Furniture can be expensive to replace, so it’s important that you look after it. By understanding the common ways in which furniture gets damaged, you can take measures to protect your furniture. Obvious causes of furniture damage include drink spillages and general wear & tear. However, there are other things that can cause furniture to prematurely wear. Here are a few often overlooked causes to consider.
Sun damage
Exposing some types of furniture to direct sunlight can cause UV damage. This can cause fading, discolouration and can even weaken some materials. When placing furniture directly in front of windows, consider drawing the curtains on sunny summer days or cover up furniture to reduce damage. Alternatively, you can try using fabric UV protector sprays, which can provide a barrier against UV light. Just make sure to use a protector spray that is suited to the material.
Moving furniture
Furniture often gets damaged while moving it – particularly when moving it from one house to another without the help of professional movers. Carelessly knocking or dropping furniture can lead to small cracks, which can then become worse over time. Hiring removalists could help to prevent damage caused while moving furniture and help you to preserve it for longer. Want to invest in furniture that you can easily move yourself? Consider choosing lightweight furniture with castors or that can be easily disassembled.
Incorrect cleaning
Many people damage furniture by cleaning it incorrectly. For example, some materials like fabric and leather can be easily damaged by harsh cleaning chemicals or scourers. Other materials can be prone to moisture damage and therefore should not be soaked when cleaning them. When buying new furniture, check the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Specialist products may be worth buying to help clean some materials, but in many cases you can use DIY remedies.
Heat exposure
Some types of furniture can also be damaged by exposure to excess heat. Wooden furniture can often warp and crack when placed too close to a radiator or fireplace. This can be the result of the wood swelling and contracting, as well glue melting. Meanwhile, some materials such as fabrics and leather can shrink when exposed to heat, which can make them more susceptible to tearing. This is why it’s important to keep furniture away from heat sources unless it has been specifically designed to withstand a lot of heat.
Pest infestations
In some parts of the world, pests can wreak havoc on furniture. Termites and woodworm are two common pests that tend to target wooden furniture. If you notice evidence of these pests, it’s vital that you take steps to eradicate them, as they could quickly weaken the furniture and cause it to collapse and break. Boric acid is a routine chemical that can be used to remove insects from wood without causing damage to the wood itself. You can buy this in spray bottles from many online stores. If you have an infestation in your home, it may be better to call in a professional to fumigate your home, as pests may simply keep returning to furniture if the source isn’t eradicated.