How to Take Care of a Second-Hand Couch

Summary: If you recently got your hands on a second-hand couch, consider these tips to get it ready to use.

Furniture can get expensive. If you are on a budget or simply do not want to pay the full price for new furniture, getting second-hand furniture, if done properly, can save you a good amount of money. If you are planning on investing in, or picking up, a second-hand couch from someone, take a look at these useful tips to take care of your new furniture.

Disinfect the Couch

When you purchase used items it is wise to disinfect them before actually using them. Manufacturers like The Foam Factory offer a wide variety of different materials, so do some research to find out what kind of material your couch is made out of. Buy disinfecting wipes or aerosol sprays that can safely be used on the couch surface and make sure to clean every crevice carefully.

Check for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs, ticks, and other small bugs unfortunately are not uncommon in used furniture. These small pests can be extremely tough to detect, and even if you are told that the couch does not have any, it would be wise to check thoroughly. Bed bugs are very sneaky and can cause a great deal of discomfort. The easiest, and perhaps most practical, method of getting rid of these pests would be to simply invest in a brand new sofa foam replacement. This might be a more expensive approach but it will surely be more reliable than trying to exterminate the bugs on your own.

If you are set on keeping the original cushions, there are some important facts to keep in mind. Bed bugs can be killed with continuous heat of at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit for at least hours. On the other end of the spectrum, cold temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit will also eliminate them. If you choose to go either of these routes, place the cushions in sealed plastic bags and use a thermometer to closely monitor the temperature levels.