As anyone with children or pets knows, furniture can be a magnet for spills and stains. And while a quick cleanup may seem like enough to protect your investment, there are actually a few things you should do on a regular basis to keep your home furniture looking its best. Here are four tips for keeping your furniture clean and stain-free:

Prep Your Furniture for Use

Before using any new piece of furniture, it’s important to prep it for use. This means applying a layer of protection, like a fabric protector or sealant, to help repel spills and stains. Once your furniture is protected, be sure to clean up any spills immediately--the longer a spill sits, the more likely it is to cause a stain.

Clean Spills Immediately

As mentioned above, it’s important to clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent staining. But even if you do spill something, don’t despair--there are several ways to remove stains from furniture.

You can try using a store-bought cleaner or making your own natural cleaning solution with ingredients like vinegar or baking soda. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to call in a professional upholstery cleaner.

Warranty and Protection Plans

Many furniture stores offer protection plans that can help cover the cost of repairs or replacements if your furniture is damaged. These plans are usually worth the investment, especially if you have children or pets in the home.

Protect Furniture from the Sun

UV rays can fade and damage fabric, so it's important to keep your furniture out of direct sunlight. If you do need to put something in the sun, consider using a UV-resistant spray or cloth.

Choose Resilient Fabrics

One of the best things you can do is choose fabric that is easy to clean and stain resistant. This is especially important for sofas and accent pillows, which tend to see a lot of use.

Outdoor fabrics are also a great option for dining room chair seats. With so many fun choices, you can easily recover your chairs in a fabric that is durable and easy to clean.

Think About What You Place on Your Furniture

Another tip is to be careful with what you put on your furniture. Avoid using sharp objects on surfaces and be mindful of what you put on display.

Use coasters for drinks. Placing a coaster under your drink can help prevent water rings and other damage to your furniture.

Keep Your Furniture Clean

Dust and dirt can damage the fabric of your home furniture over time. Vacuuming regularly will help remove these particles and keep your furniture looking new.

Serve Stain-Free Foods Near Furniture

There are some foods that are more likely to cause stains than others. To help keep your furniture clean, try to avoid eating messy foods like spaghetti or ice cream near your couch or chairs.

Bel Furniture Company in Houston can help you keep your furniture looking like new. Our team of experienced professionals offer a wide variety of tips and tricks to help you keep your furniture looking its best. Visit us today to learn more about all our Houston home furniture services!