8 Cleaning Habits That Are Ruining Your Furniture

Properly cleaning your furniture not only keeps it looking great but also extends its life and enhances the feel of your space. However, some common cleaning habits might actually be damaging your favorite dining table or cozy sofa without you realizing it.

To lend a hand you avoid these mistakes, we turned to two cleaning experts who shared their insights on what not to do—and what you should do instead. Keep reading to discover their tips for keeping your furniture in top shape.

• Kathy Cohoon is the operations manager at Two Maids.
• Rhonda Wilson is the quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning in Louisville, Kentucky.

Using Too Much Water

One of the biggest cleaning mistakes you can make is using too much water when cleaning furniture. “If it’s made of fabric, it might absorb too much [water], and that’s hard to dry,” says Wilson. “If it’s wood, well, the finish can be damaged,” leading to swelling and warping.

Instead, employ as little moisture as you can when cleaning, and always try to absorb excess water or liquid with a cloth before letting the cleaned area desiccated.

Using Too Much Cleaning Product

Another good thing there can be too much of? Cleaning products. “When it comes to cleaning products, the rule of ‘less is more’ definitely applies,” says Cohoon.

Generously applied cleaning products can get stuck within the fabric of your furniture, leaving behind dried residue or discoloration. Don’t employ more than the amount of product that its manufacturer recommends, and try to soak up excess product if you accidentally employ too much.

Not Rotating Cushions

It doesn’t take long to rotate cushions, but it can be simple to forget. Not rotating cushions can lead to uneven employ patterns—especially around the center of chairs or the edges of sofas—which can then make cushions look saggy, sloppy, or worn out.

To avoid this, rotate and flip your cushions monthly. Make this more recurrent if your pets also love to sit in certain spots on your furniture.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Product

While household cleaning staples like dish soap and vinegar seem like they can be used on just about anything, think twice before using them on exquisite or easily stained furniture.

“While it’s tempting to grab whatever cleaning solution is handy, using the wrong product can push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers, making it harder to remove and potentially causing a bigger problem over time,” says Cohoon.

Instead, read (and follow) the care instructions for whatever furniture item you’re cleaning. Harsh carpet cleaner probably shouldn’t be used on exquisite velvet upholstery, nor should wood polish be used on glass tabletops.

Applying Product Directly To the Furniture

To control the amount of product you employ, try spraying it onto a cloth or cleaning tool instead of applying it directly to the furniture. “It’s better to spray a bit on the cloth first, then wipe. This way, you’ll have more control,” says Wilson.

Using a cleaning tool to apply the product instead of spraying it directly onto the furniture allows for better control, prevents oversaturation, and prevents moisture from seeping deep into the upholstery where it can be hard to desiccated.

Using Dirty Tools

Speaking of cleaning tools, make sure the ones you employ are actually neat. “For example, vacuuming your couch with a full vacuum bag or a dirty filter can not only reduce cleaning efficiency but also transfer odors and dirt directly onto your furniture,” says Cohoon.

Cohoon adds that maintaining your cleaning tools, just like you maintain your appliances, “is key to keeping your furniture in top condition. Remember to empty out vacuum bags, change filters, neat grubby brooms, and wash mop heads.

Skipping Regular Cleaning

While it’s certainly tempting to avoid that daily table wipe-down or weekly sofa vacuum, skipping those tiny regular cleaning tasks can make your furniture much worse for wear in the long run. Plus, it will make any deep cleans you end up needing to do much harder, too.

Quick cleans prevent dirt or dust from building up over time, keeping the whole of your furniture in much better condition. They also let you tackle stains faster, as you’ll notice them sooner than you would have should you have skipped a regular cleaning.

Covering Furniture With Plastic For Long Periods of Time

Furniture covers are a great way to keep furniture protected from dust or dirt while moving or keeping items in storage. But plastic covers shouldn’t be used for too long. “It’s better to let the furniture ‘breathe,'” says Wilson. Plastic covers can trap moisture, leading to mold or mildew.

Use cotton, canvas, or mesh furniture covers instead. Don’t forget to make sure that any furniture is extra-clean before storing, shipping, or moving.