Clever Clarissa’s Household Tips & Advice

Remove surface dust about once a month using a feather duster or a vacuum cleaner attachment (reduce vacuum pressure, if possible, and go from top to bottom, paying special attention to the top and hem). If the curtains are washable, wash them by hand or by machine about once a year. If by hand, dry them lightly in the dryer and hang them up to finish drying. If by machine, remove any removable metal hook, use the delicate cycle and hang them up without drying. If the curtains are non-washable or lined, send them out to a specialized dry cleaner (the good ones will measure your curtains before and after).

Even though you may want to sweep your chimney yourself, I certainly don’t recommend it. Call in a professional chimneysweeper once a year if you use the fireplace regularly (or if you haven’t used it for a long time). Burn wood that has been dried for at least 6 months to minimize creosote build-up.

Although there are ways to clean them, have your mantelpiece, wall or grandfather clock serviced every few years by a professional to avoid harmful dirt build-up. Regularly dust the exterior with a soft cloth.

Clean your chandelier on a regular basis to avoid having to take down the crystals and wash them by hand. If the chandelier is not too dirty, wipe the frame and larger pieces with a soft cloth and go over the other parts with a soft white cotton glove sold in home improvement stores. If necessary, apply a vinegar & water solution and dry well to avoid watermarks.

Cork flooring is usually coated with polyurethane; have heavily trafficked areas recoated by an expert every 2-3 years. After sweeping the surface, mop it with a quick-drying, alcohol-based no-wax floor cleaner using as little liquid as possible to avoid penetration at the seams. Remove spots on cork wall covering with an eraser or superfine sandpaper (0000) using with a very light hand. Spills/spots on uncoated cork floors and walls can also be left untreated, for a ‘distress’ look.