Home Maintenance Tips

Modern rustic living room with teal velvet sofa, tan leather armchairs, stone fireplace, and large windows by Lesley Myrick Interior Design.

A beautiful home is not just about great design; it’s about the care you give it over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your furnishings, fabrics, and finishes looking their best for years, protecting the investment you have made in your space.

After 20 years in the interior design business, I have gathered trusted maintenance tips from my favorite vendors to help you keep your home feeling polished, fresh, and cared for all year long. This guide is not exhaustive, but it is a strong starting point for keeping every corner of your home in top condition.

Lakefront dining room with woven leather chairs, oval wood table, modern chandelier, and large windows overlooking the water by Lesley Myrick Interior Design

General Home Maintenance Tips

  • Use drink coasters and placemats to protect surfaces
  • Wipe up spills immediately
  • Use protective trivets under hot dishes
  • Add felt pads to the bottoms of tabletop accessories to prevent scratches
  • Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight (if you love bright rooms, UV window film is a great way to let the light in without fading finishes)
  • Keep wood away from extreme humidity changes
Styled built-in bookshelf with vintage books, decorative vases, framed art, greenery, and eclectic accessories by Lesley Myrick Interior Design.

Furniture and Decor Care Guide

Aluminum Furniture

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately
  • Wash periodically with mild liquid soap
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads
  • Cover or store during extended bad weather

Artificial Plants

  • Dust and wipe with a soft, dry cloth
  • Avoid solvents or abrasive cleaners

Concrete Furniture

  • Wipe with a soft, dry cloth
  • Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners
  • Hairline cracks and surface variations are natural
  • Apply a concrete-safe sealer annually
  • Keep covered when not in use

Teak Furniture

  • Clean with mild soap and water and allow to dry completely
  • Teak will naturally silver over time. Use teak oil to keep the golden hue
  • Cover or store to reduce weathering

Wood Furniture

  • Buff with a lint-free cloth to refresh the finish
  • Clean with distilled water or a 1:1 vinegar and distilled water mix and dry immediately
  • Apply Danish oil annually
  • Add felt pads to all pieces on hardwood floors; use hot glue to keep them secure
Learn home maintenance tips for a coffee table with stone surface, blue ceramic vase of white flowers, stacked books, and decorative object, with teal velvet sofa in the background by Lesley Myrick Interior Design

Upholstery and Textiles

Outdoor Cushions

  • Brush off loose dirt regularly
  • Spot clean with mild soap and water and let dry fully before storing
  • Store indoors during wet seasons to prevent mildew
  • Rotate cushions to ensure even wear
  • Note: Always check with a professional before removing cushion covers for cleaning. Avoid bleach and tumble drying, which can damage or shrink fabric.

Upholstery Cleaning Codes

  • W: Water-based cleaning is safe. Use mild detergent or upholstery cleaner
  • S: Use solvent-based cleaners only. Water can stain
  • S/W: Either water or solvent cleaners may be safe, but test first
  • X: Vacuum only. No liquids or solvents

Carpet and Rugs

  • Vacuum doormats regularly
  • For indoor/outdoor rugs: scrub with dish soap, hose off, and air dry
  • For area rugs and carpet, use a kit like Capture Carpet Care and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Dining room with oval wood table, black woven leather chairs, colorful patterned rug, and modern chandelier by Lesley Myrick Interior Design

Specialty Surfaces

Stone, Marble, Granite

  • Use a pH-neutral cleaner like Miracle brand concentrate

Glass

  • Use Sprayway Glass Cleaner on dining tables, antique mirrors, painted or stained glass
  • Avoid ammonia-based cleaners

Faucets and Plumbing Fixtures

  • Flitz products are a great choice for cleaning and polishing

Lighting

  • Wipe with a soft, dry cloth

Umbrellas and Outdoor Bases

  • Clean with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly
  • Avoid harsh brushes or cleansers

Wallcoverings

  • Remove loose dust with a soft brush, microfiber duster, or vacuum with a brush attachment
  • For washable wallpaper:
    • Clean with a mild soap and water solution using a soft sponge or cloth
    • Work from the bottom up to prevent streaks
    • Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel
  • For non-washable wallpaper:
    • Spot clean with a dry cleaning sponge or wallpaper dough
    • Gently lift stains without rubbing to avoid damage.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.