Art Effektan independent magazine about home renovation and interiors

An independent magazine about home renovation and interiors. Not a company website and not connected with the former site on this domain; we do not provide services. Electrics, gas and load-bearing structures are for professionals only.

Care

Care and upkeep

The renovation is over, but the finishes live on: walls get dirty, grout darkens, floors get scratched. Proper care extends the life of materials and puts off the next renovation. The main rule is to read the manufacturer's recommendations first and to test any new product on an inconspicuous spot.

A small stain removed straight away takes a minute. The same stain six months later means a touch-up.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we give general advice on caring for common types of finish. The specific products and care routines for your material are on the packaging or in the manufacturer's documentation — keep them after the renovation.

Care by surface

Six types of surface people ask about most often after a renovation.

Painted walls

Remove dust with a soft dry cloth. Wash the wall only if the paint is designed for wet cleaning. Keep leftover paint: small chips are easy to touch up with the same product.

Materials

Wallpaper

How to clean it depends on the type of wallpaper, shown by symbols on the roll label. Paper wallpaper dislikes moisture; washable types can take a damp sponge. Stick down a lifting edge straight away, before it tears.

Materials

Tiles and grout

Wipe tiles with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Grout is the most vulnerable part: clean it with a soft brush, and airing the room after a shower helps. Darkened or crumbling grout can be renewed.

How-to

Laminate and parquet

Clean with a vacuum cleaner and a well-wrung cloth; standing water is dangerous for the joints. Felt pads under furniture legs and a mat at the entrance protect against scratches and grit. Parquet needs its protective finish renewed from time to time.

Materials

Ceilings

Painted ceilings only need dusting now and then. Stretch ceilings are wiped with a soft cloth without pressing, and sharp objects near them should be handled carefully. Water stains are a reason to find out where the water is coming from.

Planning

Furniture fronts

Wipe fronts with a damp soft cloth and dry them, especially near the sink and hob. Harsh cleaners and abrasives damage the finish. Adjust the hinges if doors start to sag.

Tools

Seasonal check

  • Inspect the grout and sealant in the bathroom and kitchen: cracks and darkening are a sign they need renewing
  • Check for signs of leaks on the ceiling, under the sink and around risers
  • Before the heating season, look at the walls near windows and in corners: mould is a sign of damp
  • Check the draw at ventilation grilles — if ventilation is poor, contact your building management
  • Inspect the flooring at the entrance and in high-traffic areas, and replace the protective pads under furniture
  • Tighten door and furniture hinges, and check that windows close tightly
  • Materials

    Paints, decorative plasters, tiles, wallpaper, flooring and ceilings: types and properties in general terms. The article catalogue lives here too.

  • Tools

    A basic tool kit for home renovation, organised by task — no brands — plus personal protective equipment.

  • FAQ

    Answers about the magazine, materials and works, renovation planning and safety.

Sources

  • Manufacturers' technical documentation
  • EMERCOM of Russia — safety leaflets

Information on materials and works is given in general terms, based on manufacturers' technical documentation, the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, EMERCOM of Russia safety leaflets and encyclopaedic sources. Coverage, application conditions and drying times for a specific product are set by its manufacturer — always check the packaging and instructions.