Whether it’s your favorite couch, dining set, or outdoor patio chair, even the most expensive furniture made of the finest materials can wear out with time. But how do you determine whether furniture can be restored or whether it’s ready to be dumped in the trash and replaced?

We outline the main signs of depreciation in furniture and offer some DIY solutions about how to handle these issues.

Worn out Upholstery

Your furniture will experience significant wear and tear over the years. Unsurprisingly, ignoring unsightly tears, rips, and frayed edges will only worsen the damage.

In cases of minor rips and stray tears around the edges, one of the easiest ways to address the problem is to simply apply a flexible contact adhesive to the damaged borders for about 10 minutes and hold the ripped edges together. You can secure these with masking tape, too.

Even though contact adhesives dry to form a transparent waterproof bond, it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before exposing the fabric to moisture or water. By doing so, you can avoid yellow after-stains on your fabric.

Similarly, if your sofa has been exposed to natural light, look to baking soda and white vinegar to rejuvenate faded fabric.

Mildew and Mold

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The presence of mold and mildew on your furniture indicates that it is getting old, damaged, or has been exposed to moisture for far too long. Aside from the dull appearance, mold and mildew growth can pose health risks to those who are exposed for prolonged periods of time.

To avoid this, keep your outdoor cushions in a dry and cool location during the winter. If you don’t have enough space inside, keep them outside on a deck or porch if rain isn’t a problem in your area.

Every few months, you should aim to give your indoor furniture a more thorough clean with tools like vinegar and a sponge or soft brush, as they can remove mold and mildew. Alternatively, try a steam cleaner, as this is capable of killing certain molds.

In cases of strong odor from cushions or severe mold or mildew infestations, we’d advise replacing your patio pillows and cushions. Consider it an opportunity to restyle your patio and a chance to go for a walk or try some outdoor exercise.

Cracked Paint

Chipped paint is often the first clue that your furniture needs some attention. This is because paint gaps allow moisture into wood or metal frames, which can lead to more serious problems like lead exposure, mold, and rust.

To repair, first, inspect the framework of the furniture piece to ensure it’s in good condition. If you notice any signs of moisture in this section at all, we’d recommend replacing it.

Water damage can appear in several forms depending on the materials involved. For example, for wood, signs of a dark stain or watermark are an obvious indication of water damage. This stain causes rot, weakens the wooden frame, and poses a health and safety risk.

For metal surfaces, you should be ideally looking for any trace of rust and/or corrosion. Essentially, this will appear as black, red, or white deposits on the metal’s surface. If the moisture damage or rust is too severe and DIY fixes will be too costly or time-intensive, it’s a good idea to replace the item.

All in all, there’s no reason to throw away furniture that can be dusted, cleaned, restored, or powder-coated again. If you can’t handle a problem on your own, seek professional assistance (if the item was initially quite expensive) or take the opportunity to start anew and refresh your space by replacing your furniture with new items.