White furniture - it’s aesthetically pleasing, but can be a nightmare to clean. Because of this, some are skeptical to purchase it. How do you know you’ll wash it correctly? Will the table or couch deteriorate over time if left untouched?
This post will explore four reasons why a light-colored dining table or couch is hard to look after. You’ll also find a few tips you can use to keep them pristine. To discover what they are and how you can use them, keep reading.
4 Reasons Why White Dining Tables and Couches Are Difficult to Clean
Provence White Painted Square Coffee Table
1. They Show Debris More
Dog fur, lint, dirt - these are a few problems that these pieces run into. Because white is a light shade, these items will be very obvious on it. In a few cases, they might become stuck in nooks and get embedded in them. This can eventually affect the furniture’s looks.
Sometimes, the piece might not have debris on it but appear to because of shadows. You can spend hours cleaning it, but the angles could still make it look dirty. Due to this, you might think you’ve scrubbed a spot off, but there was nothing to remove in the first place. But, you might miss an area because the contours hide it.
2. They Stain Easily
White is a bright color. If you happen to spill a drink or another vibrant product on it, the contrast will be very visible. You have to be quick when cleaning off the furniture. If you wait for too long, the stain will leave behind a lasting mark.
Besides this, if your clothing has particles or even sweat on it, it could cling to the furniture. This could cause them to seep into the fibers and discolor them.
3. They’re Delicate
Another reason white tables and couches are tough to clean is that they are sensitive. If you use a strong disinfectant on a table, the formula could warp the finish. This can cause it to peel or have a bubbly appearance.
This also applies to the white fabric. While it might not peel, if you use harsh chemicals on it, the fabric could appear patchy. It might also take some time to dry which can make it damp. This could result in mildew.
4. They Can Fade
Over time, white furniture can dim and appear slightly yellow. This is normal but can alter its appearance. Many try to fix this problem but end up damaging their furniture. While this can happen for various reasons, it’s usually due to the wrong cleaning materials.
Some homeowners might end up not touching the pieces out of fear that they’ll ruin them. But, this hesitation can end up making the problem worse.
How Often Should I Clean the Furniture?
Provence White Painted Square Coffee Table
This process should ideally be done at least once a month. This will remove dust and other accumulation.
If you use your dining table often, you’ll want to brush off crumbs after each use. By doing so, you’ll prevent them from staining the table or getting smashed into it.
This also goes for your white couch. While you don’t need to wipe it after each use, it might be good to occasionally inspect it. This way, you can pull lint off or quickly wipe away small blotches before they settle.
How to Protect and Clean White Furniture
Apply Slipcovers
One way to safeguard your white furniture is to put slipcovers over them. Slipcovers come in all sizes, so you can find one that matches your furniture’s dimensions. They’ll not only shield it from visible problems but also UV damage. Slipcovers are sewn with UV-resistant fabric which stops the piece from fading.
You can keep slipcovers on for as long as necessary. For couches, you can sometimes sit on the slipcover. This allows you to use the couch but guards it against damages. Slipcovers are easy to use so they won’t be a hassle to take on and off.
Use a Lint Roller
You could also run a lint roller over your table and couch. Its sticky pad will attach to particles that might be missed by a cleaner or vacuum. While sticky, it won’t leave behind residue. When you’re done, simply rip the paper off for a fresh sheet.
Spray an Eco-Friendly Cleaner On It
As mentioned above, white furniture is extremely delicate. Because of this, it’s ideal to use an eco-friendly solution on it. This isn’t only healthy for the environment but tends to be gentler than synthetic options.
While it’s vital to read the disinfectant’s instructions, most of the time, all you need to do is spritz it on the piece. You can then use a cloth to wipe it off.
If you don’t want to buy a cleaner, you could make your own. Mix about one cup of vinegar with two cups of water. Then, take a rag and put it into the liquid. Scrub it over troublesome areas. Let it soak in for a few seconds and then dab it dry.
Make sure that the fluid dries completely. If not, it could cause mold. To ensure the area dries, it might be good to blow a fan on it.
Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight
You’ll also want to keep your furniture away from the sun. White fabric and paint are susceptible to strong sunbeams. This is because its light color makes it easy for the paint and fabric dye to absorb the rays. After a while, they’ll fade and turn yellow.
It’s best to position the furniture so it’s out of the sun’s reach. If you must place it in a bright room, consider installing shades. These will still let light in but block UV rays.
In Summary
White furniture can be tricky to clean due to its brilliant color and delicate materials. Despite this, it can be done if you follow the right steps. By using these tips, you can maintain your pieces so they last for years.
If you’re on the search for a white dining table or couch, check out White Tree Furniture’s inventory. You’ll find a wide selection that showcases styles like shabby chic and contemporary.