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The 7 Design Details That Can Make Your Home (A Lot) Easier To Clean
There are lots of things to take into consideration when designing your space. But besides thinking about how items are going to look and feel, it’s also worth taking into account another important factor: How easily can they be cleaned? And since even the tidiest among us will have to contend with dirt and dust eventually, we’re sharing some simple design details that will make future cleaning a lot easier.
Making smarter design decisions now can save you a lot of extra effort (like scrubbing, mopping, and wiping) in the future. So when it comes to surfaces, shelving, and materials, take note of these tips. Keep scrolling to see our 7 suggestions for how to design your home with cleaning in mind.
Looking for more cleaning tips? Check out The (Lazy) Guide To Cleaning: Our 12 Best Time-Saving Hacks, The 8 Items You Should Be Cleaning (But You’re Probably Not) and These 7 Cleaning Products Are The Only Ones You’ll Ever Need.
1. Consider Closed Shelving
While open shelving is all the rage (and looks great), it also is an ideal spot for dust to accumulate. So if you want to avoid excessive dusting, you may be better off closing things up, whether it’s kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, or bathroom storage. And if you want to keep things feeling visually open (without the constant cleaning), glass-front cabinetry is the perfect compromise.
2. Opt For Flat Front Cabinets and Knobs
Even the smallest amount of surface area can -and will – attract dirt and debris. So cabinets with decorative molding are going to capture anything that’s in your kitchen – including grease. A flat front option will require a bit less attention, in. the form of a quick wipe down. And when it comes to opening said cabinets, opting for knobs or pulls (as opposed to a notch or push to open option) will also ensure that whatever is on your fingers won’t smudge the surface.
3. Elevate Your Furniture
If you’ve ever moved a low piece of furniture only to discover a mountain of dust bunnies, you’ll understand why elevating your pieces should be a high priority. Chairs, sofas, and beds that have taller legs (and more clearance underneath them) are a whole lot easier to vacuum under and keep dust-free.
4. Avoid Glass Surfaces
Fingerprints, watermarks, and unsightly smudges are just a few of the pains associated with keeping a glass surface looking spotless. So make it easy on yourself by avoiding glass altogether in your most used pieces – like coffee tables, dining tables, and desks.
5. Add Easy To Clean Upholstery
When it comes to cleaning, not all upholstery is created equal. So for the most foolproof options (that kids, pets, or a wine spill won’t ruin), go for fabrics in a synthetic blend. They’re durable, stain-resistant, and can quickly be cleaned of any messes.
Design: Tiffany Leigh Design
6. Go For Flatweave Rugs
A plush, wool rug has a lot of appeal – but also comes with a lot of upkeep (like constant shedding and vacuuming). For an option that’s much easier to keep clean, we suggest a flatweave cotton or synthetic rug. hey comes in an endless variety of styles, and won’t require more than your normal vacuuming. And for even less upkeep, you can also opt for an indoor-outdoor rug that’s practically impenetrable – and can even be hosed off.
7. Bring In SHOE Storage At Your Entry
To avoid tracking in outside dirt (and whatever else may be stuck to the bottom of your soles) all you have to do to implement one oh-so-simple design solution. Bringing in shoe storage at your entry – whether it’s a stand, baskets, or bins for each family member – will help your floors stay clean, and make mopping a lot less arduous.
