No matter where you call home, keeping your place feeling fresh is a big responsibility. But with all the obligations that come with the care and keeping of a house, it’s hard to know where to begin. From yard maintenance to regular cleaning, protective finishes, and grime-resistant sprays, check out our tips for keeping your home looking its best for years to come.
Carpet Care
Both area rugs and wall-to-wall carpet benefit greatly from a weekly vacuuming routine. Scheduled cleaning keeps particles from working their way down deep into the fibers which can cause permanent damage. Stop dirt at the door by adding welcome mats to outside entrances and washable rugs near areas frequented by dirty shoes and pets. To protect the weave of your carpet, remember to rotate furniture quarterly, which will prevent dents and reduce fading patterns from harsh UV rays. Curtains or blinds can help block the sun and ensure colors stay bright. Lastly, always remember to clean up spills immediately before they can be set.
Forever Flooring
If you’ve invested time and resources into installing beautiful wood floors, you deserve to enjoy them for years to come. Keep your floors looking fresh with cleaning products from our dedicated line, Real Clean Floors. Our specially formulated spray enhances, cleans, and conditions while leaving behind only the fresh scent of citrus. It can tackle even the toughest grime but is still gentle enough to use around kids and pets. Real Clean Floors is a safe alternative to damaging floor cleaners that can strip the finish and dry out your investment over time. No need for a traditional mop and bucket, just spray and wipe away. Also remember to sweep regularly, since loose dirt caught under footwear and furniture can lead to scratches and dull spots. Add Real Clean Floors felt patches to furniture legs and be wary of shoes and high heels that might catch or nick the finish. Adding complementary runners to hallways and entrances ensures high-traffic areas a little more protection.
Furniture Fixes
Educate yourself on how to care for your investments. Solid wood tables, marble countertops, and designer upholstery usually come with detailed cleaning instructions. If you’re the proud owner of an heirloom piece, it’s always a good idea to call on a professional’s opinion before taking the chance at cleaning it. Dry cleaners, woodworkers, and antique dealers can often advise on how to care for hard-to-clean pieces. When it doubt, ask before you proceed. Routine dusting, waxing, and polishing can add years of life to your favorite antiques as can protective sprays and other professional upholstery treatments.
Exterior & Landscape
Regular maintenance isn’t limited to the inside of your home. Give your yard and exterior some attention as well. Peeling paint, chipped stucco, and cracked siding can all be an indicator of a bigger problem; so make sure you take care of them quickly to avoid a larger repair. Periodically check your roof and eaves for signs of water damage since harsh winters and blistering summers can take their toll on your home. Make sure things stay weathertight by visually inspecting them at each seasonal change. When it comes to landscaping, keep plants trimmed and tidy and avoid excess vegetation. Pests love hiding in unkempt greenery.
Humidity and Temperature
One thing you might not consider is how much temperature can affect your space. While you might not see it, excess heat and moisture can cause wood floors to swell and mold to blossom. Extreme cold, drafts or window gaps can dry out furniture and indoor plants. Keep your home cozy by checking and replacing window seals, monitoring vents and setting your homes heating and air to energy-efficient levels.
These mini-maintenance commitments are something you can do every day to lessen the effect of everyday wear and tear on your home and furnishings.