How to Protect and Maintain Your Bean Bag for the Longest Lifespan Possible

• Posted on HDNEditor
• in Furniture
• on September 26, 2019
• Comments Off on How to Protect and Maintain Your Bean Bag for the Longest Lifespan Possible

If you have paid good money for some nice furnishings, it stands to reason you will want to keep the item looking as good as new for as long as possible so that you can enjoy it for its aesthetic appeal as well as its comfort.

The good news is that looking after upholstery is not that difficult if you follow a few simple care and maintenance routines.

A good example would be bean bags, which are popular as a versatile seating option in lots of different settings. A good way of extending the lifespan would be to see bean bag covers available and use them to keep them in good condition with that extra layer of protection.

Here are some tips on how to look after your upholstery and furnishings in general.

#1. Think about your fabric choice

Choosing the right fabric when you are buying furnishings will have a fundamental impact on your ability to keep it looking good and enjoy value for money by getting plenty of wear out of the item.

Clearly, certain types of fabric will be more susceptible to staining and damage than others and if you choose a material that is hard-wearing and resistant to spillages, it will make your maintenance tasks easier.

Think about who will be using the furniture the most and if the answer is kids and dogs, you will probably do well to consider something like a microfiber fabric or leather, both of which are capable of putting up with a fair bit of wear and tear.

Putting covers over things like bean bags is also a no-brainer for protecting your furnishings and extending its lifespan.

#2. Protect it from the start

A lot of fabric upholstery is designed to provide a certain level of protection and this is reflected in the manufacturing process, but you might also want to think about purchasing an added fabric protector coating which can be applied before the item is delivered to your home.

This proactive approach will certainly help protect your item to a certain degree but that doesn’t mean it will be completely immune to the effects of spillage.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your fabric protector product means you don’t have to clean any spills or soilage right away.

Read the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions so that you know the best way to keep your furnishings in top shape.

#3. A simple but effective tip

If you have bean bags, for example, the simple act of rotating the item so that it wears evenly can make a big difference in how well the items stand up to wear and tear.

The same logic applies to any other upholstered item. Turn cushions over regularly and fluff them up on a regular basis. We are creatures of habit and some parts of the furniture might get more use because of the way we use them, so try to rotate and turn fairly frequently, where possible, to extend its lifespan.

#4. Tackling a spillage in the right way

There is no point stressing about it; accidents do happen no matter how careful you are and if you have kids and pets in your home, you can’t really expect anything less.

Instead, make sure you know how to spot clean a spill in the right way, as this will make all the difference to how effectively you rectify the problem.

Your aim should be to blot any spills immediately, as time is your enemy when it comes to inflicting damage to your upholstery. Blot the affected area with a paper towel in the first instance, but don’t be tempted to rush or panic, which could end up with you rubbing the area rather than blotting it.

The rule of thumb to work to when spot cleaning is to take a cautious approach by using a mild cleaning product, which should be tested in an inconspicuous area at first, just to be sure it is suitable.

Apply the cleaning solution with a soft brush and work it into the upholstery using a circular motion at all times.

#5. Beware the power of the sun

If there is one type of fabric damage that is almost completely irreversible, it is sunlight.

Exposure to the sun’s rays will leave your upholstery and fabric susceptible to fading and it is possible that it may even fray over a period of time.

Aim to avoid exposing your furniture to prolonged periods of sunlight. This is particularly crucial advice if your item is made from some sort of delicate fabric, like silk.

If your items need to be positioned in a room where they are sometimes in direct sunlight, you should at least try to rotate frequently to reduce the impact of the sun’s rays.

#6. Protect from dust damage

When you get the vacuum cleaner out to clean your carpets and other surfaces, don’t forget to give your upholstery a clean at the same time.

Dust accumulates in your home and doesn’t discriminate where it settles. You will be risking a reduced lifespan for your upholstered items if you don’t vacuum regularly, as every time you sit on your sofa or beanbag, you will be driving any dust deeper into the fibers if your upholstery.

Your eyes can’t see the damage dust is causing. What is happening is that the dust has abrasive properties and it will be cutting and scraping your upholstery, although you won’t see this until the damage reaches a point where it becomes visible to the naked eye.

Avoid this damaging scenario by vacuuming your upholstery as part of your regular cleaning routine.

By following some of these basic care and cleaning suggestions, you should be able to enjoy your furniture for a longer period of time and this proactive approach will also help to keep the fabrics looking their best.

If you enjoy sitting on your favorite bean bag, look after it, and it will repay you by staying in good condition for longer.