55 Surprising Mistakes That Are Damaging Your Home & Yard

Vacplus Moisture Absorber Boxes (6-Pack)

When a space is too humid, wood warps, mold grows, and drywall rots. These moisture-absorbing boxes are filled with calcium chloride beads that absorb moisture, acting as electricity-free dehumidifiers. They’re fragrance-free with ventilated mesh covers to prevent leaks, and they’re compact enough to fit in cabinets, closets, and cars.

Mistake: Exposing your upholstery to spillsFix: Protecting fabrics with an invisible shield

RepelWell Upholstery Protectant Spray

This upholstery protectant spray creates a shield that guards your furniture against stains. Instead of soaking into your chairs, sofas, or outdoor furniture, moisture beads up and rolls off, so your stuff stays fresh and new-looking for years to come. The formula is invisible, eco-friendly, and pet-safe, and you can use it on everything from canvas to suede.

Mistake: Scratching up your garage walls (& car)Fix: Padding the area with foam strips

AMPULLA Garage Wall Protector (2-Pack)

If your garage is a tight fit, this wall protector strip cushions both the drywall and your car door. It’s made from thick, high-density foam material with a diamond-textured pattern to prevent scratches, and its self-adhesive backing makes it easy to install on most surfaces. This order includes two strips: one for each side.

Mistake: Leaving sticky messes in your fridge Fix: Lining your shelves with easy-to-clean mats

Linda's Essentials Refrigerator Liners (8-Pack)

When juice leaks or a jar tips over, the spill quickly hardens into a sticky mess that’s a pain to scrub off. These refrigerator liners protect your shelves with their non-stick, BPA-free texture — and since they’re slip-resistant yet non-adhesive, they’re super easy to remove and rinse off. Cut them to size for a custom-like fit in your fridge.

Mistake: Not being vigilant about water leaksFix: Detecting drips with alarms

RUIKORING Water Leak Alarm Detectors (5-Pack)

Leaks are among the most common (and most expensive) causes of property damage — and if they occur inside cabinets, under appliances, or in low-traffic rooms, you might not catch them for weeks. As soon as they sense moisture, these drip alarms output a 120-decibel sound to alert you to the leak. They’re IP66 waterproof for durability and battery-operated for cord-free use.

Mistake: Letting animals dig in your yardFix: Installing a fence with extra-deep stakes

COLRASN No-Dig Fence Panels (14-Pack)

Dirt is usually softer at the base of a fence, which is why animals instinctively dig there. Protect your fence (or anything else in your yard) with these no-dig panels. Made from rust-proof metal wire with long stakes, they create a barrier along the perimeter, discouraging all kinds of animals from rabbits to your dog from digging. This set spans 20 feet, and you can also use it to protect vegetable gardens and shield delicate flower beds.

Mistake: Letting furniture bang against wallsFix: Absorbing shock with foam blocks

LveSunny Furniture Wall Protectors (23 Pieces)

Stick these wall protector blocks behind headboards, dressers, bookshelves, and sofas to prevent holes in your walls and scuffs on your furniture. They’re made from thick EVA foam with a strong self-adhesive for tool-free installation, and you can stack them for even more shock absorption.

Mistake: Leaving your under-sink cabinet bareFix: Lining it with a protective silicone tray

ukeetap Extra Thick Silicone Mat Waterproof with Raised Edge 34" x 22", Under Sink Mat for Kitchen & Bathroom, Kitchen Cabinet Liner, Multi-Purpose for Storage & Protection, Gray

If cleaning supplies spill or your faucet starts to leak, the wood underneath your cabinet is the first to go. “Provides great protection from spills and leaks,” one reviewer said about this under-sink mat, which has an average 4.7-star rating. Made from extra-thick silicone with high walls, it comes in three sizes to line cabinets of most sizes, and it’s stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Mistake: Over-watering your houseplantsFix: Stopping root rot at the source

Root Rot Repair for Houseplants – Root Supplement & Recovery Drops for Overwatering or Shock | Heals Roots, Prevents Yellowing, Brown Spots & Dropping Leaves (8 oz)

Caused by improper drainage or overwatering, root rot is a common issue among potted houseplants. These recovery drops aim to attack pathogens, reinforce root systems, and strengthen your plant’s cell walls to prevent infections and encourage lush, green growth. “Really works!” said one reviewer. “It saved my Fiddle Leaf Fig.”

Mistake: Tracking in dirt, sand & moistureFix: Catching messes at the door

PURRUGS Dirt Trapping Door Mat

Over time, dirt can have an abrasive effect on your floors, wearing down protective finishes and getting trapped in carpets, grout, and between floorboards. This door mat has a dense, high-pile texture that catches dirt and moisture before it can enter your home. It’s also non-slip and machine-washable. “Saved my sanity!” said one reviewer with multiple dogs. “The amount of sand being tracked into the house has been dramatically reduced, and my floors stay much cleaner.”

Mistake: Using tape or pins to hang decorFix: Switching to damage-free putty

Gorilla Mounting Putty (3-Pack)

Tape can strip the paint from walls, while pins and screws leave holes. This mounting putty helps you hang posters, photos, lightweight signs, and seasonal decor without leaving a trace. It’s strong enough to support up to 2 pounds, and it comes off drywall, tile, metal, glass, wood, and brick without damage or residue.

Mistake: Letting your lawn suffer during dry spellsFix: Growing a more drought-tolerant lawn

Bayer Advanced Drought Guard

The average American household spends up to 30% of its water usage on lawn maintenance. This drought guard spray cuts your lawn’s watering needs in half, benefiting both the environment and your wallet. The spray bottle attaches to your hose to cover up to 5,000 square feet, while the formula prevents soil from drying out to support a lush, green lawn that’s less affected by heat and drought.

Mistake: Leaving cabinet edges exposedFix: Protecting edges with clear guards

12 Pack Cabinet Protectors for Kitchen Cabinets, 18" Length Clear Cabinet Door Protector Edge Guard 3/4" Thick for Kitchen Drawer Fronts, Slip-On Plastic Edge Guard to Protect Sink & Trash Drawer

Cabinet and drawer edges (especially those below the sink, above the trash, and along the pantry) endure a lot of wear and tear. These slip-on guards reinforce the edges so they don’t scuff, chip, or stain. They’re designed to fit most cabinets up to 0.75 inches thick, and they’re made from transparent plastic for discreet use.

Mistake: Letting vinyl tears growFix: Repairing them with these clear patches

Tear-Aid Vinyl Repair Patch Kit (4 Pieces)

Vinyl is a durable, waterproof material — until it springs a leak, and then your floats, air mattresses, inflatable pools, tarps, and outdoor covers are rendered useless. These vinyl repair patches are made from a special material that creates an airtight, water-tight seal in seconds. It’s also UV-resistant, adheres to irregular shapes, and remains transparent to blend into all colors.

Mistake: Assuming your walls are dryFix: Testing them with a moisture meter

RDINSCOS Wood Moisture Meter

When leaks happen behind walls, they can cause thousands in damages — and when left undetected, moisture turns into mold. This non-invasive moisture meter permeates wood, tile, and masonry to detect moisture behind your walls without causing any damage whatsoever. It’s battery-operated for portable use and gives you an accurate, clear measurement in seconds.

Mistake: Sleeping on allergen-filled pillowsFix: Sealing them with protectors

Aller-Ease Pillow Protectors (4-Pack)

Over time, dust mites and dead skin cells build up inside your pillows, and a standard pillowcase isn’t enough to protect them. These pillow protectors are made from a tightly woven fabric that creates a barrier against allergens and bacteria. Still, they’re quiet, breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking, plus they have zippered closures and are machine-washable for a deep clean.

Mistake: Leaving porous surfaces exposedFix: Protecting them with a clear, barely noticable film

Ismoon Clear Contact Paper Roll

Cabinets, shelves, backsplashes, drawer interiors, furniture, walls, countertops — You can protect just about anything in your home with this clear contact paper. Its self-adhesive backing makes it easy to install, and it’s crystal-clear and waterproof for discreet durability. It also comes in a frosted option for a matte, glare-free finish.

Mistake: Sinking into a saggy sofaFix: Restoring support with an insert

Meliusly Couch Cushion Support

Your saggy sofa isn’t necessarily destined for the landfill. Available in several sizes, this heavy-duty support board slides under existing cushions to reinforce softened foam and broken-down springs, breathing new life into an old couch. It’s crafted from plywood and covered in non-slip fabric, and the panels fold up like an accordion for storage.

Mistake: Thinking hard surfaces are impermeableFix: Protecting them with a ceramic coating

Lifeproof Ceramic Coating Spray Kit (2 Pieces)

Contrary to popular belief, most surfaces in your home aren’t impermeable. This non-toxic ceramic coating spray fills porous materials to create a stain-resistant, hydrophobic barrier that makes cleaning effortless. Use it on most hard surfaces, including countertops, stainless steel appliances, glass, metal, tile, and painted cabinets.

Mistake: Letting doors swing into wallsFix: Installing small, soft bumpers

XoYoZo Door Handle Bumper (4-Pack)

Scuffed walls are an unfortunate reality of high-traffic areas, but you can reinforce vulnerable spots in seconds. Available in two shapes and three neutral colors, these door bumpers prevent door handles from slamming into your walls, so you can avoid scratches, scuffs, and holes. They’re made from soft silica gel, which absorbs shock and noise, and they’re easy to install using the included adhesive strips.

Mistake: Damaging your cast iron when you clean itFix: Using chain-mail for scrubbing

VinYankee Cast Iron Scrubber & Scraper (2 Pieces)

When it comes to cleaning your cookware, cast iron comes with its own set of rules. A chain-mail scrubber removes stuck-on food without scratching the pan’s natural seasoning, and this one has a large stainless steel surface area and a thick silicone handle for leverage and control. The set also includes a silicone scraper for cleaning dishes, cookware, and countertops.

Mistake: Assuming garbage disposals clean themselvesFix: Using cleaning tablets that tackle grease & odors

Bastion Garbage Disposal Cleaner Drops (50-Pack)

Food particles and grease get trapped in garbage disposals, creating a buildup that leads to unwanted odors and costly repairs. Drop one of these cleaner pods into your garbage disposal and run it for 15 seconds to break up grease, remove food particles, and neutralize odors with citrus fruit extracts. The formula is septic-safe, and each order includes 50 pods.

Mistake: Scratching your pans during storageFix: Lining them with felt

BYKITCHEN Pot Protectors (6 Pieces)

Most people stack their pans in cabinets and drawers, but especially if your cookware has a non-stick coating, metal-on-metal contact can scratch the finish. These pot protectors are made from soft felt and come in a set of three sizes to fit most pots, pans, trays, and glass containers. They’re also washable and double as heat-resistant trivets to protect your countertops.

Mistake: Banging cookware against your sinkFix: Protecting delicate countertop edges

AyNirser Sink Edge Protector

Popular countertop materials like marble, quartzite, and granite aren’t as durable as you’d think. Protect the edge of your countertop against scratches, cracks, stains, and moisture with this sink edge protector. It comes in four sizes to fit most sinks, and it’s made from silicone with a raised rim to catch water and a hanging edge to cushion shock while you’re washing heavy cookware.

Mistake: Cracking your glass stovetopFix: Protecting it with a cover

YUHFERA Stove Top Cover

Glass stovetops may look chic, but they can (and do) break from impacts or thermal shock. This stovetop cover is made from silicone that’s heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It not only protects your electric stovetop from scratches and cracks, but it also boosts your usable countertop space when you’re prepping ingredients, serving meals, or drying dishes.

Mistake: Ignoring gaps along fixturesFix: Covering seams with discreet caulk tape

RHRVBSS Clear Caulk Tape

Water takes the path of least resistance, and if you have gaps along windows, bathtubs, sinks, appliances, and backsplashes, leaks may follow. Since it’s clear, mess-free, and flexible with a center crease, this self-adhesive caulk tape is much easier than wrestling with liquid caulk. It’s also waterproof and durable to avoid cracking and yellowing over time.

Mistake: Scratching floors with sliding furnitureFix: Minimizing friction with felt pads

Ansible Chair Leg Floor Protectors (24-Pack)

Dragging chairs across hard floors can leave behind scratches and scuff marks, permanently damaging tiles, hardwood, or linoleum. These floor protectors have stretchy silicone sleeves that fit most square furniture legs. They’re clear except for the felt pads underneath, which minimize friction to prevent damage and stay on way better than those sticky pads.

Mistake: Scrubbing your home by handFix: Boosting efficiency with an electric scrub brush

CTMAST Electric Spin Scrubber Set (7 Pieces)

When you clean your home by hand, you’re expending a ton of energy — and elbow grease can only do so much. This electric spin scrubber set saves you time and energy with its rechargeable motor that reaches speeds up to 450 RPM. It also has an extendable handle and three brush-head attachments so you can clean floors, showers, sinks, corners, and more.

Mistake: Burning your lawn with pet urineFix: Feeding your dog these treats

PAWFECTCHEW Pet Urine Neutralizer Chews (120-Count)

If you have dry, burnt spots on your lawn, it could be due to your pet’s bathroom habits. The nitrogen in your dog’s urine over-fertilizes the grass and causes it to burn, but these Green Grass chews use probiotics and pH-balancing ingredients to help neutralize their urine. The result? A healthier gut for your dog and a greener lawn for you.

Mistake: Wasting energy on temperature controlFix: Insulating your windows & improving privacy

Heat Control Window Film, Window Tint Sun Blocking Blackout and UV Protection, one-Way Privacy Mirror Reflective Film,Explosion-Proof Premium PET Material Cosmic Black, 17.5 Inch x 6.5 Feet

Boost privacy and energy efficiency at the same time with this window tint. Yes, it’s a one-way mirror that looks reflective from the outside, so strangers and neighbors can’t peer in — but it also blocks 99% of UV rays to better preserve the temperature inside your home. “One of the best decisions we’ve made!” said one reviewer whose home is cooler and whose energy bill is lower. You can cut it to size, and it comes with a razor, a spray bottle, and a squeegee for installation.

Mistake: Staining your shower with hard waterFix: Removing droplets fast

dancemoon Shower Squeegee

If you have hard water, droplets can turn into mineral deposits that permanently stain glass, tiles, mirrors, and shower enclosures. This shower squeegee removes them before they can damage your shower — and its well-thought-out design has earned a near-perfect 4.8-star average rating. Made from a single piece of silicone, it’s flexible and streak-free with a curved handle that hooks over most enclosures.

Mistake: Not scrubbing off shoes when coming inFix: Adding an AstroTurf rug

CLEAN MACHINE Dirt Trapper Doormat

This dirt-trapping doormat is made from all-weather AstroTurf, and its grass-like blades can hold up to 1 pound of dirt and sand. It’s also quick-drying, easy to clean, and durable enough for outdoor use.

Mistake: Not protecting your couch from stains & hairFix: Adding a stylish cover that adds to the aesthetics

Awjcsv Couch Cover

Contrary to popular belief, couch covers don’t have to be ugly or uncomfortable. This couch cover comes in several sizes and color options to suit most homes. It protects your furniture from dirt and scratches, exudes style with its ribbed velvet texture, and cushions your seat with dense padding. It’s also non-slip to keep it in place and machine-washable for a deep clean.

Mistake: Flooding your foundationFix: Directing water away from your home

Teisaiko Gutter Downspout Splash Block

When rainwater flows off your roof and down your downspout, it usually pools at the base of your home — and if it rains particularly hard, it can flood your basement or foundation. These downspout extenders span 16 inches, directing the water away from your home. They’re made from weather-resistant materials and come with ground nails to keep them in place.

Mistake: Letting water pool around your faucetFix: Using an quick-drying mat

eormoe Stone Faucet Mat

When water pools behind your faucet, it can cause mildew growth or damage to your countertop. This faucet mat is made from diatomite stone, so it’s absorbent to catch moisture and quick-drying to prevent unwanted odors and mildew. It also doubles as a drying tray for soap, sponges, and scrubbers, and its two-piece design fits most single-hole faucets.

Mistake: Overshooting your parking spotFix: Installing parking aids

HOXWELL Heavy Duty Parking Aid (2-Pack)

Especially if you drive a large vehicle, gauging your bumper distance isn’t always easy. These parking aids help you park perfectly every time by stopping your wheels from rolling any further. They’re made from heavy-duty plastic with bright yellow visibility strips and an adhesive backing that sticks to driveways and garage floors without drilling.

Mistake: Using harsh chemicals on bugsFix: Switching to an effective natural repellent

Mighty Mint Spider Repellent Spray

Especially if you have kids and pets, toxic pest sprays can be dangerous. This extra-concentrated spider repellent spray uses natural plant oils like peppermint and geraniol. “Works like a charm,” said one reviewer who saw “results in the first day.” The spray bottle also comes with a microfiber cloth so you can apply it to windowsills, baseboards, storage areas, and entryways.

Mistake: Leaving your downspouts exposedFix: Covering them with rodent guards

Furniok Gutter Downspout Rodent Guards (2-Pack)

Small animals can use downspouts as ladders to reach your roof before nesting there or chewing through to your attic. These rodent guards fit most type-A downspouts and secure in place with screws. The gridded design allows dirt and water to flow through while preventing mice, squirrels, chipmunks, and snakes from getting in. You can also easily slide the grate up to release any clogs.

Mistake: Cleaning only the lint trapFix: Getting deep into your dryer’s vents

Holikme Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit

Most people clean out their dryer’s lint trap and call it a day. In actuality, debris collects deep in your dryer’s vents, filters, and ducts, reducing the efficiency of your machine and creating a fire hazard. This vent-cleaning kit comes with everything you need to remove lint buildup, including two brushes, flexible nylon rods for reach, a cordless drill attachment, and a pair of gloves.

Mistake: Forgetting to clean your guttersFix: Using the right tools to make it easy

The Gutter Tool Cleaning Spoon and Scoop

Cleaning out the gutters is one of people’s most dreaded chores, but this gutter-cleaning tool makes quick work of the job. With its curved handle and two-in-one hook, it dislodges clogs and spoons them out. It also attaches to most extension poles for ladder-free use, and you can use it to pull debris from roof structures and clean behind skylights.

Mistake: Scratching cookware while washing upFix: Using a non-scratch sponge

SCRUBIT Multi-Purpose Scrub Sponges (6-Pack)

It’s not easy to find a sponge that’s tough on messes but gentle on non-scratch finishes. These multipurpose sponges have an average 4.6-star rating from over 24,000 reviewers because they tackle grease and grime without damaging your cookware. Their double-sided design has a durable scrubber on one side and a soft microfiber cloth on the other, and they’re machine-washable and dryer-safe for reuse.

Mistake: Leaving your mattress unprotectedFix: Using a waterproof protector

Everlasting Comfort Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector with 2 Pillow Protectors

Most sheets are designed for breathability, meaning they won’t protect your mattress against moisture or accidents. This mattress protector is soft, breathable, and noiseless, but it’s still waterproof to prevent stains and densely woven to block dust, mites, and bed bugs. Get it in four sizes, all washable with deep elastic pockets to fit most mattresses.

Mistake: Neglecting wooden cutting boardsFix: Conditioning them with oil

Cutting Board Oil (12oz) by CLARK'S | Enriched with Lemon & Orange Oils | Food Grade Mineral Oil |Butcher Block Oil & Conditioner

Wooden cutting boards dry out over time, making them susceptible to cracks and chips. This cutting board oil is designed to keep the wood nourished and protected for long-term use. The formula is food-grade and infused with lemon and orange oils for an uplifting scent, and you can use it on wooden utensils and butcher-block countertops, too.

Mistake: Slamming your cabinet doorsFix: Cushioning them with pads

ZOMPAGO Clear Silicone Cabinet Bumpers (10-Pack)

Slamming your cabinets weakens the hinges, scuffs the wood, and creates unnecessary noise. These dampening pads are made from thick, clear silicone, so they absorb shock, soften loud sounds, and prevent damage while remaining discreet. They’re also easy to apply on most surfaces thanks to their strong self-adhesive backing.

Mistake: Clogging your downspout with leavesFix: Preventing blockages at the top

Joylight Gutter Guards (4-Pack)

An open gutter is easy enough to clean — but if you get a clog in your downspout, the blockage is much harder to reach. These downspout guards are made from stainless steel that’s designed to last up to 10 years. The cage-like design allows water to flow through while blocking leaves, seeds, and other residue, and the long stakes are easy to install without tools.

Mistake: Exposing your TV to dust & sunFix: Keeping it covered

kwmobile Indoor 24" TV Cover – Television Dust Cover Screen Protector – TV Screen Dust Protection – Linen Fabric Black

Over time, dust and exposure to sunlight can damage your television, clogging its ports, warping the screen, and discoloring the pixels. This indoor TV cover keeps it clean and in great condition. It comes in several measurements to fit most popular screen sizes, it’s open at the bottom to accommodate wires, and it’s made from a linen-like material that folds up when not in use.

Mistake: Letting moisture pool in your homeFix: Absorbing it before it can cause major damage

PIG Water Absorbing Socks (4-Pack)

Each of these bestselling absorbent socks absorbs up to 1 gallon of water, keeping your space dry and more mildew-resistant. The snake-like design is flexible to wrap around equipment, place under appliances, or stretch along walls and doors, and you can use each one up to three times. “Honestly a lifesaver” when you spring a leak and need to keep it contained, according to one reviewer.

Mistake: Removing pet blankets in the summerFix: Covering furniture with cooling pads

COZY KISS Dog Cooling Mat

Most pet owners use blankets to protect their furniture, but once summer comes, pets overheat on the stuffy, plush fabric. This cooling mat is washable and leakproof to protect your sofa or mattress against fur, moisture, and accidents. That said, it’s also covered with a cooling fabric that wicks away body heat, keeping your cat or dog comfortable when temperatures rise.

Mistake: Keeping your tabletops exposedFix: Covering them with clear PVC

SPLENDEFUL Transparent Table Protector

Protect your table without altering its look. Made from PVC, this transparent table protector is waterproof, oil-resistant, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant to keep your wood (or any other material) in great condition while still letting you enjoy it. It comes in tons of sizes, but you can also cut it to fit your dining room table, coffee table, or nightstands.

Mistake: Forgetting to dehumidify cabinets & closetsFix: Adding a tiny rechargeable unit

Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier

When cabinet and closet doors are closed, large dehumidifier units can’t effectively dry the air inside. You have to treat the area as its own space, and this wireless mini dehumidifier can help. Plug it straight into a wall outlet to charge it, and its renewable beads will absorb moisture in small spaces for up to four weeks. You can place it on a flat surface or hang it from its hook, and the plug folds in when not in use.

Mistake: Leaving outdoor furniture exposed to the elementsFix: Covering it between uses

Easy-Going Outdoor Loveseat Cover

If you don’t have the space to store your outdoor furniture inside a garage or shed over the winter, this outdoor cover is a great alternative. Made from durable Oxford fabric, it’s waterproof and UV-resistant to guard most loveseats against the elements. It also has an adjustable toggle cord and quick-close straps to keep it secured despite wind, and its built-in air vents prevent unwanted odors and mildew.

Mistake: Clogging your drain with hairFix: Getting a reliable drain protector

ShowerShroom SHSULT755 Ultra Revolutionary Shower Hair Catcher Drain Protector, No Size, Stainless

Hair is the biggest cause of clogged drains, and snaking them doesn’t remove everything. The best solution? Preventing the clog before it happens. This ShowerShroom drain protector has a revolutionary 3D plug that catches every hair while still allowing water to drain. Once it gets full, simply remove the plug and wipe it clean. The basket is made from durable stainless steel and fits most shower drains.

Mistake: Putting items straight into drawersFix: Protecting your furniture from the inside out

ALIUNI Drawer and Shelf Liner

While most of us worry about the outside of our furniture, spills, crumbs, and ink leaks can damage it from the inside. This protective liner is made from waterproof PVC material, and while it lies flat against drawers and shelves, it’s non-adhesive for easy cleaning and damage-free removal. Choose from tons of chic colors and patterns, and cut it to size for a custom-like fit.

Mistake: Neglecting your concrete surfacesFix: Sealing it for longevity

Rain Guard Water Sealers Concrete Sealer

Concrete is a cheap, easy option for outdoor surfaces — but it’s also susceptible to cracking, staining, pitting, and erosion. This concrete sealer penetrates deep into the porous material to protect it against water, salt, UV damage, and freezing temperatures for up to five years. The finish is clear, and the formula is eco-friendly and low-odor.

Mistake: Allowing your cat to scratch furnitureFix: Discouraging the behavior with sticky sheets

Polamg Anti-Scratch Furniture Protector Sheets (12-Pack)

You could have a scratching post in every room, and some cats still prefer to scratch your sofa. These anti-scratch sheets have a slippery texture that most cats find unsatisfying, so they protect your furniture while discouraging the bad habit. Since they have a heavy-duty self-adhesive tape on the back, they stick to most fabrics for easy installation.