When it comes to home decor, white furniture has a certain je ne sais quoi. It’s crisp, clean, and instantly elevates the look and feel of a space. But if you’ve got four-legged friends (or little humans) roaming around, the idea of keeping that pristine whiteness intact might seem like an impossible feat.
Well, friends, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! I may be a little crazy, but I’ve cracked the code on how to maintain white furniture with pets and kids. And let me tell you, it’s well worth the effort.
Why White Furniture?
I know what you’re thinking – white furniture with pets and kids? Are you out of your mind? Hear me out. When it comes to our home’s decor, I have a serious love affair with all things white. There’s just something about that bright, airy, and cozy cottage-y feel that gets me every time.
Now, I could have easily gone with a more “sensible” color choice, like distressed leather or a grey linen fabric. But I was willing to compromise a bit to get that perfect farmhouse-inspired look I was going for. And you know what sealed the deal for me? Washable slipcovers.
IKEA’s Ektorp line of sofas and chairs come with removable, machine-washable slipcovers. Cue the hallelujah chorus! Not only does this take the stress out of inevitable spills and stains, but it also means I can refresh the entire look of my living room for a fraction of the cost of a brand-new couch.
Keeping It Clean
Alright, so you’re convinced that white furniture is the way to go, but how the heck do you keep it looking fresh and clean with pets and kids running around? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve:
1. Spot Clean as Needed
When the inevitable happens and something gets spilled or smudged on the furniture, I reach for my trusty Clorox Bleach Pen. This little wonder works wonders on tough stains, allowing me to spot clean without having to wash the entire slipcover.
2. Regular Deep Cleaning
About once every two to three months, I strip the slipcovers off the furniture and give them a thorough wash using OxiClean. This helps restore that crisp, bright white look and keeps my couches and chairs looking as good as new.
3. Skip the Ironing
One of the biggest game-changers I’ve discovered is a simple trick to avoid ironing the slipcovers after washing. Instead of drying them all the way, I just let them go until they’re about 50% dry, then pop them back on the furniture. The damp fabric stretches and smooths out, eliminating the need for any ironing. Life. Changing.
The IKEA Ektorp Review
Now, I know what you’re thinking – IKEA furniture can’t possibly hold up to the wear and tear of pets and kids, right? Wrong. I’ve had our Ektorp sectional and chairs for several years now, and they’ve been an absolute dream.
Sure, the seats are a bit more shallow and firmer than the pricier Pottery Barn version, but they’ve softened up nicely over time without losing their shape. And the slipcovers? Unbelievable. We’ve washed them countless times, and they still look as good as the day we bought them.
The real selling point for me, though, is the fact that I don’t have to stress about stains and spills. If something can’t be removed with the Clorox Pen and a regular wash, I can simply replace the slipcover without breaking the bank. Priceless.
The Verdict
So, am I crazy for having white furniture with pets and kids? Maybe a little. But to me, it’s 100% worth it. The ease of maintaining it, the ability to refresh the look with new slipcovers, and the sheer joy I get from that bright, airy, cozy vibe in my home – it all adds up to a big, resounding yes.
Adam Cleaning can help you keep your white furniture looking its best, no matter what your household throws at it. From regular deep cleans to spot treatment for tough stains, we’ve got the expertise and the products to help you love your white furniture, just like I do.
So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the whiteness, my friends. Your home (and your sanity) will thank you.
