Protect Furniture From These 10 Types Of Furniture Damage

Furniture can experience all kinds of wear and tear over the years. However, much of this can be prevented by taking the right protective measures. Below are a few common types of furniture damage and how to prevent them in order to extend the life of your furniture.

Stains

Stains are typically caused by accidental spillages. If you have kids, you’re more likely to experience these types of spillages. The best way to prevent stains is to clean up spillages as soon as they happen – don’t give them type of seep in and dry. Using slipcovers and tablecloths is another solution.

Scratches

Furniture scratches can have many causes, but the most common is pets. Certain furniture materials are harder to scratch than others and may be a better choice with pets. Adding anti-scratch slipcovers could be another way to prevent scratched furniture. 

Dents

Dents in furniture are typically caused by furniture getting knocked. Such damage is most common while moving furniture. These tips on how to prevent furniture damage during a move could be worth reading if you want to avoid dents. 

Fading

Certain materials like leather, acetate and unfinished wood can be discoloured by sunlight. The best way to protect furniture using these materials is to keep them out of direct sunlight – avoid placing them near a window unless you’re willing to draw the curtain and blinds during the day. It’s worth noting that some materials are less prone to fading in the sun. 

Sagging

Sofa cushions that have been sat on frequently will eventually start to sag if you don’t remove the cushions and ‘plump’ them. This involves simply reshaping the filling with your hands until they look plump again. If you don’t plump cushions regularly, sagging may eventually become permanent, at which point you may have to restuff cushions to restore their comfort. 

Piling

Some fabrics are prone to piling which is when strands come loose. Piling is hard to prevent as it’s caused by friction – just the act of sitting on a sofa regularly may cause piling eventually. To prevent premature piling, avoid scrubbing furniture too harshly with sponges when cleaning.

Swelling/warping

Wooden furniture that is exposed to too much moisture or heat may start to swell or warp. You can prevent this furniture damage by not placing furniture in moisture-prone areas (such as bathrooms or outdoors if it is not designed for outdoor use) and by keeping furniture away from radiators or other heat sources. Make sure to also dry up spillages of water as soon as you can. 

Rust

Metal furniture may rust if exposed to too much moisture. This is most common with outdoor furniture, but can also occur within indoor furniture in moisture-prone areas. Make sure that metal is suitably protected from moisture to prevent rust. 

Pest damage

Pests like wood-burrowing beetles (woodworm) and termites can cause damage to wooden furniture. As soon as you notice any small holes, it’s usually a sign that the wood is infested. There are many ways to remove beetles and termites from furniture. If you have a major infestation, your best solution may be to look into professional pest control services such as professional termite control.

Water marksWhen you leave a cup or hot plate on a hard surface, it has the potential to leave a permanent ring known as a water mark. While it’s possible to remove water marks from some surfaces, it’s not always easy. Your best defence is to always use coasters.