I think it’s safe to say that most of us purchase furniture with the intention of keeping it around for a while. We have lofty goals of reading each manual and following the care instructions to a tee in hopes of keeping our furniture in great shape as long as possible. Unfortunately, many people lose their manuals in the first week, and unknowingly damage their furniture by following outdated advice, DIY hacks, or just plain myths. With all of the phony information out there, it’s difficult to know the truth regarding furniture maintenance. In this article, we dispel some popular furniture care fibs, and offer some clear, reliable tips that you can trust.
Myth #1: “Vacuuming upholstery wears it out faster.”
The Truth: Over time, dust and dirt accumulate in the fibers of your furniture, wearing down the upholstery and causing it to look dingy. Regular vacuuming prevents this accumulation of grime, thus extending the life of your furniture. We recommend gentle vacuuming once a week with a brush attachment to keep your upholstered pieces clean and vibrant for years to come.
Myth #2: “Weekly polishing keeps furniture looking new."
The Truth: Over-polishing wooden accent tables and furniture bases can actually create residue buildup and dull the surface. We suggest dusting regularly, but polishing only a few t imes per year, depending on how frequently the pieces are used.
The Truth: Over-polishing wooden accent tables and furniture bases can actually create residue buildup and dull the surface. We suggest dusting regularly, but polishing only a few t imes per year, depending on how frequently the pieces are used.
Myth #3: “Lemon oil is the best way to clean wood furniture.”
The Truth: Lemon oil can actually darken wood finishes and leave a residue that attracts dust particles over time. The best way to clean wooden surf aces is with a mild wood cleaner or simply a damp microfiber cloth.
The Truth: Lemon oil can actually darken wood finishes and leave a residue that attracts dust particles over time. The best way to clean wooden surf aces is with a mild wood cleaner or simply a damp microfiber cloth.
Myth #4: “Tough stains just need more elbow grease.”
The Truth: Scrubbing fabric or wood can push stains deeper into the furniture’s surface or even damage the fibers of your upholstery. Most all stains can be removed by applying the right cleaner for the material and blotting gently. We also recommend treating stains right away if possible, as set-in stains are far more difficult to remove.
Myth #5: “Direct sunlight can’t hurt indoor furniture.”
The Truth: The s un’s UV rays can penetrate through windows, potentially fading fabrics, leather, and even wood finishes. To avoid this, we suggest using curtains, UV film, or even rotating furniture to reduce uneven fading.
~THE TAKEAWAY~
We all want our furniture to last, and we start out with the best of intentions for taking care of our new pieces. However, as time goes on and life happens, we often become overwhelmed when it comes to the best furniture care practices. With a sea of misinformation at our fingertips, it’s difficult to know what to believe. By knowing the truth behind these common furniture myths, you can keep your furniture looking fabulous for years to come. With just a little knowledge and the proper care, your favorite pieces can truly stand the test of time!
