There’s something magical about older furniture, isn’t there? It’s solid, it’s stylish, and unlike today’s flat-pack “wonders”, it doesn’t collapse if you sneeze near it. But as much as those timeless pieces were built to last, they still need a bit of love to stay in their prime. Basically, anything in your home is going to be maintained to some degree, right?
So, if you’re someone who doesn’t have an IKEA sofa, but rather, something that’s high quality, maybe even from the 1990s or 2000s (before fast homewares was a thing), then you need to keep that piece of furniture, don’t toss it! Actually, it just needs to some and care, and you can easily breathe some new life into it.
Clean It Like You Mean It
For starters, you have to understand that you can’t treat your grandmother’s oak table or that vintage armchair like it’s a cheap coffee table from a discount store. So, that means you’ll need to just skip the harsh sprays and abrasive sponges. For example, when it comes to wood, a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth will work wonders, removing dirt without damaging the finish (and easy enough, right?).
However, when it comes to upholstery, well, that’s a lot trickier but still fairly manageable. For starters, you’ll need to vacuum it regularly to get rid of all the dust and crumbs (don’t pretend they’re not there). It’s old, so you can expect that there’ll be a lot of dust in the fabric.
If a spill happens, don’t panic, nine times out of ten you can put a fabric shampoo on it and remove the stains that way. And if your beloved sofa is starting to sag or look worse for wear (which is just inevitable regardless of the brand), then you might want to look into sofa repair professionals since they can work miracles. Basically, they can leave it looking as good as the day you fell in love with it.
Keep the Environment Furniture-Friendly
While sure, furniture might look tough, but it’s surprisingly fussy about its surroundings. For example, too much humidity, and your wood could start to warp. But too little, and it’ll dry out and crack. And of course, you need to be cautious of UV rays as well. But what’s the key?
Well, it’s going to be balanced of course. For example, it’s best to go ahead and invest in a dehumidifier if your home is a bit on the damp side, or a humidifier if it’s dry enough to make a cactus cry. Yeah, the air quality does matter because this can actually impact the furniture!
Pamper It with the Right Products
If you want your furniture to stick around, you’ve got to give it the treatment it deserves (and it can’t be stressed enough). For example, are you putting wax and polish on your wood (not MDF but actual wood). How often do you use a shampooer machine on your sofa?
Protect It from Everyday Mishaps
Life happens, and furniture is often caught in the crossfire. For example, coasters and placemats might not feel glamorous, but they’re your best defence against water rings and scratches (and that’s how that antique table still looks amazing decades later). And if you’ve got pets, kids, or a penchant for spilling drinks, then you might even want to consider throws or armrest covers to save your sofas from the chaos.
