House Cleaning: An Interior Design Job?

Posted on October 12, 2006

by Craig Friesen
craig.friesen@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist

You have spent considerable time, money and effort on your interior design job. Your home looks exactly the way you envisioned it. Be wise and undertake the ongoing interior design job of proper household cleaning to keep your home looking this perfect for years to come. Interior design schools recognize the importance of maintenance and instruct their designers on the best way to preserve their work. Here are a few tips for you.

Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right?

You've invested time and money into your interior design job so that you can enjoy your home. It's important to keep it looking good, but there's no need to obsess over preserving the look: find the balance that works best for you. And remember, more is not necessarily better. Over cleaning or cleaning with the wrong products can actually cause damage.

Interior design schools give detailed instruction on what to use on specific surfaces and what to avoid. Contact the designer responsible for your interior design job and ask for some cleaning guidelines. If you did the work yourself, contact the manufacturer of the products you used.

Natural Cleaning Products

Here are some mild cleaning products you can count on to keep your home comfortable and clean:

Vinegar

dilute 1-to-1 with water for use on most surfaces, except marble
use full strength on tubs, stoves, and toilet bowls

Lemon Juice

use on a soft cloth for polishing brass or copper
cut a fresh lemon in half, sprinkle the top surface with baking soda and use to scrub dishes or counter tops
mix 1:2 with olive oil for a wonderful furniture polish but only use this occasionally