So, you’ve moved into your brand new Redrow home. We all know that maintaining the pristine show home feel isn’t necessarily realistic all the time, but we’re sure you want to keep your home looking like new for as long as possible.

We know a thing or two about keeping new homes clean and tidy. So, our interiors team has provided a quick guide with advice on how best to clean, protect and maintain your new home’s fittings.

 

Sanitary wear and tear in your new home

How to clean taps

To keep them sparkling, clean your taps regularly with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water.

Avoid using any harsh cleaners or abrasive products as these may damage the finish of the tap.

If your tap is dripping constantly when it’s turned off, a washer may need replacing. Or, if you’ve got taps with a ceramic cartridge, limescale may occasionally need removing to keep it in full working order.

How to clean baths, showers and basins

Chinaware can generally be cleaned with warm, soapy water. However, from time to time a cream cleaner can be used without any damage to the surface of your new home’s bathroom.

Only use warm, soapy water or a spray cleaner with acrylic baths and shower trays. Don’t use any cleaning products that might leave a residue, as this can make surfaces slippery to step on.

You should regularly descale your shower head to remove any limescale build-up. Use a squeegee after showering to remove water – this keeps your wall tiles and shower screens free of limescale. Keep an eye on mastic seals around baths and showers and reseal when needed.

How to clean toilets

You should clean your toilets regularly, but avoid putting bleach products in your cistern, as this can cause damage.

Make sure you don’t put anything other than toilet paper down your WCs, including baby wipes or sanitary products, as they will block your system.

How to clean doors and windows

To clean the doors in your new home, simply wipe the internal door and window frames with a soft cloth to remove any dust. Every now and then when needed, use warm, soapy water to remove any marks. Your door and window handles can be cleaned in the same way.

Don’t use any polishes or abrasive cleaners and take care particularly when you’re cleaning; rings and other jewellery can scratch your handles.

If a window or door is stiff to open, try using a silicone type spray on the mechanism or hinges.

How to clean your new home’s kitchen worktops

Laminate worktops

Clean laminate surfaces using an antibacterial spray or warm water and washing-up liquid and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Don’t use any stronger or abrasive cleaners such as bleach or scouring powders, as this could damage the finish. Everyday stains such as coffee and finger marks can usually be cleaned easily with a damp cloth.

It’s important to wipe up spillages straight away to stop any liquid soaking into the joints causing swelling in your home’s new kitchen. Try not to place any appliances that might get hot, such as toasters, on the joints of your worktop, as this can cause damage too.

Don’t apply polish to the surfaces or wear a PVC apron, as over time this can rub against the laminate and cause a change in the texture or colour

Granite worktops

Clean your granite countertops using warm, soapy water and polish with a dry cloth as often as required. Don’t use abrasive cleaning materials or bleach or chlorine-based cleaning products.

Although new home kitchen surfaces are always stain sealed before installation, you should wipe up any spills straight away – especially any strongly coloured foods or drinks, harsh chemicals or oil-based substances. Periodically reseal the worktop to protect the finish.

Silestone worktops

Clean silestone countertops using warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry the surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to remove any excess soap residue.

Stubborn marks can be removed using warm water and a cream cleaner. Strong chemicals or solvents, such as undiluted bleach and caustic soda, or cleaning agents with high alkaline/pH levels should be avoided.

An occasional spray with polish will help maintain the surface’s sheen, but try not to use it too often, as it can build up on the surface.

Whatever type of worktops you have in your Redrow home, it’s important that you never place hot pans or dishes directly onto the surface; instead, use a pan stand or trivet. Always use a chopping board; do not cut directly on the worktop.

How to clean new kitchen units

To keep them in tiptop condition, wipe up any splashes and spills on your kitchen units with warm, soapy water, then dry using a soft cloth so you don’t get any smears. Kitchen cleaning products can be used but it’s always best to follow the manufacturers’ instructions. Generally, it’s best to avoid abrasive cleaners.

Don’t place appliances that generate a lot of steam, such as kettles or coffee makers, under your kitchen units as the moisture will cause damage.

Due to new home settlement, you may find that you need to adjust your unit doors, drawers and soft closers. You should have received a kitchen care and maintenance guide from the supplier upon completion, giving instructions on how to do this.

How to maintain the flooring in your new home

So that your carpet continues to look good even after you’ve lived in your home for a while, vacuum regularly to get rid of any dirt or grit that might cause damage. If there are any spills, use kitchen paper, as quickly as possible, to blot anything up. If you can’t get rid of the stain yourself, you should call in a professional carpet cleaner.

Laminate and wood flooring should be swept to remove dirt and grit, then cleaned with a well wrung mop.

Ceramic tiles just need to be mopped with a mild detergent solution. Anything abrasive or products that might make the floor slippery should be avoided.

You should sweep vinyl flooring regularly, then mop using a solution of washing-up liquid and warm water. Don’t use abrasive products. If you have Amtico flooring, you should sweep the floor with a soft broom before using Amtico International Floor Care Maintainer. To find out where you can buy specialised Amtico cleaners, please visit the Amtico website.

Using a doormat can stop too much dirt and grit being brought into your home. If you have laminate, vinyl or Amtico flooring, castor cups or furniture pads under any furniture will help prevent scratches and dents.

If you have ceramic tiles, you should routinely repair any damaged grout to stop water seeping under the tiles.