There are people who are OC (obsessive compulsive) about their office supplies and office furniture. There are also others who don't know how to care for their stuff, and they end up with things which wear down easily. Then there are gradients in between. Whichever category you belong to, you know that office furniture is one of the best investments that you make for your business and so you owe these materials some TLC. They contribute to your productivity anyway.
If you are a newbie to office product and furniture care, here are the four top ways to give them some love:
1. Protect - As they always say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Same goes for our office furniture. As early as when your stuff lands on your office floor, you must try your best to protect it from damage. Wipe off dust before your furniture absorbs it. Apply protective coating if your furniture doesn't come with it (especially with wood). And when you polish, it's best to use a polish that also has protective attributes.
Protect your office furniture from insects as well. Use high grade disinfectants for cleaning and use insect sprays, if needed. Or invest in furniture covers.
2. Shy away from the sun. Whatever material your office equipment is made of, never expose them to direct sunlight. The sun's ultra violet rays are just as harmful to your office furniture as it is to your skin. It can fade and make the material brittle with prolonged exposure. Heat can damage it as well, so proper ventilation (preferably air conditioning) is highly advised.
3. Stain rescue. So you're fond of coffee? How about tea? Or did your pen suddenly become naughty and it spilled ink on your beloved office furniture? Don't fret. There are ways to remove stains from your office equipment. You may use a mild soap for gentle washing and you can get some upholstery cleaning agents from the hardware store. Brush carefully in a circular motion while using a soft brush.
4. Professional intervention. If you think that your office furniture piece is damaged, be realistic about it. Seek professional help through cleaning experts or repairmen. It's always best to maintain your furniture's mint condition so you will be able to use it for longer.
Feeling better already? At least now you know about the basics in caring for your office furniture. Don't forget to check them regularly for their condition and tell all your office mates to be just as accountable.
