Why You Should Think Twice Before Getting A White Sofa

It's obvious that white couches are different from any other color options, so it's no surprise homeowners choose them for their living rooms. One of the advantages of having a white couch is the way it elevates your space. They're elegant and luxurious, even without a high price tag. Another perk of having a white sofa is it looks good in any living room, no matter the style, Best Ever Cleaning says. If you're starting with a blank canvas, you can design your living space around a white couch as well, and because white goes with everything, you won't feel limited to certain paint colors and décor.

On the other hand, white couches have their downsides that you might not have thought about, and learning about their disadvantages could influence your choice to purchase one. With that said, if you're considering getting one, you may want to think twice about your decision.

Just like white clothing, white couches are a total magnet for stains, so if you have children or pets in your home, be prepared to consistently clean it. Not only that, but blue jeans will also leave dye stains, Hotondo Homes states. Because you can't just toss your entire sofa in the wash, cleaning it will be a tedious task. If you want to maintain its pristine condition, you'll have to wash it clean regularly. 

However, if you're dead set on white, just purchase a slipcover for the couch you already have. That way, you don't have to buy an entirely new one. Fortunately, there are certain fabrics that make cleaning a lot easier. For example, CityGirlGoneMom recommends microfiber, which Joybird says is known as a low-maintenance material. Obviously, it's up to you to make the final decision, but these are just a few things to keep in mind before the big purchase.

Another significant issue with white couches is the potential for discoloration. According to Budget Friendly Furnishing, white leather sofas are known to turn yellow after an extended period of time. The reason behind the discoloration is the oxidation process, which is often seen in older leather, David Morgan explains. Oxidation can lead to cracking and flaking of the leather, which essentially ruins its fibers. If this happens, you can kiss your white couch goodbye. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent discoloration.

In order to stop this process, make sure you're regularly wiping down your sofa with a leather honey conditioner. Leather Honey suggests you do this anytime you start to notice the fabric cracking or feeling chalky. You might have to do this more frequently if your couch sits in direct sunlight. Additionally, it's crucial you avoid any cleaning products that contain alcohol. The harsh chemicals in your typical cleaning products will speed up the deterioration of your white sofa.