Cleaning doesn’t have to be difficult; all you need is the right know-how. From common surfaces like glass to precious materials like marble, here are six fool-proof ways to clean (almost) every surface in your home.
Wood
Wooden furniture earned its reputation as a design staple thanks to its durability and timeless appeal. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning wood surfaces, wiping them down with a mildly damp cloth will suffice. If you don’t have the habit of placing drinks on coasters, your wood tables may sport unsightly ‘water rings’ that can damage your furniture. To counter this, all you need to do is whip out some mayonnaise from your kitchen and spread it on the affected surface before leaving it overnight. Yes, it actually works!
Marble
Image courtesy of Melissa C. Koh
While marble is generally pretty sturdy, this luxurious material requires special attention due to its vulnerability to stains and scratches. As beautiful as marble tables are, liquid spills can cause stains and impact can lead to chipping if they’re not maintained properly. Besides undergoing periodic sealing, another good way to maintain marble surfaces is by wiping them down with a mixture of warm water and non-abrasive dishwashing liquid of neutral pH. Apply just enough of the solution to make the tiles damp and wipe away any puddles of water. If left to sit, the puddles may cause further staining!
Engineered quartz
Image courtesy of Silestone
Engineered quartz is hardy and non-porous; it doesn’t require the kind of periodic sealing that natural stone does and has a handy natural resistance to bacteria, moisture and staining. But low-maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance—you’ll still need to wipe these surfaces down every once in a while to remove fingerprints and smudges. For stubborn stains, soak the problem spot in a mixture of mild detergent and warm water for ten minutes before scrubbing it away with a non-abrasive scrub pad.
Glass
As a non-porous material, glass is highly resistant to staining and mould, but fingerprints and soap scum may get in the way of your windows looking squeaky clean. While wiping them down with standard cleaning liquid usually does the trick, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda works better on tough stains. Pro tip: before cleaning with liquid, be sure to dust the surface down, as debris can end up scratching the glass.
Ceramic and porcelain
Image courtesy of The Flower Lab Interior Design
Homeowners typically love ceramic and porcelain tiles due to their wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes. The glazed variations are even more popular, the tiles fitted out with a protective layer that protects them from heat, stains, and moisture build-up. If you find that your ceramic and porcelain tiles are starting to lose their shine, simply mix some vinegar with warm water to create an effective, home-made cleaning agent. Getting rid of grout may require some extra scrubbing with a toothbrush!
Wallpaper
Image courtesy of Wall Catalog
Yes, your wallpaper needs cleaning too! To prevent dirt from collecting in the seams, wipe down your wallpaper in long and smooth strokes with a gentle detergent. Avoid using too much force as this can cause tearing or wrinkles in the surface. Make sure to practice good ventilation on a daily basis, airing out the room frequently. After all, ventilation is key when it comes to maintaining your wallpapers.
