Be Warned: 5 Decor Products That Are Hard to Clean

Carol Stevenson
by Carol Stevenson

With all the style tips floating around and everyone proudly flaunting their stunning homes for inspiration, let's take a moment to chat about something real and crucial: Cleaning. Particularly when it comes to home decor. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying something trendy without considering the practicality of maintaining it. Watching Nick Lewis's recent YouTube video, " Home Decor Products That Are Hard to Clean," opened my eyes to some popular decor choices that many of us impulsively bring into our homes, only to find out later how challenging they are to keep clean. It's a reality check that hit close to home, and now I'm rethinking my approach to decorating with a more practical lens.

1. Light-Colored Sofas

Light-colored sofas may exude elegance, but they come with a significant drawback – they easily showcase stains. While personal preference plays a role in choosing furniture, Nick suggests practical solutions for maintaining light sofas. He recommends using Folex cleaner, a pill shaver, or opting for darker-colored sofas that camouflage stains better.

Image: housebeautiful.com


2. Open Shelving

The trend of open shelving may be aesthetically pleasing, but it poses challenges in terms of cleaning, especially when placed near cooking areas. Nick proposes alternatives such as closed cabinetry or glass-fronted cabinets. Additionally, he advises placing open shelves away from high-traffic and splash-prone zones.

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Image: goodhousekeeping.com



Image: jacquelynclark.com



3. Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks, particularly glass ones, are known for their difficulty in cleaning due to their design. Nick advocates for built-in sinks, providing an easier maintenance solution. He also emphasizes choosing faucets that minimize splashing, further simplifying the cleaning process.

Image: shelterness.com



4. Dark or Stainless Countertops

Dark or stainless countertops may seem chic, but they present a maintenance nightmare. In contrast to light-colored countertops that immediately reveal dirt, dark ones accumulate grime unnoticed. Nick suggests opting for lighter countertops to ensure an immediate response to cleaning needs, maintaining a sanitary and visually appealing kitchen.

Image: inhonorofdesign.com



5. Shag Rugs or Carpets

Shag rugs and carpets, with their textural allure, may be cozy, but they trap dirt and are challenging to clean effectively. Nick advises against choosing these high-pile options and recommends lower-pile rugs for easier maintenance. He warns against the allure of cheap shag rugs, emphasizing the difficulty of keeping them clean over time.

Image: homedecorators.com

We all share the desire for a beautiful home, but let's be real – who wants the added headache of doubling or tripling their cleaning efforts? Now, if those tempting items caught your eye because you genuinely adore them, I won't stand in your way. I just feel like it's essential for you to have this heads-up! Drop your thoughts in the comments, and if you have any other products in mind that should join this list, share below!

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  • Heather M Heather M on Jan 27, 2024
    Agree with most of these points but free standing baths which are close to walls is my most disliked feature of so many new homes, how do you get into those narrow gaps? especially the curved baths.
  • Wendy Wendy on Feb 16, 2024
    Actually, I agree with most points that were made. Open shelving being the #1. Beautiful as it is, the kitchen IS the last spot it needs to be. No matter if you live alone or have an amazing family or entertain both family and friends, the kitchen area is where the magic begins. Magic can be messy, have too many magicians, or be overwhelming the next morning for a non-magician to clean up. Glass cabinetry is wonderful . Photography of open areas as backdrop for the shelves may assist with the look you are looking for with an easier to maintain environment.
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