July 16, 2021

By Elizabeth Aaron, Elizabeth Aaron Interior Design

After months of work, another renovation is complete. Before hugging my client goodbye, I share my tricks of the trade in caring for the beautiful finishes my crew just installed. The right cleaning supplies can extend the life of their surfaces. The wrong products can damage them beyond repair. Here is a list of my faves:

1. Hardwood: Vacuum with soft head (no beater bar) or sweep
   Hardwood: Mop with Premium Floor Cleaner, like Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner
2. Carpet: Vacuum LOW PILE with beater bar
   Carpet: Vacuum SHAG with soft head
3. Countertops: Wipe down with non-ammonia based, non-chlorine based, non-granular cleaner
4. Tile: Wipe down with non-ammonia based, non-chlorine based, non-granular cleaner
5. Wood & Painted Surfaces: Premium wood cleaner, like Method Wood
6. Stainless Appliances: Premium stainless cleaner, like Method Stainless Steel
7. Glass: Non-Ammonia-based cleaner is safest for surrounding surfaces
8. Refrigerator Interior: Soft Scrub with Bleach

Be VERY careful not to get bleach on natural stone countertops or flooring!

Elizabeth Aaron Interior Design in Carlsbad, Calif. specializes in “Lifestyle Design” – the concept of understanding clients’ individual needs based on how they really live.