Well-crafted furniture made from high-quality materials can last generations. But even when you have a durable piece, it can still be susceptible to stains, nicks, and scratches. Fortunately, most damage can be linked to a handful of causes, and many are preventable. To help you protect your sofa, chairs, tables, and other pieces, here are common culprits behind damage and what you can do to reduce their risk.  

What Are Common Factors That Cause Furniture Damage?

1. Claws

Your home’s tables and sofas are valuable pieces that add coziness and beauty to any space. However, your cat may see these items as nothing more than a place to wear down their claws.

If you’ve adopted a cat, you can deter them from scratching at furniture fabric by providing them with their own scratching post. Keeping your pet’s claws trimmed can also help reduce the amount of damage they can cause.

2. Stains

From spilled red wine to dirty puppy paws, there are many ways furniture can get stained. The best way to prevent these mishaps is to keep food and drink out of the seating area. Place drinks on coasters since condensation from glasses can create watermarks on the surface of tables or shelves. You’ll also want to apply a stain guard product that helps block moisture and staining pigments.

3. Sunlight 

It can feel nice to bask in natural light from the comfort of your own home. However, wood and upholstered furniture will fade when it is exposed to too much of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Prevent discoloration by relocating pieces out of direct sunlight. You can also minimize damage by closing the blinds or shutters when the sun is shining through the window or when you’re not using a particular room.

4. Extreme Temperatures

For the most part, homes are kept at moderate temperatures that are safe for furniture. However, extreme temperatures—such as those experienced in garages or attics—can degrade a piece’s upholstery and frame.

Hot and humid environments may cause wood to warp and can also promote mold growth in fabrics. Colder temperatures, on the other hand, can cause materials like leather and wood to constrict and crack.

5. Cleaning Products

While it’s important to address furniture stains promptly, you should also use the right cleaner for the upholstery. Selecting the wrong product can wear away or discolor the material you’re treating. If you’re unsure which product to use, always test a small sample area before applying it all over the furniture.

Whether you’re battling a deep table stain or torn cushions, Lines Circles & Angles Custom Upholstery & Repair can help restore your damaged piece. This team provides complete furniture repair services to Cincinnati, OH, residents, and the company is equipped to replace worn or stained upholstery and restore broken frames. To learn more about their capabilities, and see examples of their work, visit them online or call (513) 984-1074.