
In episode 4 of the TV series How To With John Wilson, John Wilson explores the challenges of preserving furniture in pristine condition. He starts by seeking ways to prevent his cat from destroying his furniture, such as wrapping it in plastic. The episode also delves into the lengths people go to protect their possessions, including the measures taken by New York City to preserve public spaces. It offers a unique and amusing perspective on the value we place on our belongings and the steps we take to maintain them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Episode Number | 4 |
| Episode Title | How to Cover Your Furniture |
| Episode Description | John Wilson reflects on the challenges of keeping an object in pristine condition, including protecting his furniture from his cat. |
| Episode Rating | 8.6/10 |
| Episode Length | 25 minutes |
| Episode Air Date | November 13, 2020 |
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What You'll Learn

Wrapping furniture in plastic
To wrap your furniture in plastic, start by cleaning and drying your furniture. You'll want to ensure that your furniture is free of dust and dirt before wrapping it. Next, remove any removable parts, such as table leaves, shelves, feet, or delicate pieces. Pack these parts separately in a clearly labeled box or bag so that you can easily reassemble them when you arrive at your new place.
Gather your wrapping supplies, including blankets, tape, and plastic wrap. It's recommended to use thicker, stronger plastic wrap specifically designed for furniture and moving, as it's sized to fit larger items and has easy-to-use handles. Plastic wrap from your kitchen cabinet may be too thin and not strong enough to protect your furniture.
When wrapping your furniture, start by placing your fingers in the middle of the empty roll of plastic wrap and walking around the piece, letting the roll unwrap as you go. The plastic wrap will stick to itself, but you may need an extra pair of hands to help hold it in place at the start. Pay special attention to the corners, applying extra protection with cardboard pieces or extra foam to prevent dents and dings.
For wood or leather furniture, it's important to wrap these items with paper padding first. Plastic wrap can trap moisture, causing these materials to mildew or warp. Paper padding will provide protection and airflow.
While plastic wrap is a convenient and popular option for moving, it does have some drawbacks. It is not environmentally friendly, as it cannot be reused or recycled. Additionally, it does not provide any padding, so it's important to use blankets, towels, or other soft materials between the furniture and the wrap to protect against bumps and jiggles during transit.
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Protecting public spaces
In the episode "How to Cover Your Furniture" of the show "How to with John Wilson", John Wilson explores the challenges of keeping furniture in pristine condition. He starts by trying to prevent his cat from destroying his furniture by scratching it. He then decides to protect his furniture by wrapping it in plastic, a method that can keep sofas and chairs looking pristine for decades.
This episode also delves into the topic of protecting public spaces in New York City. The city has implemented various measures to preserve these spaces, including:
- Devices to stop skateboarders from damaging property.
- Measures to prevent rough sleepers from occupying park benches.
- DIY deterrents to stop people from sitting where they shouldn't.
These measures reflect a broader effort by the city to maintain and protect its public spaces, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for all residents and visitors.
Additionally, the episode touches on the concept of preservation in a personal collection. It features a woman who owns a signed original pair of Louboutin shoes that she has never worn, as well as the popularity of reproduction artwork for those who wish to protect their valuable pieces or avoid displaying original artwork in their homes.
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DIY deterrents for unwanted sitting
There are several DIY methods to deter unwanted sitting on furniture. One way is to use a foul-tasting spray, such as Grannick's Bitter Apple, on the furniture. While this method has shown mixed results, it can be effective in deterring pets from chewing on furniture legs. Similarly, a citrus-scented cleaning spray can be used as the scent often repels cats. It is important to note that household cleaners can be toxic to pets, so they should be kept out of their reach.
Another tactic is to cover the furniture with a texture that cats and other pets find unappealing, such as aluminium foil or cardboard coated in double-sided sticky tape. This can make the surface uncomfortable or unpleasant for them to sit on. Additionally, providing an alternative, such as a cat tree, can redirect them from sitting on the unwanted furniture.
For outdoor furniture, bird deterrents can be employed to prevent birds from perching and leaving debris or guano. Physical barriers, such as fences with spikes, can be installed to make it difficult for birds to land. Reflective owl deterrents are also an option, as they use reflected light to repel birds. Transparent Bird Gel and Bird-Free Fire Gel Repellent are less visible options that can be applied to surfaces to deter birds from landing.
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Protecting shoes
In episode 4 of the HBO series "How to With John Wilson", the filmmaker explores the challenges of preserving objects in pristine condition. Specifically, he seeks to protect his furniture from his cat by wrapping it in plastic. This leads him to ponder the lengths to which people go to preserve their possessions, including a pair of expensive designer heels kept in a glass display case on a coffee table.
While plastic furniture covers can maintain the integrity of the piece, they detract from its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Plastic-covered furniture is less comfortable to sit on, sticks to bare skin, and simply looks unattractive. This prompts the question: if you never intend to remove the wrapping, who are you protecting it for?
Similarly, when it comes to protecting shoes, there are several measures one can take to preserve their appearance and prolong their lifespan. Here are some tips to keep your shoes in mint condition:
- Use a shoe protector spray: Apply a protective coating to create a barrier against dirt, water, and stains. This is especially useful for suede, nubuck, and leather shoes.
- Invest in shoe trees: Shoe trees help maintain the shape of the shoe and absorb moisture, preventing creases and odours.
- Rotate your shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day to give them time to air out and recover their shape.
- Store shoes properly: Keep shoes in a cool, dry place, preferably in their original boxes or on a shoe rack. Stuffing shoes with tissue paper or using shoe horns can also help maintain their shape.
- Clean and condition regularly: Use appropriate cleaning products and conditioners for the specific material of the shoe. Regular maintenance will help remove dirt and restore the shoe's appearance.
By following these steps, you can ensure your shoes remain in pristine condition, much like the plastic-covered furniture in John Wilson's episode. However, as the episode points out, there is a trade-off between preservation and enjoyment. While protecting your shoes is important, don't forget to wear and enjoy them as well!
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Reproduction artwork
This episode delves into the various ways people try to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of their belongings. It also highlights the measures taken by New York City to preserve public spaces, including the implementation of devices to deter skateboarders and prevent rough sleepers from occupying park benches.
The concept of reproduction artwork is introduced as a solution for those who want to protect their valuable pieces or display art in their homes without risking damage to the originals. Reproduction artwork allows individuals to preserve the original piece while still enjoying the aesthetics of the art in their living space.
Collectors, in particular, may opt for reproduction artwork to safeguard their investments. For instance, a woman with a signed original pair of Louboutin shoes that she has never worn may consider a reproduction to display instead, maintaining the pristine condition of the original item.
The business of reproduction artwork caters to those who wish to protect their possessions, whether it's a precious pair of shoes or a valuable painting. By offering reproductions, collectors can display their taste for aesthetics without sacrificing the safety of their original investments.
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Frequently asked questions
In episode 4, John Wilson tries to find ways to prevent his cat from destroying his furniture. He decides to protect his furniture by wrapping it in plastic.
John Wilson also talks about the intricacies and fairness practices behind the complex art of splitting the check.
The title of episode 4 is 'How to Cover Your Furniture'.
John Wilson takes viewers to New York and talks about the measures the city has taken to preserve public spaces. He also talks about DIY deterrents to prevent people from sitting where they shouldn't.









































