Sir Terence Conran on cleaning


clean windows let in lots of light
Keeping windows clean will flood your room with natural light
© Debenhams

You’ve been brave and done a clear–out in the living room... now how do you make your new space sparkle? Sir Terence Conran, author of ‘Storage – Get Organized’, shares his cleaning tips.

Care and maintenance

Once you have set up proper storage systems in the living area it should be easy to maintain good order and to keep it clean. Living areas rarely need the type of intensive daily cleaning that kitchens and bathrooms, for example, require. Weekly vacuuming and dusting can be supplemented by more intensive cleaning from time to time.

1. Clean wooden furniture with beeswax once or twice a year. Avoid using spray polishes, especially on old furniture, as it can create sticky residues and destroy precious patina. Beeswax is also good for removing white rings caused by setting down wet glasses.

2. Dust books and ornaments regularly. In Georgian times, the tip of a goosewing was used to dust books. You can use a feather duster, or the soft brush attachment for cleaning upholstery that comes with your vacuum cleaner. Always dust from top to bottom, and shake out dusters outdoors once the dust has built up.

Conran tackles spills on carpets
© B&Q

3. When vacuuming, don’t forget the areas under furniture or around skirting boards (baseboards) where dust tends to accumulate. Vacuum carpets and rugs at least once a week.

4. Pay attention to handles, light switches and door frames, which tend to get grubby with fingermarks.

5. Clean windows can make a huge difference to the way a room feels and to the quality of natural light. Find a reliable window cleaner if you don’t want to tackle the job yourself.

6. Every few months dismantle and clean light fittings. If fittings can’t be removed, clean them carefully in situ.

7. Clean loose covers and curtains periodically, either in the washing machine if they are washable, or have them dry-cleaned.

How to tackle spills on carpets and rugs

1. Mop up excess liquid immediately using an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub or you will force the stain further into the pile.

2. Don’t add additional liquid or you will spread the stain.

3. Once you have blotted the area, wash gently moving from the outer edge of the stain towards the centre, but avoid over wetting.

4. For oil–based stains use solvent of dry-cleaning fluid.

5. For water–based stains, use a gentle solution of water and mild detergent (such as detergent for hand–washing wool or silk), or use a carpet shampoo.

6. For spills that contain both water and oil (such as tea or coffee with milk or cream) wash with detergent first. When the area has dried, use dry–cleaning fluid.

7. Never apply salt to wine stains.

This is an extract from Sir Terence Conran’s ‘Storage – Get Organized’.

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Anniej

Posted | 7th April

The beeswax tip for removing white rings from wet glasses is a great and useful tip to know...

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