Sparkling Clean | Products and Tips for a Spotless Home
When it comes to keeping a tidy home, there are two cardinal rules to follow: have a plan, and have the right tools. You shouldn’t have to keep your daily cleaning essentials hidden away or settle for utility over aesthetics—why not invest in items that are as beautiful as they are functional, and that match almost any decor style? Today we’ve gathered some of our favorite designer pieces that will help you keep your cleaning habits, as well as some luxury-focused tips on taking your cleaning routine to the next level.
Designer Cleaning Tools
Japanese Cypress Broom
Takada
Made with Japanese hinoki wood and windmill palm fibers, this broom’s design features rich wood tones and an asymmetrical silhouette.
Ostrich Feather Duster
Redecker
This offering found at Chicago’s Logan Mercantile features authentic ostrich feathers to make it extremely well-suited for glass and other delicate items.
Find this item in-store at:
3505 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL
Wooden Steam-Bent Basket
Fritz Hansen
This storage piece is the perfect solution for stylish tidying, with a unique laminate-pressed form and lacquer finish.
Wood Soap Stand & Brush
Andreé Jardin
Show off and easily access your dish soap with this heat-treated French wood stand and matching scrub brush.
Luxury Cleaning Tips
Top-Down Cleaning
Always begin your cleaning session from the highest point of the house and work your way down to the lowest point. This avoids tracking dirt, dust, and other debris through areas that have already been cleaned. Start with the ceiling and coving of the top floor, then light fixtures, window frames, and wall hangings. Finish each descending level of your home by cleaning the furniture and floors last so that the dust or debris that have been shaken loose from the ceiling or walls can be removed all at once.
Antiques
Antique furniture and decor, along with the special care you took to select it for your home, needs special care and attention when cleaning. A patina on the surface, built up over many years and even with old marks and damage, is part of the character and value of a piece of furniture and should be preserved. If the surface is badly damaged and needs restoration, consult a specialist dealer for advice. Here’s one of our picks for conservators in the Chicagoland area:
Leather & Suede
Dust natural leather regularly to keep it clean. Wipe down coated leather regularly with a cloth, washing twice a year with saddle soap. Always avoid harsh cleaners and excessive water when dealing with both kinds of leather, and never dry wet leather near a heat source.
Vacuum suede furniture weekly and make a thorough cleaning twice a year. For natural suede, use cornstarch followed by a suede brush to remove stains. Never let natural suede get wet and consult a dry cleaner for major cleans. Microfiber suede comes in two types denoted by the care tag: type W furniture can be cleaned with soap and water, whereas type S must be cleaned with an isopropyl alcohol spray and scrubbed with a dry sponge to prevent staining.
A Finishing Touch
After your home is cleaned, it can often retain the harsh chemical odors from the cleaning agents used, even when using all-natural cleaning substances such as vinegar. To give your home an extra freshening after a deep clean, break out your aromatics collection: diffusers, scented candles, incense, room refresher sprays or perfumes, or even fresh flowers can help bring an inviting presence back into your home.