Caring for Your Home: Tips I’ve Learned (and Lived) Along the Way

I’ll never forget the first time I walked into a newly completed home I designed. The smell of newness in the air, and every single detail was just right.

The client turned to me, glowing with joy, and said, “It feels like a dream come true.”

“Now how do I keep it looking like this?”

Designing a beautiful space is just the beginning. Living in your home and caring for it requires constant upkeep

Through working with my trusted suppliers, I’ve picked up a lot of maintenance tips over the years . From the stone supplier who swears by wiping baby oil on stone counter tops to keep them looking lush to the upholsterer who wipes a soiled fabric in an upward wiping motion to remove a stain, and the carpet expert who wipes an unwanted spot on the area rug with a baby wipe. I’ve also learned a lot from trial and error in my own home .

Here’s the checklist I share with my clients when they ask how to keep their homes looking fresh, beautiful, and well cared for through every season.

General Maintenance: Start with the Basics

• Dust regularly using a slightly damp, lint-free cloth. It’s the easiest way to refresh your space.

• Protect your surfaces – use coasters, placemats, and felt pads under decor items.

• Use hot dish protectors under anything coming straight from the oven or stove.

• Add furniture floor protectors those felt or rubber pads under chair and table legs to prevent scratches. They come in all sizes – tiny ones for chairs, larger ones for dining tables.

• Stick on clear adhesive bumpers where doors or windows might hit a wall or tiled surface. They’re barely visible but make a big impact in avoiding chips and dents.

Plumbing Care: Prevent Problems Before They Start

To keep your drains clear and your plumbing running smoothly,  avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the drain, and use a simple drain strainer.

Air Conditioning Filters: Breathe Better

Follow your unit’s manual and keep the filter at the wood filters. It improves air quality and helps your system work efficiently – especially important in our Israeli summers!

Marble & Stone: Spa Day for Your Surfaces

For marble - If you spill something, clean it immediately to prevent stains. 

And here’s a little insider trick: use a bit of baby oil on a soft cloth to bring back that gorgeous glow. It’s like moisturizer for your countertops!

Leather Care: Stay Smooth

Leather needs love too. Condition it regularly to prevent drying or cracking. A soft, supple leather sofa can stay that way for years with just a little TLC.

Glass Care: Keep It Sparkling and Streak-Free 

For a crystal-clear finish on standard glass surfaces and windows, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the glass and wipe it clean using a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper .

Carpet Care: Keep It Fresh

For spot cleaning carpets, blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth—never rub, as that can push the stain deeper into the fibers. Once the area is mostly dry, gently dab with a cloth dipped in a mix of warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Always test any cleaning method on a hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the fibers or color

Upholstery Care: Up and Away

When spills happen, use a wet wipe with alcohol, and gently lift the stain in an upward motion. Don’t rub it in! Vacuum weekly and schedule a professional cleaning yearly. It keeps everything looking and smelling fresh.

A Final Thought…

When you care for your home, you’re doing more than cleaning – you’re showing love to the space that holds your family’s laughter, your memories, and your daily life. These small habits help preserve the beauty and function of your home, long after the paint has dried and the furniture is placed.

If you’ve picked up a tip or trick of your own, I’d love to hear it. Let’s keep our homes looking and feeling their best.