(StatePoint) Perhaps you’re better off not taking that new sofa out of its plastic wrap. Sofas, couches and loveseats top the list of furniture most likely to be damaged, according to the latest survey on furniture damage from Allstate Protection Plans. What’s worse, more than half of furniture purchases were damaged in the first two years!

A whopping 174.8 million Americans have damaged furniture, and 61% of accidents occurred in the first two years of ownership.

Here are insights from this survey, along with information on what consumers did to repair, replace or hide damage:

• Failure Frequencies: When asked which furniture was damaged most recently, 40% of Americans said sofas, couches and loveseats. People spent $299 on average repairing or replacing them. And 17% of accidents happened in the first six months after purchase.
• Drips and Rips: Spills and stains were the leading cause of damage, accounting for over half (55%). Rips and tears were second (25%). Juices accounted for 25% of stains, while people and pet stains accounted for 21%.
• Four Legs Versus Two: Surprisingly, pets and children were less likely to be responsible for damage than adults. Forty-five percent of adults blamed spouses for damage, with children responsible for 34%. Dogs were twice as likely as cats to cause damage.
• Dealing with Damage: Forty-three percent of people tried to fix damage themselves, while 38% kept using furniture despite damage. Twenty-three percent hide it, with 14% replacing items and 4% repairing them.
• Fear of Fancy Furniture: Over a third (36%) avoided buying high-priced furniture for fear of damage. While 54% were aware protection plans can cover sofas, only 31% understood they can cover beds, and just 12% knew they can cover area rugs.
• Preventive Measures: Thirty-eight percent of Americans have covered furniture with towels or sheets, 29% have used slipcovers and plastic covers, and 20% have used stain prevention treatments. Just over a fifth (22%) currently have a protection plan or extended warranty for furniture.

“While people are used to protecting electronics, many don’t know they can protect furniture too. It gives you peace of mind, knowing expert help is there when you need it,” says Jason Siciliano, vice president of marketing and creative director at Allstate Protection Plans.

To protect furniture, the experts at Allstate Protection Plans recommend:

• Clean Regularly: Dust and dirt buildup can cause scratches and abrasions, or worse. Cleaning is important for high-traffic items like area rugs.
• Use Coasters and Mats: They can prevent rings and stains from moisture and heat.
• Invest in Protective Covers: For both indoor and outdoor furniture, especially high-use pieces, covers can help.
• Rotate and Rearrange: Rotate cushions periodically to distribute weight and wear.
• Control Environmental Factors: Regulate temperature and humidity. Close curtains or blinds to stop fabric or wood from fading in the sun.
• Consider a Protection Plan: The coverage can include accidental damage, stains and structural issues, and protect your financial investment.

More tips and information are available at www.allstateprotectionplans.com.

Since we’re only human, stains and damage will happen. With a few simple steps you can rest easy when sitting on that new sofa.