric will probably do the trick, while a darker fabric is a better choice for high-traffic sofas. .

Microfiber, canvas, denim, and twill are strong fabrics that don’t wear out after frequent cleaning, while silk and linen are more delicate and should be chosen for no-clean cushion covers or slipcovers. frequent.

Slipcovers are also ideal for dining room chairs, as not only can they be removed and cleaned regularly, but full-length skirted chair covers can protect your wooden chair legs.

Prevention is the best bet

No matter what type of fabric, upholstery or covers your furniture has, it is best to avoid dirt and wear. Training pets to stay off furniture can protect leather from scratches and fabric from dirt and shedding.

The same principle applies to the whole family. Making a no eating or drinking rule on delicate furniture will extend its portability.