What To Keep In Mind When Choosing Upholstery Materials Velvet : This is a great material for upkeep and cleaning, especially as spills often sit on the surface rather than soaking in. The only caveat is that some, but not all, velvet fabrics attract and stick to dust, hair, and fluff very easily. This is especially noticeable in navy and grey colours, and is not a great option if you have shedding pets.  To avoid the above problem: choose a non-synthetic option, as synthetic

Cons The most important con in my opinion is that indoor drying releases a lot of moisture into the air, which will increase indoor humidity. This leaves an unpleasant damp smell, both to the room and the clothes, and risks condensation damage and mould the area. Pros Air drying is the more gentle, protective, and cost-effective option for handling laundry.  General indoor drying tips: Open a window slightly, even in winter, to promote air flow. Ventilation also means indoo

What vinegar types should I use? For cleaning usage, I recommend standard white distilled vinegar. It is inexpensive and contains around 5% acetic acid, which makes it relatively gentle but effective for sanitisation and getting rid of stains.   I would advise staying away from pungent and coloured vinegars like malt vinegar and apple cider vinegar, as these may leave an undesirable odour and stains, especially on important surfaces like marble.  Why vinegar works Vinegar is

Kitchen cabinets I recommend thoroughly cleaning the kitchen with degreaser, to make sure all the layers of dirt and oil build up come off. A lot of people don’t realise this, but regular cleaning products build up on the surface of cabinets over time too, leaving residue. So, you’re not just using degreaser to to tackle cooking oils, but also you’re own cleaning products!  You’ll want to pay extra attention to handles, which are touched often and therefore need to be disinfe

Floor cleaners Most floors do not need commercial cleaners, especially when warm water and a dash of soap does wonders for most surface types. Commercial cleaners can leave residue that builds up and becomes sticky over time. I even recommend mixing in a drop of your favourite essential oil to have the space smelling amazing.  Wood cleaning sprays Many wood sprays are marketed as nourishing and restorative but surprisingly can actually damage the wood finish and dull and di

Use ‘the pink stuff’ My number one recommendation would be to use the pink stuff or a similar product type when you find stains and build up that you’re unable to remove with wiping or scrubbing with general cleaners. They can completely transform a toilet seat that seems to be hopelessly discoloured and can save needing to do a complete replacement .  Hinge cleaning Dirt and residue collect in the small gaps, which can cause the connection point to look unsightly and even be

Watch for product residue Surface cleaners and kitchen vapours leave residue that builds up over time. I recommend a thorough clean with a degreaser instead to make sure you lift those layers.  Give extra attention to contact points Make sure to most thoroughly clean contact points, such as handles and edges, to sanitise spots that need it most and keep things hygienic. It will also help prevent dull patches from forming.  Work from top to bottom Built in units can trap and c

How long does a steam mop take to heat up? Most models take 30 seconds to 2 minutes. To check they are ready, you can briefly activate the mop , and strong steam should come out even when placed against the floor.  Do steam mops require distilled water, or is tap water okay? Manufacturer guidelines typically state that only distilled water should be used, the reason being normal water, especially in the UK where water hardness is high, will leave buildup inside steam mops and