Moving into The Davy means enjoying a fully furnished apartment that’s clean, stylish, and comfortable. But here’s the deal: between late-night study sessions, snack disasters, and roommate hangouts, your furniture needs a little love to stay in good shape.
Here’s how to keep everything looking fresh—without adding stress to your student schedule.
Sofas and Upholstered Furniture
Your living room furniture is the heart of your UTK off campus housing—it’s where you study, socialize, and relax. It also takes the most wear and tear!
The Spill Response: Accidents happen. The instant a spill occurs (coffee, soda, etc.), tackle it immediately. Gently blot the area with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub—rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fabric. Use a small amount of mild soap and water on the cloth if needed, and then blot again with clean water.
Prevent Fading: Direct, prolonged sunlight can cause upholstery to fade. If your couch or chairs are near a window, use blinds or curtains during the brightest parts of the day to protect the fabric.
The Fluff Fix: Regularly fluffing and rotating cushions prevents permanent indentations and ensures even wear, extending the life of your seating.
Desks and Wood Surfaces
Your desk is your command center for academic success, and keeping it scratch-free is key in your student apartments in Knoxville.
Use Coasters and Mats: This is the golden rule of apartment furnishing care. Use coasters for all drinks to prevent rings and condensation damage. Place a large desk pad or mousepad under your keyboard and study materials to prevent scratching the wood finish with pens or rough book covers.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners: For quick cleaning, a soft cloth dampened with water is usually all you need. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals that can strip the finish on your desk.
Lift, Don’t Drag: When moving your lamp or monitor, lift it completely instead of sliding it across the wood surface to avoid scratching.
Beds and Mattresses
Even though mattresses are provided, giving a little care to your bed frame and surrounding furniture helps keep your space comfortable and looking its best.
The Dust Patrol: Wipe down the bed frame and bedside tables weekly, as dust can accumulate quickly in your student apartment near UTK.
Bed Skirt Check: Keep your bed linens from dragging on the floor, which can prematurely fray or tear the fabric and drag dirt into your sleeping area.
No Jump Zone: Though tempting after a long day of classes, avoid using the bed as a trampoline. This prevents undue stress on the frame and slats, ensuring it lasts throughout your lease.
Want to add more life to your space? Check out our guide on bringing greenery into your apartment: Best Plants for Apartments: Student Guide to Easy-Care Greenery
Kitchen Cabinets and Appliances
Keeping the kitchen tidy in your UTK off-campus apartment makes the space more enjoyable and helps avoid any unwanted pests.
Wipe Down Immediately: The biggest threat to kitchen surfaces (cabinets and counters) is grease splatter. Always wipe down the cooktop and adjacent surfaces after you finish cooking to prevent oil from building up.
Handle with Care: Always use the handles on drawers and cabinets; avoid pulling them open by the door faces, as oils from hands can discolor the finish over time.
Keep the Fridge Fresh: Check for old or expired food regularly. A clean fridge not only works better but also helps your apartment stay fresh and inviting.
General Maintenance (The “Don’t Wait” Rule)
Vacuuming: Use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner weekly to clean under cushions and around the legs of your furniture. This removes small particles that can break down the fabric over time.
Stay on Top of Small Tasks: Don’t wait until chores pile up or minor issues turn into big problems. A few minutes each day to tidy, check furniture, and handle small repairs keeps your apartment at The Davy comfortable, organized, and stress-free. Small, consistent efforts go a long way.
Keep Your Space in Great Shape
Taking care of your furniture doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple habits, your apartment at The Davy stays comfortable, functional, and inviting—so you can focus on classes, friends, and everything Knoxville student life has to offer.