Design features that simplify cleaning

DESIGN FEATURES THAT SIMPLIFY CLEANING

• Texture: it refers to the surface quality – how something feels when we touch it. Smooth, straight & neat textures collect less dust as compared to rough texture, raised patterns & grooves.

• Floor plan: The furniture to be bought according to the size of the room. Enough place should be available in between of the furniture so that the cleaner may clean them easily.

• Design: Furniture should be so designed that the cleaning under and behind them is easy. Furniture on castor wheels is easy to move. Bed frames should not have raised edges as it may graze the hands of bed maker. Drawers should slide easily and handles well placed.

• Colour: medium toned colour should be used so that the dust is not visible. Dark colors show dust and dirt. Light colors show stains.

• Carpets: dark colored and shorter pile carpets are preferred since they are easy to clean.

• Upholstery: should have minimum of decorative items like buttons as it becomes difficult to clean around them. Upholstery should be easily detachable for easy cleaning. Upholstery may have stain resistant chemicals applied on its surface. Bed covers are provided so that the bed does not get crumbled or dirty during the day time.

• Surfaces: Tables should have easily maintained finishes. Laminates and stone top tables are easy to clean as compared to wood. Wooden tables may have glass pieces kept on them so that the wooden surface does not get scratched. Brass and silver surfaces become tarnished easily.

• Lighting: The fixture should such that they can be easily opened for cleaning. Decorative light fixture should be lacquered instead of brass since brass tarnishes easily.. The lamp shades should be of the material which is easy to clean.

• Bathroom: Non slip, easily drained surface, tiled walls, moisture proof lighting. Ceramic bath tubs are easy to maintain as compared to marble Bath tubs but are delicate and may crack on mishandling. Grouting should be done on the edges of bathtub & tiles. Shower curtain made of plastic be used which are easy to clean.

• Corridor: should have easy clean material on its lower part of the wall called DADO.

• No smoking rooms: should be maintained separately as the smell of cigarette is not easy to remove.

• COVED SKIRTING – helps in maintaining a room clean since there are no edges which would trap dirt.