Your home should be your sanctuary, so after having it designed and buying beautiful items, its really important to learn how to take care of everything properly so its keeps looking at its best and lasts for years to come! We teamed up with Homewings, a new online interior design company to pick their brains on how to keep homeware at its best.
Wooden floors
Wooden floors are an investment in any home, if treated correctly they will last for a very long time. It’s very important to treat them right which will increase their lifespan and keep them looking like new:
1. Never use water to mop the floors, water can cause permanent damage to your floors and cause them to lift and bow. You can use a damp cloth to wipe up spills but never pour water directly on the floor. Instead use a barely damp flat mop with a microfibre head.
2. Use felt stickers underneath furniture legs to prevent too much pressure on the floor causing dents, never drag furniture around when moving it, make sure you have enough hands before attempting to move anything and carefully lift and lay furniture down.
3. In high volume areas such as the back door always use a floor mat. The mat choice is important- opt for a cotton mat and move around to prevent a patch where the floors haven't been exposed. Steer away from rubber or vinyl mats as they will trap water under them.
Theres nothing better then getting into a crisp fresh bed! Buy the best quality bed linen you can for your budget, Egyptian cotton is best for a super soft feeling, or linen for longevity and getting better with age. Once you have made the purchase its really important to care for your linen properly so that it lasts and feels fantastic every night.
Bed linen
1. Prepping the laundry is important, button up the buttons or close Velcro (so it doesn’t get stuck on other things), and turn patterned or decorated fabrics inside out.
2. Use less detergent than the manufacturer recommends as too much detergent weakens fibres over time. Ecover is great from the supermarket but if you want something a little more special Check out L:A Bruket and Tangent - great Swedish based natural products.
3. Linen gets softer with ironing so if you can it will feel best! If you don't have time to iron all the line, just do the pillowcases. Linen is best ironed when damp, it is easier to get the creases out and smells great!
House plants
House plants are an asset to any home, they bring the outdoors in, making the air feel fresh and light! Its just that so often we cant seem to look after them?! Follow these tips as a good start in keeping your plants happy and healthy:
1. Did you know most houseplants are killed by overwatering? Aim to keep the compost moist but wait until it has almost dried out before re-watering. You can check by pushing your finger into the compost. Water less in winter than in summer when actively growing.
2. Remember where your plants comes from and treat it accordingly for example: ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical plants enjoy a daily mist with a hand-held spray. Grouping plants on a tray of damp gravel will also help.
3. Dust can quickly build up on leaves, this isn't only unsightly but also prevents your plants from growing properly. Clean with a piece of cotton wool dipped in water, and pinch off any dying flowers with your thumb and forefinger and remove damaged or yellowing leaves to keep your plant growing to its best ability!
Image @ Steve Williams kitchen