How to Keep Your White Spaces Looking Great
White spaces can be light, bright and beautiful — but how do you keep them that way? If you’ve been wondering how to get the scuffs off your white floors, freshen your floaty curtains or lift jammy handprints from your lovely white sofa, we’ve got you covered.
White walls:
- Vacuuming walls every few weeks will help keep dust from accumulating; dust can make white walls look dingy.
- For a spot on the wall, first try gently wiping it with a damp soft cloth. If that doesn’t work, make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the spot, then wipe clean. If the spot still won’t come off, try a Magic Eraser.
- Keep a labeled container of wall paint easily accessible. Pour a tiny bit into a plastic cup and touch up discolored spots with a small brush.
White upholstery:
- The easiest thing to do is invest in removable, washable slipcovers. Slipcovers can be tailored to closely resemble upholstery but (hallelujah!) can be washed and bleached. Put a slipcover back on your furniture while it’s still slightly damp for the best fit.
- Use a stain-repelling spray to protect upholstery fabric. Be sure to check that it is meant for the type of fabric your piece is upholstered with, and test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly to help prevent dust and dirt from building up.
- A steam cleaner is the best way to get white upholstery really clean — renting or buying a machine can be far more cost effective than having large pieces of furniture professionally cleaned.
- Spot clean with an upholstery cleaner designed for the type of fabric you have.
White bedding:
- When you choose white bedding, check the label to make sure no special care is required — you really shouldn’t have to baby your sheets.
- Launder white sheets in hot water with your regular detergent. Add bleach as needed to keep them looking fresh.
- Do not launder white bedding with any colorful items unless you are 100 percent sure they are colorfast.
- Quilts are delicate by nature and should never be washed in the machine. Most can safely be washed by hand in the bathtub and line dried.
How to Keep Your White Spaces Looking Great
How to Keep Your White Spaces Looking Great
