How to Maintain Floors, Carpets & Veneers After the Festive Rush

The festive season brings joy, colour, and togetherness, but it also brings foot traffic, accidental spills, and endless glitter. Once the celebrations end, your interiors deserve some much-needed attention. Whether it’s your wooden flooring, plush carpets, or veneered finishes, post-festive maintenance is key to keeping your space fresh, elegant, and long-lasting.

Here are five practical, design-expert-approved tips to help you revive your home or workspace after the festive rush.

1. Begin with a Gentle Clean-Up

Start simple, remove surface dust and debris before moving to deeper cleaning.

Floors: Use a microfiber mop or a soft vacuum brush to collect fine dust without scratching.
Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly, especially under furniture and corners. A hand-held vacuum helps with tight spaces.
Veneers: Wipe with a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth; avoid using harsh chemicals or excess water that can damage the finish.

Pro Tip: Always move in the direction of the grain when wiping veneer surfaces for a streak-free shine.

2. Tackle Spills and Stains Quickly

Festive treats often leave behind stains from sweets, oils, or drinks.

Floors: Use a pH-neutral floor cleaner suited to your flooring type, especially for wooden, vinyl, or laminate finishes.
Carpets: Blot spills immediately (don’t rub!) and use a mild carpet shampoo or baking soda paste for deep stains.
Veneers: Quickly wipe off spills to prevent discoloration. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners, which can dull the polish.

Pro Tip: Keep a small “spill kit” ready with microfiber cloths, baking soda, and a neutral cleaner for emergencies.

3. Deodorise and Refresh Naturally

After days of festivities, lingering food or incense smells can dull your interiors. Freshen up naturally:

Sprinkle baking soda over carpets, leave for 30 minutes, and vacuum.
Mop hard floors with water infused with essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, or lavender for a fresh, clean scent.

This not only revives your space but also adds a subtle, welcoming aroma.

4. Restore Shine with Polishing and Conditioning

To bring back that “new-home” glow:

Wooden or laminate floors: Use a gentle polish once every few months to maintain lustre and protect the surface.
Veneers: Apply a thin coat of wood conditioner or polish designed for natural finishes.
Carpets: Schedule a professional deep clean or steam wash every few months for hygiene and softness.

Pro Tip: Always test polishes and cleaners on a small patch before applying to larger areas.

5. Prevent Future Damage

Maintenance is much easier when prevention is part of your routine.

Place rugs or mats near entrances to trap dust and moisture.
Add furniture pads to prevent scratches on flooring.
Use curtains or blinds to protect veneers and wooden finishes from sun damage.

Simple habits go a long way in preserving the longevity and beauty of your interiors.

Final Thoughts

The post-festive clean-up doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a few mindful steps, you can restore the warmth, texture, and elegance of your home or workspace.

At Inside Outside, we believe that great design deserves great care. Whether it’s our flooring, veneers, carpets, or wall finishes, the right maintenance helps them stay timeless and stunning, just like the memories you’ve created this festive season.