With a family to care for, you cannot afford to replace home furnishings more often than is truly necessary. Keeping things in good condition for as long as possible can become quite a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. These simple tips will help you protect your home furnishings and get longer life out of your possessions.
Mattresses
One of the best ways to protect a mattress is to use a properly fitted mattress pad. Not only will it protect your mattress from soil, but it will also help protect it from rips and tears. The pad should be washed each time the rest of the bedding is laundered, and it should always be dried thoroughly before being replaced on the mattress. Dampness can lead to mold and mildew.
Another important part of caring for a mattress is making sure to turn it frequently. Perhaps every 2-3 months, the mattress should be turned. Flip the mattress over completely, so the side that was facing the box spring now faces up. Also, turn the mattress from head to toe. Ask for help if necessary, but make sure to do it regularly to avoid sags.
Carpets
Obviously, keeping carpets clean and treating spills and stains immediately are important. However, many people tend to forget to move furniture and other objects that create flattened areas in carpets. It is important to move these items and vacuum the area thoroughly from time to time, to fluff the carpet fibers up. It is also a good idea to replace furniture just a bit over from the original position in order to create even wear. Also important, ask for help when lifting and moving furniture rather than dragging it across carpet. Not only will it make the task easier on you, but it will make things easier on your carpets, since dragging can cause carpet to stretch or tear.