Furniture is an essential aspect of an office environment. Good-quality chairs, desks, shelves, and other essentials create a comfortable and inspiring workspace for your employees. They also reflect your brand image and exemplify the culture of your business. The quality of your office furniture in Salt Lake City can either impress or frustrate visiting clients and customers. Thus, you need to give them a lot of TLC to keep them looking good and working properly. Here are some ways to keep them in near-mint condition:
1. Protect them from sun damage.
Sun exposure can cause irreversible damage to wood, fabric, and leather. If you’re using wood furniture in your office, you can use a sealant to protect them against the damaging UV rays. Depending on the type of wood, you can choose from a few available sealant options such as varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, shellac, and wax and oil finishes.
Aside from offering excellent protection against sunlight, sealants can cushion your furniture from abrasions, scratches, and scuff marks. Leather furniture can significantly fade and crack when exposed to the sun, especially if they are adjacent to the windows. This is because the sun’s heat causes the leather’s natural oils to evaporate.
The cheapest option is to move the furniture to a shaded spot. But if you can’t, you should invest in blinds to protect them during the hottest parts of the day. It is best to apply a leather conditioner at least two times a year to prevent the leather from drying overtime.
2. Instill a culture of care.
The care and maintenance of office furniture should be everyone’s responsibility. Everyone should keep their respective chairs and desks clean. Provide floormats, coasters, and desk pads and ask your staff to use these supplies to prevent furniture damage. Be strict with rest breaks to discourage employees from eating at their desks.
Aside from stubborn stains, half-eaten leftovers, spills, and crumbs can attract pests. Roaches, ants, and even rodents can destroy your wood furniture and other office essentials. Employees should be vested in your company and take care of the furniture like it’s their own. Prohibit them from dragging heavy furniture, sitting on the arms of their chairs, or using the furniture outside its intended use. Ask your employees to check office furniture regularly and report any maintenance concerns immediately.
3. Always consult the care label.
Different furniture materials such as wood, fabric, plastic, or leather require different cleaning products and methods. Before cleaning, you need to read the care label or do research on how to clean them the right way. For instance, if your upholstery fabric has a cleaning code “W,” it means you can only use water-based detergent.
If you see an “X,” the material must be professionally cleaned. Make sure to follow the care and cleaning instructions on the label strictly. Using improper cleaning solutions, and inappropriate tools can cause permanent damage to your furniture.
Through preventive care and regular upkeep, you can prolong the quality of your office furniture and make them stay longer than your retiring employees.