12 Furnishings That Cleaning Experts Never Let Into Their Homes

Non-Removable Cushions

Avoid choosing furnishings with non-removable cushions. "Cushions that can’t be removed limit your ability to deep clean, making it hard to treat spills, crumbs, or pet hair," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "You're often stuck spot-treating or hiring professional cleaners."

High-Pile or Shag Rugs

While they may look incredible in your home, Sokolowski says high-pile and shag rugs trap a lot of dirt, dust, pet dander, and crumbs deep within the fibers. Even vacuuming these rugs won't help clean embedded debris. "They also require specialty cleaning equipment or professional servicing," she adds.

Bouclé Fabric

Bouclé is a trendy fabric that is a popular choice for couches, chairs, benches, and more, but our experts recommend avoiding it for its impracticality. "We'd definitely avoid any bouclé upholstery as bouclé's looped yarn texture makes it prone to snagging and almost impossible to spot-clean without damaging the weave," says Sokolowski "It also absorbs spills quickly, which can lead to permanent stains."

Silk Furnishings

Silk is a very delicate fabric that stains easily, especially when exposed to sunlight and moisture. "Most silk items are dry-clean-only, and even then, results aren’t guaranteed," says Sokolowski.

White Upholstery

White upholstery gives any space an airy, welcoming atmosphere, but it's not the most practical choice, especially if you have kids or pets. "While visually appealing, light fabrics show every bit of dirt, pet hair, and stains," says Sokolowski. "Even with regular cleaning, it’s nearly impossible to keep them looking fresh in high-traffic areas."

Velvet Furniture

Velvet is an elegant and luxe choice for furnishings and décor, but Sokolowski says it is notoriously unforgiving. "It crushes easily, shows watermarks, and holds onto pet hair and dust," she notes. "Cleaning requires gentle care and special tools to avoid damaging the pile."

Glass or Mirrored Tables

Glass or mirrored tables are a sleek addition to your dining or living room, but they need regular cleaning to maintain their shine. "Unless you enjoy wiping up fingerprints and smudges every five minutes, skip the glam and go matte," says McAllister.

Sokolowski especially recommends against these tables if they have metal frames. "The metalwork underneath collects grime and requires detailed hand-cleaning to keep it looking good," she says.

Unfinished Wood

Unfinished wood has a rustic, antique quality that looks beautiful in any room of the home. But it has its downsides, so experts caution against it. "It soaks up spills like a paper towel and stains instantly," says McAllister, adding that water rings and grease spots are very hard to remove.

Pieces With Intricate Grooves

Décor and furnishings with intricate silhouettes look unique and add interest to the home, but they quickly become a haven for dust. McAllister recommends against purchasing these pieces unless you have the spare time it takes to clean them properly.

Wicker or Cane Furniture

Wicker and cane are popular materials that are appreciated for their natural beauty, but they can be difficult to maintain. "The grooves and weaves are literal dust traps, and you’ll need a toothbrush and a day off just to keep them looking decent," says Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo. If you do choose furnishings made from these materials, be extra careful when cleaning—Sokolowski says that even light cleaning can risk warping the structure.

Tufted Upholstery

Tufted upholstery, whether it's a couch or bed frame, collects crumbs, hair, and debris that's difficult to clean without a crevice tool, says McAllister. There are other types of upholstery that look just as elevated and are easier to clean.