Caring for Your Home Investment: Your Maintenance Guide for Luxury Home Materials

While our countries' structures and homes are just a couple of hundred years in the making, European homes have been built and cared for over hundreds, even thousands of years. They boast of long-lasting and natural materials that delight the user. They tend to look at their homes for the long haul, as stewards of history and craftsmanship, with a focus on preserving these special works of art in furniture, fine art, trimwork, and the like.

As America begins to establish these roots, there is a call for the same stewardship. Whether you've invested in a remodel, restoration, or carefully crafted new build, if you have used or planned to use the elevated finishes available, it's important to know how to care for

and get the most out of these materials. Whether you've embraced the sophistication of marble, the warmth of hardwood floors, the brilliance of glass and crystal lighting, or the plush comfort of wool rugs, each material deserves special attention. Here’s how to keep these gorgeous finishes looking pristine for years to come.

Marble: Timeless Beauty with Special Care

Marble can be soft, though many variations are on the market. The soft hand, natural movement, and sheer beauty make it a great choice for countertops, wall treatments, and flooring.

Marble is a stunning natural stone, but its porous nature makes it susceptible to staining and etching. To protect its delicate surface:

• Daily Maintenance: Wipe up spills immediately, especially acidic substances like lemon juice, wine, or vinegar.

• Cleaning: Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or warm water with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing pads.

• Sealing: Apply a high-quality marble sealer every 6-12 months to protect against stains.

• Preventing Damage: Use coasters under drinks and avoid placing heavy objects directly on the surface.

Our home boasts of oak hardwood stained a deep chestnut brown. We give them heavy traffic but clean them daily with a vacuum, mop with Bona, and use felt feet on all of our furniture.

Hardwood Floors: A Classic Foundation

Hardwood floors add warmth and character, but they require consistent upkeep to maintain their luster:

• Daily Care: Sweep or vacuum with a soft-bristle attachment to remove dust and debris.

• Cleaning: Use a damp mop with a wood-friendly cleaner. Avoid excessive water, which can cause warping. We love this gentle cleaner specially designed for woods.

• Protection: Use felt pads under furniture legs and rugs in high-traffic areas to prevent scratches.

• Climate Control: Maintain consistent humidity levels to prevent the wood from expanding or contracting. If you don't already have a system capable of doing this, call your local HVAC company for a quote. It's well worth it, especially during Iowa's very dry winters.

  
  

Glass: Maintaining Clarity and Shine

Glass surfaces, whether windows, tabletops, or shower enclosures, require regular cleaning to stay smudge-free:

• Daily Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth and a streak-free glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution.

• Avoiding Scratches: Never use abrasive pads or harsh chemicals.

• Preventing Hard Water Stains: Dry glass surfaces after exposure to water, especially in bathrooms.

My treasure. This delightful piece hangs above my home office desk giving me motivation to design, detail, and dive into all of our custom plans.

Crystal Lighting: Sparkling Elegance

Crystal chandeliers and lighting fixtures create a riveting focal point, but they gather dust and require careful attention to stay looking lovely:

• Dusting: Use a microfiber cloth or an electrostatic duster weekly to prevent buildup.

• Deep Cleaning: Use a solution of water and mild dish soap, carefully wiping each crystal piece individually. We recommend coffee and a good audio book for this task.

• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Ammonia-based products can dull crystal over time.

• Safety First: Always turn off power before cleaning light fixtures and allow bulbs to cool.

Wool, natural, durable, and lovely.

Wool Rugs: Soft Luxury Underfoot

Wool rugs provide warmth and texture, but their natural fibers require care:

• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum without a beater bar to prevent pulling fibers.

• Spot Cleaning: Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth and mild soap solution.

• Professional Cleaning: Have wool rugs professionally cleaned once a year to remove deep-seated dirt and maintain fiber integrity.

• Rotation: Rotate rugs every six months to ensure even wear and prevent fading from sunlight.

By following these care tips, you can preserve the beauty and durability of these special materials, ensuring your home becomes an asset to pass down to the next generation for many to enjoy. Proper maintenance is the key to enjoying your investment without worry, making luxury not only beautiful but wise.

From my nest to yours,

Hanna Shiplett,

Interior Designer

Clive, Iowa