White, clean, and minimalist interiors saw a rise in popularity in the past decade. This is understandably so since an all-white aesthetic can be elegant and timeless, and it provides homeowners with a clean canvas through which they can let their personal touch and style shine through.
But while having a predominantly white home can look immaculate, it can be a challenge to maintain, especially if you live in an area prone to plenty of dust and in a terrain that gets muddy pretty easily. If you dream of having an all-white interior, here are some pointers for keeping it bright and spotless at all times.
Build with the aesthetics in mind
When consulting with your architect and contractor, make sure that everyone is on the same page about the look that you want for your home. This is because your architect can design the house so that it won’t make it prone to dirt and debris. Your contractor can then choose materials and processes that will make it convenient for you as a homeowner to clean your home.
One example is that your contractor will know to use an epoxy sealer for concrete floors since a primer will help in ensuring that your floors will be long-wearing, durable, and resistant to abrasion and damage. It will also repel water, making it easy for you as a homeowner to wipe off any dirt or spill on the floor.
When your designers and contractors know what look you want to go for in your interiors, the home’s natural architecture can be designed in a way that accommodates that look and vibe. Keeping your home bright and immaculate starts long before you start moving in.
Choose the right paint color, finish, and brand
When it comes to our homes, quality is more of an investment and not something we should skimp over. While we might save some money now by choosing more affordable materials and processes, we might end up spending more later if the cheaper alternative ends up breaking down as time goes on. The same is true for your home’s paint job. When you choose high-quality paint for your walls, you establish the proper foundation for simple and easy maintenance down the line.
Focus on preventive care
There are no two ways about it, homeowner: Our residential properties deteriorate over time, but with proper preventive care and maintenance, we can slow down this process in significant ways. Here are some preventive care pointers you can add to your home maintenance checklist if your interiors are primarily white:
- Make dusting a regular part of your routine. Invest in a high-quality duster or brush with extendable handles. A vacuum cleaner might be a better option because you can be more sure that no dust residue will be left.
- If your kitchen also has white counters and walls, you need to be mindful of it since it will be subject to grime and grease from cooking oil and other ingredients. Invest in an excellent chimney that can redirect the dirt away from your walls, and make sure to keep it on whenever you’re cooking.
- Have your walls and floors professionally watched at least once or twice a year. Professional cleaners have the tools and resources to keep your white interiors looking brand-spanking new.
- When doing your own cleaning or washing, protect your walls from absorbing too much moisture. Wipe your walls and floors with a dry cloth after using a damp one to wipe everything.
- Don’t neglect your home’s high-traffic areas like entryways, walls beside doors, smoking pots, electric switches, and other high-touch surfaces. Not many people are aware that human hands tend to be prone to leaving greasy marks (take a look at the keyboard you use regularly), and that’s the last thing we want near our white interiors.
Get rid of stains as soon as they are spilled
This is why proper sealing and waterproofing are essential. You never know when anyone spills into your walls or floors. You will bless the day you decide to use appropriate sealers for your home when a spill happens.
But when they do, don’t wait to get rid of them. The longer you let the stain stay, the more it will be challenging to get rid of. Water is usually enough to get rid of stains, but if not, you can also use a combination of warm water and dish cleaner. Borax and diluted bleach can also be used for more stubborn stains.
White interiors are gorgeous, but they need proper maintenance. Keep yours clean through these tips, and enjoy your all-white home for a long time.
