As the summer season sets in, we often get preoccupied with vacation plans, beach trips, and home improvements.
However, one overlooked aspect is how the summer climate can affect your upholstered furniture.
With the heat, humidity, and increased outdoor activities, your furniture might need extra care and attention during the hotter months.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to care for your upholstered furniture during summer, ensuring it remains in excellent condition and looks great all year round.
Why Does Summer Affect Upholstered Furniture?
Before diving into the tips and tricks, it’s important to understand how the summer season can impact your furniture. Here are a few factors that play a crucial role:
- Humidity and Moisture: High humidity levels can cause the fabric of your upholstered furniture to absorb moisture, which may lead to mold and mildew. This can weaken the fabric and make it more prone to damage.
- Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can cause fabrics to fade over time. UV rays can break down the fibers, making the upholstery appear dull and worn out.
- Increased Usage: During summer, people often spend more time at home or host gatherings. This leads to increased usage of furniture, resulting in stains, spills, and general wear and tear.
- Dust and Pollen: With windows and doors often left open, dust and pollen can quickly settle on your upholstery. These particles can cause the fabric to look dirty and may even trigger allergies.
Now that we know why summer can be harsh on your upholstered furniture, let’s delve into practical tips to maintain your pieces during this season.
1. Regular Cleaning is Key
Summer means more dust, pollen, and potential spills on your furniture. Regular cleaning becomes essential to keep your upholstered items looking fresh and new. Here’s what there’s do:
- Vacuum Often: Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and debris from your furniture. Pay extra attention to crevices and corners where dust tends to accumulate.
- Spot Clean Immediately: Accidents happen, and spills happen every day during family gatherings or while sipping cold drinks in the living room. Clean any spills immediately with a mild detergent and water to prevent stains from setting.
- Use a Soft Brush: Gently brush your upholstery to loosen dirt or dust particles before vacuuming. This technique helpmaintainng the fabric texture.
2. Invest in Slipcovers and Throws
Slipcovers and throws are not just decorative additions; they offer protection to your furniture. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for slipcovers in summer. Here’s how there’s help:
- Prevent Fading: Slipcovers are a barrier between your upholstery and direct sunlight, preventing the fabric underneath from fading.
- Easy Maintenance: Slipcovers can be easily removed and washed, making them ideal for homes with kids or pets.
- Seasonal Change: You can switch slipcovers based on the season, opting for lighter colors during summer to keep your living space calm and inviting.
3. Control Humidity Levels
Excessive moisture in the air can cause your upholstered furniture to develop mold and mildew, which can be both unsightly and damaging. Here’s how yoHere’skeep humidity in check:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Invest in a good-quality dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home. This will not only protect your furniture but also improve the overall indoor air quality.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure that your home is well-ventilated. Open windows during more excellent parts of the day or use exhaust fans to reduce moisture levels.
- Air Conditioning: If you have air conditioning, use it to regulate temperature and humidity. This helps keep your furniture dry and free from moisture buildup.
4. Keep Furniture Away from Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can damage upholstered furniture, leading to fading and fabric deterioration. To prevent this:
- Rearrange Your Furniture: If possible, move your furniture away from windows and direct sunlight. Please place it in a shaded area or use sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight.
- Use UV-Protective Window Film: Applying a UV-protective film to your windows can block out harmful rays without compromising natural light in your space.
- Close Blinds or Curtains: During the hottest parts of the day, keep blinds or curtains closed to reduce exposure to sunlight.
5. Use Fabric Protectors
Applying a fabric protector or upholstery sealant can create a protective barrier over your furniture, making it more resistant to stains and moisture. Here’s what there side:
- Choose the Right Product: Various fabric protectors are available in the market. Choose one that is specifically designed for your type of upholstery.
- Apply Evenly: Follow the manufacturer’manufacturer’s and ensure even application to avoid uneven patches.
- Reapply as Needed: The effectiveness of fabric protectors can wear off over time, so consider reapplying every few months, especially during high-usage periods like summer.
6. Rotate Cushions and Pillows
If your furniture has removable cushions and pillows, rotating them regularly can help maintain their shape and appearance. This practice distributes the wear and tear evenly, ensuring no area becomes overly worn. It also allows you to air out cushions, reducing the buildup of dust and allergens.
7. Keep Pets Off the Furniture
While we love our furry friends, they can be harsh on upholstered furniture during summer. Pet hair, dander, and even the oils from their fur can affect the appearance and smell of your upholstery. Here’s how yoHere’sprotect your furniture:
- Alternatives: Give your pets their own comfortable space to relax, such as a bed or blanket, to discourage them from jumping on the furniture.
- Use Pet-Friendly Covers: If keeping pets off the furniture is not an option, consider using pet-friendly covers that can be easily washed.
- Groom Regularly: Regular grooming can reduce the amount of hair and dander on your furniture.
8. Maintain a Summer Cleaning Schedule
Creating a cleaning schedule specifically for summer can help you stay on top of your furniture maintenance. Here’s a simpHere’sn:
- Weekly: Vacuum and brush the upholstery to remove dust and debris.
- Bi-weekly: Check for any spills or stains and treat them promptly.
- Monthly: Wash slipcovers, throws, and cushion covers to keep them fresh.
- Seasonally: Apply fabric protectors and check for signs of damage or fading.
9. Consider Professional Cleaning
While regular at-home maintenance can keep your furniture in good shape, professional cleaning once or twice a year can help remove deep-seated dirt and allergens. Professionals have the tools and expertise to clean without damaging the fabric, ensuring a longer lifespan for your furniture.
10. Create a Summer-Friendly Environment
Lastly, consider making a few adjustments to create a furniture-friendly environment during summer. This can include using air purifiers to reduce dust, adding plants that naturally balance humidity, and using light-colored décor to keep the space cool.
Conclusion
Summer is a beautiful time of the year, but it’s alswhenur upholstered furniture needs extra care.
Following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your furniture remains fresh, vibrant, and comfortable throughout the season.
With regular maintenance, extra protection, and a proactive approach, your upholstered pieces can look as good as new, no matter how hot and humid it gets outside.
So, enjoy the summer months without worrying about your furniture’s wellbeing!