How to Keep Your New Build or Reno Looking Great for Longer
You’ve just finished building or renovating your dream home – congrats! But now comes the important part…
How do you keep it looking great for as long as possible?
Keeping a new build or renovation in top condition requires effort, as the longevity of your home’s materials depends on proper care and maintenance – but the results are SO worth it.
In this blog, we’ll explore tips and tricks for maintaining new materials, dos and don’ts with specific materials, and how various materials will hold up over time.
Cleaning & Maintenance
One of the most important aspects of keeping your new build or renovation looking great is proper cleaning and maintenance of your new materials. Dust, dirt, and grime can build up quickly, so routine care should be taken to keep your new materials looking fresh.   Â
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Here are some tips to help keep your new build or home remodel in tip-top condition:
General Tips
- Use a vacuum or broom to remove loose dirt and debris, then follow up with a damp mop or cloth to remove any remaining dirt or stains
- For hard-to-reach areas, such as ceilings or high windows, use a ladder or extension pole to clean
- Practice care and patience so as to not damage any surfaces or fixtures while cleaning
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on new materials, as they can cause damage and discoloration
Different Material Do’s & Don'ts
Each material used in a new build or renovation requires specific care and maintenance:
MATERIAL | DO | DON’T |
Hardwood | – Use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to clean – Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stains – Use floor protectors on furniture legs to prevent scratches | – Use a steam mop – Clean with water or vinegar solution – Use abrasive cleaners – Drag heavy furniture across the floor |
Ceramic Tiles | – Clean regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or mop – Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stains – Use a grout sealer to protect the grout from stains and mildew | – Clean with abrasive cleaners or tools – Use a steam cleaner – Leave standing water on tiles or grout for long periods of time |
Granite Countertops | – Clean with a non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth – Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stains – Use a cutting board to avoid scratches | – Use abrasive cleaners or tools – Place hot pans directly on the surface – Use harsh chemicals or acids – Cut directly on the surface |
Painted Walls | – Clean with a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap – Use touch-up paint to fix small scratches or scuffs – Use painter’s tape to protect adjacent surfaces when painting | – Use harsh or abrasive cleaners – Scrub vigorously with a brush or sponge – Paint over dirty or greasy walls |
Vinyl Flooring | – Sweep or vacuum regularly – Clean with a non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth or mop – Use floor protectors on furniture legs to prevent scratches | – Use abrasive cleaners or tools – Use a steam mop – Drag heavy furniture across the floor – Leave standing water on the surface for long periods of time |
Carpet | – Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris – Blot up spills immediately with a clean, white cloth or paper towel – Use a carpet protector or mat under heavy furniture to prevent crushing and indentations – Treat stains with a carpet cleaner specifically designed for that type of stain – Use a carpet rake to fluff up and restore the pile of the carpet | – Use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the carpet – Scrub the carpet vigorously with a brush or sponge – Allow spills to sit on the carpet for an extended period of time – Place hot items directly on the carpet – Walk on the carpet with dirty shoes or feet |
Struggling to blend your orange wood cabinets with your new design? This is for you!
Dealing with Hard Water
Aside from spanning Rockies and frigid winters, living in Calgary means you’ll inevitably encounter one thing – hard water.Â
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Water becomes hard when the mineral content, typically calcium and magnesium, is high. Hard water in Calgary commonly causes mineral buildup or ‘scale’ on fixtures and appliances.Â
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But, no need to panic! A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar will keep your bathroom and kitchen fixtures shiny and plaque-free (plus, it’s all-natural – bonus!)Â
Types of Materials
When it comes to choosing materials for your home renovation, it’s important to consider how they will hold up over time. The longevity of different materials is dependent on a variety of factors, such as durability, maintenance, and how well they were installed.
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Assuming proper care and maintenance, materials that are typically built to last include:
- Hardwood flooring
- Ceramic tiles
- Granite countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
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On the other hand, the following materials tend to be more prone to wear and tear and damage, and may require replacements or touch-ups:
- Certain types of carpeting
- Laminate countertops
- Vinyl flooring
Take Care of Your New Build or Reno, & it Will Take Care of You!
Keeping your new build or renovation looking great for longer is all about proper maintenance and care.Â
When choosing materials for your home, consider the durability and maintenance requirements of each option, as well as how each material fits your lifestyle.
By following the dos and don’ts for certain materials, using the right cleaning techniques, and investing in high-quality materials, you can ensure that your home stays beautiful for years to come!
Considering a home renovation? Check out MMID’s Interior Design Services!
Michelle Murphy, BID
I’m the principal designer of MMID with almost 10 years of experience in the design industry. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design from the University of New Haven. My experience includes residential interior design, commercial office design, retail furniture and more. With experience in both the US and Canada, I’m known for my strong communication, detail oriented organization and thorough problem solving skills that help me transform clients' houses into homes.