Home Decor Products That Are Hard to Clean

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In this video, I let you in on some home items you'll want to avoid if you hate cleaning as much as I do. I also share a few tips on how to keep your home tidy with low effort and a few products that really help too. Let me know what some of your cleaning hacks and home decor preferences are for a low-maintenance home in the comments below!
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⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Paperlike
01:49 - Light Colored Sofa
04:54 - Open Shelving
07:36 - Vessel Sinks
09:29 - Dark or Stainless Countertops
11:15 - Shag Rugs or Carpets
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[@Nick_Lewis]

Check out Paperlike today! www.paperlike.com/nicklewis

[@kiliipower355]

My neighbours have renovated and refurnished their living room. When they proudly showed us their new, very expensive furniture, we were also able to see their two beautiful, gleaming white sofas. I could not resist a "White sofas? You're brave"🤔...they have a son who was 3 years old at the time and liked to play in the sand. Some time later I was there again and huge blankets lay over the sofas.😂

[@alexhardie7215]

Divorce is always an option 😂

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CornbreadOracle]

😂😂😂

[@wrightcodyj]

gurl.

[@jessicakarinacastillo3641]

😂

[@kgalvin7503]

Priorities!

[@dianacarpenter565]

Choose carefully - the sofa and the husband! And the dog is perfectly permanent. Always appreciate your expertise and humor, you’re awesome Nick! 😊

[@jackiecarson859]

*...grubby little kids can fend for themselves...* Priceless!

[@ginalowe1924]

Agree no one needs open shelves. Hate them

[@kipplockwood1368]

Hey Nick, I used to have a house cleaning business years ago and thought about writing a book on this myself. Spot on on so many of those things. One other thing I might add to your list is plants. Especially big clusters of plants. I am a plant person and I love them but they are messy and hard to clean around. My solution is to make sure you always put them in a pot or basket that has a handle across the top so that you can lift it up with one hand and run the vacuum or the swiffer underneath with the other. Also I agree with stainless countertops but I would extend that to pretty much stainless anything. And finally I would add glass tables, coffee tables or shelves. They don’t take twice as much effort to clean, they are three times more work because no matter which side you’re cleaning you will always find more streaks or dirt on the other side while you’re cleaning.

[@Marann771]

Start your own YT channel!! and be sure to let us know!!

[@snowwhite5842]

I used to clean houses. If you had mirrored furniture, I would refuse to work there. And I judged your sense of style.

[@chipanndale1468]

Been working as a house cleaner for almost 30 years . When I renovated my condo, many of the choices were made by asking the question" how easily is it cleaned?"

[@reinegrea2293]

I love my glass table, but I have to agree, to clean it is a journey, which you have to do every single time you put something on. also, the dust is visible 10 times more than on wooden table. But I still love this particular piece, guilty on that :)

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Yes about the glass tables. My mom had given me and my sibling, when we roomed together, the glass side tables she had when she got new furniture. She still has a glass coffee table and it looks...rough. I found I really hated cleaning those side tables, because you also had to lift up the glass to clean the crevices. When I moved out on my own and my brother opted to move states, I just gave the tables away. I asked if my mom wanted them back and she said no and I didn't feel like going through the hoops of selling them, so I sat them outside and whomever got them could have them. After that, though, I never again want glass furniture. Cleaning bathroom mirrors is enough for me.

[@tomwinston6758]

lol…”if you have ugly things you want to display I’m going to judge you relentlessly” …. Heck yeah 😂

[@timhazeltine3256]

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder. For example, to me, clocks without a numbered dial are an oddity.

[@rainbowcat498]

Nick's sass is the EXACT REASON why i love his channel!

[@MoonthistleHouse]

Let me add clawfoot tubs to the list. I had one, and it was really beautiful, but between the moisture, temperature changes, and just general bathroom use, those ornate feet would get gunky soooooo fast, and if anyone using the bathroom has long hair, you just have to accept that all four feet will have hair under and wrapped around them all the time. Plus there's the difficulty of sweeping and mopping under the tub and around the drain and faucet hardware. They look incredible, but they take work!

[@Xiosoranox]

Adding free-standing tubs to this. The area directly behind gets moldy so fast its not even funny. I opted for the classic wall-attached garden tub for this reason.

[@mightyowl1800]

Oh noooo, you're breaking my heart since I've always wanted one 💔 But I appreciate the knowledge (begrudgingly)

[@MoonthistleHouse]

@@mightyowl1800 - with any of these things, it's a question of how much you love it. If you love it enough that you can clean under and behind it with a smile even when your back, neck, and/or knees hurt, then you should go for it! I just found that I did not.

[@Kira_Martel]

​@@mightyowl1800We have a clawfoot tub and this hasn't been my experience. Our bathroom stays relatively dry, and the tub itself is up on a bit of a pedestal or raised area of the bathroom floor, so it doesn't get much hair or detritus on the feet. It's also in the corner at a 45° angle, so there's plenty of air circulation and no mold. Just think about the specific context the tub will be in for you, it might be fine!

[@lucasotis9525]

This is all super good information, if I get lucky enough to find a claw tub I'll keep good ventilation, space orientation in mind. They are just so dreamy 💕 I want to make that work

[@jillapalooza]

Thank you for explaining WHY these things are terrible. I chose a vessel sink for my bathroom. Everyone told me not to get one because I'd hate it, but no one gave me reasons why so of course I bought one. It. Was. The. Worst. The base was so nasty all the time. It splashed EVERYWHERE. The glass constantly had water spots. If someone would have given me reasons I would have listened instead of being stubborn about it.

[@afrikan_criola1923]

In my opinion, you'd still buy it, i have a business cleaning houses, I'm always explaining to people why they shouldn't buy certain things and people just don't listen until they see for themselves, they always think that's its gonna be different in their house....it's a human thing

[@catharinecowan4514]

I so appreciate this info - I’ve always mistakenly thought they would reduce splashes. Like when I wash my face, I feel like water goes every way and that maybe a vessel sink would contain it better….apparently I don’t understand physics and am entirely wrong!!

[@wolfe6220]

Those are the only sinks you have to clean the outside as well as the inside.

[@alittlebitofthisandthatwit3143]

I was set on getting a vessel sink, but before we actually bought one my husband and I went on a trip and the hotel room bathroom had a vessel sink well Nick is a 1000% correct thank god for that experience because when we left the hotel we also left the idea of having a vessel sink as well.

[@rashmisinha5588]

😂

[@Natalie27552]

You made a commitment for life with that dog. Shout it out for those in the back. Absolutely 10000 percent yes!!!

[@mariasaenz3524]

“Not many children really watch my videos, I’ll be honest” 😂

[@andreabg97]

😂

[@grutarg2938]

Maybe if you did interior design in Minecraft... :)

[@spudhillfarm5076]

Mine watch with me!

[@annemelfo924]

The "splash-age" from the bathroom faucet positioned over the vessel sink is maddening! To the interior designers that push this style: Tell me you've never cleaned a bathroom without telling me you've never cleaned a bathroom.

[@kimherben7866]

Splash-age is definitely true - we that have ever cleaned anything know this!

[@ozvoyager]

If you have major splashing with your vessel sink then the chances are you've chosen the wrong faucet or have it positioned incorrectly. Yes, with some of those ultra-shallow, plate-like sinks there will always be splashing. But with most it's just a matter of matching the right faucet and installing it correctly, ideally so that the water runs just off-centre of the bowl.

[@AChickandaDuck]

I have a vessel sink in my powder room and haven’t had issues, but it’s probably because it’s not used often (no one is washing their face or brushing teeth in there) and the faucet is aligned in a way that doesn’t splash much

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

I used to be a housecleaner and absolutely despised those hideous vessel sinks! Not only are the ugly imo but in addition to being a pain to clean, they can also get loose at the base and swivel around. And why get a sink you have to clean both the inside AND outside of?!

[@kimherben7866]

@@the_eerie_faerie_tales I'm barely 5' tall, and unless your counter is 2' high, I look like I tried to bathe in that sink. Very nice at an upscale restaurant.

[@ohmygoshmygolly]

I had a supervisor who had the gift of telling you bad news in a way that was nice and humorous. You have that same gift.

[@elizabethstump4077]

I am remodeling my kitchen. I have picked cabinet fronts that are smooth and flat, no mill work for grease and drops to catch on. When I will wipe them down, no nooks, edges, crannies or tiny corners to clean. Just wipe and done. I will have smooth top cup pulls and simple handle pulls, as I am avoiding designs with lots of little bumps and edges which will require more detailed cleaning. And I am doing an undermount sink to I can wipe directly into the sink, no ledges for crumbs and water to catch on.

[@dMi_mi]

Sounds like a dream. 😎💖 Wishing You a Peacefully Successful Kitchen Renovation Activities. 👀

[@agatamazur9810]

My husband and I just bought a flat and same - can't wait for my smooth front kitchen cabinets lol

[@Kira_Martel]

This is the way.

[@zuziasue7980]

Finally someone who chooses cleanliness and practicality over in trend items. Loved the video

[@sherilewis8770]

Yes to all of these! AND….CLEAR GLASS pendant lighting! Looks good for the first two weeks and then you have to get on the ladder and clean it inside and out faithfully! So gross to go to friends houses and sit at their counter with a dust-clinging-to-the-grease-which-now-looks-like-frosted-glass pendant hanging over my coffee and scone 😣

[@contessajones5619]

Dark hi-gloss granite girl here. You’re right about the cleaning however I’ve found a foolproof answer…window squeegees! I bought a new window squeegee which I ONLY use on my countertops. Cleaning is a zip! So get those gorgeous dark countertops & enjoy!

[@lucindabreeding]

we have black leather granite. I think the lack of gloss is why I don't have this problem. But I do love to spritz and wipe down counters!

[@sunshinepatsoph4219]

I have a quartz countertop dark color, and the squeegee is the best.

[@cbpd89]

Smart! I have an ice scraper that I use on my counter to make sure nothing is stuck. The countertop is so dark and busy, it's impossible to see most messes, so I have to go by feel and the scraper.isnthe best for that.

[@CornbreadOracle]

We inherited a beautiful linen couch. I bought a very similar colored all cotton quilt that lives on the sofa. Hubby can nap on it, the dog can wallow & nest, etc. Every so often I wash the quilt and air dry it. It’s worked so well that I actually bought another quilt so the couch is never without.

[@wendyrichards7458]

I have cream sofas, a husband and a cat so I do the same thing. Cream and beige herringbone blankets on the seats of both sofas. They are heavy cotton so very easy to throw in the wash, dry and put back.

[@Mayanna3]

A question, why have a clear sofa if it is going to be hidden unser a linen or a blanket for most of the time?

[@CornbreadOracle]

@@Mayanna3 we inherited it. I would never have bought it myself. But it is gorgeous and very comfortable.

[@nikkil764]

Get a nice beige tweed and have a life. Life is too short to obsess over a couch.

[@CornbreadOracle]

@@nikkil764 joke’s on you. I’m a neat freak and would obsess over any couch.

[@olga138]

My stepdaughter got dark granite countertops when she built her house---I hated them and she's constantly wiping them off. When we built an addition to our house, we ran low on money at the end, so I got white Formica in my kitchen. I loved it. It made things easier to see, and I just wiped up any little spills right away because I noticed them. I loved how bright it made the kitchen.

[@accordionbabe]

I admire your out of funds Formica choice. Completely agree with you!

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

I agree - granite is ugly imo.. why get something that you can't tell is dirty when it is but also always looks dirty even when it's clean lol

[@debrakintzing8914]

I'm also a designer and always recommended Ultrasuede or other microfiber fabrics on upholstered pieces for my clients with kids, pets and husbands. I myself have a lightcolored sofa covered in ultrasuede which was miraculously spared from all my cat's clawing--somehow, the weave is tight, impenetrable to their claws, even though they tried very, very hard to sharpen their claws on it. I had two long haired Himalayan kitties. Cat hair comes off fairly easily as well compared to other fabrics. Still looks brand new after 10 years. Also very soft and cozy to sit on. Highly recommend.

[@clairelarson2068]

Wow, thanks for the tip. After years of DSH, I now have some long-hared cats and have been shocked by the increase in floofy hair everywhere. Sofa is due for replacement & I've been in a quandary over upholstery choices.

[@kaasmeester5903]

They make some good pet-friendly fabrics these days. I have two nice armchairs, the fabric isn't very fine and it's more like coarse woven linen, but the cats somehow haven't been able to scratch it. The sales person should be able to recommend fabrics that hold up well to wear or cat nails (we asked and went for their recommendation).

[@ladyeowyn42]

Leather is good too. Our several cats don’t like the feel and blankets are effective decoys.

[@AM-wz8qr]

Ditto! Our microfiber couch has been a godsend with our three cats and many football game-watching friends.

[@Moi_81]

@@ladyeowyn42my cats tore through leather. Haha preferred it over everything.

[@darlenebergantzel1534]

Darker color sofa isn’t always the best option. I have a tan colored, shedding dog, so a lighter color in a performance fabric helps hide the hair until I get around to vacuuming and is easy to spot clean. In my opinion, you should include chandeliers in the list. A simple dusting does not get them clean, so you have to spend hours cleaning all the individual parts.

[@vanclemmons]

I have the same issue with the sofa. We have a white, short haired, shedding dog, it’s impossible to get rid of the hair even though we vacuum the sofa almost every week. So obviously the hair wouldn’t be visible on a light colored sofa but all the other dirt would. Should we opt for grey and hope for the best? Also, the material of the sofa is something to consider. Other than leather, I don’t know any material of which it’s easy to remove hair off…

[@jeandiatasmith4512]

There are chandelier cleaners that you just spray on everything and let them drip dry. Even recipes online to make your own. And tutorials. I'd imagine if you're consistent using them, then you'd only need to do the full piece by piece cleaning once a year'ish?

[@user-nz3zk1mc7x]

White heavy duty 100% denim slipcovered sofa. One of the best purchases I ever made! Throw slipcovers into the washing machine then hang to dry a few times a year and it always looks fabulous. No pilling either. It’s kids, pets and husband friendly too!

[@sunflowerbrown5823]

Where'd you get yours?

[@jlammetje]

ooooh, white denim sofa, that sounds interesting!

[@alphaxneo]

Kids and husbands can go, but not the pet xD Loving the commentary on this one so much! I've recently landed on your channel and I'm loving all these tips and it's just been making me think about how I want to decorate and take care of my small space (or what to get rid of! Thankfully no husband or kids had to leave as there were none in the first place lol).

[@afrikan_criola1923]

I never thought I'd say this but have a nice that currently live with me, and my nice is staying. When I was younger I was that kind of people that didn't like or want kids, husband's, pets..also I was very perfectionist with my house, now that I'm older and got my niece, I love kids so much, I realize how kids can bring so much joy, I had 2 cancers, I been really sick and depressed and my nice was the one who brings me back everytime, children have this amazing capacity of saying the right thing in the right moment. Life is strange, i no longer put my house first, i even think that i'm gonna find myself a husband...been missing a manly vibe in my house😂😂...also i know a lot of amazing men....the only thing that didn't change was the pets thing, still don't see the appealing but if I had one, would be a cat, because I admire their mysterious and independent personality.

[@sherylvalentiner6115]

Oh my gosh!!! You are so spot on about ALL of this especially the stupid vessel sinks! Thanks for the PSA about never surrendering your pets!!! It’s horrible thing to do. Wish you could meet our rescues. They’re messy, but adored!! 🇺🇸💜

[@MyFocusVaries]

He forgot the option of getting a poodle, who won't shed.

[@kimmieb2u]

I had a vessel sink and loved it, but it was large, square and deep, and ceramic. Plus I bought a faucet that minimized splashing. So, all good for me. Didn't add a lot of extra clean time.

[@lucindabreeding]

I was so excited about vessel sinks in our first house. My GOD do they fling water everywhere!

[@le_th_]

hate the gross vessel sinks!! such a pet peave of mind lol

[@darkcreatureinadarkroom1617]

​@@MyFocusVariesI think he was assuming you already had the dog when you were getting the new couch... Otherwise he would have also mentioned the option of getting no dog/husband/grubbies.

[@SeeVolmr]

Way back when Don Aslett wrote a book called "Make Your House do the Housework" on this exact topic that was life changing for me. When vessel sinks first became popular, I immediately saw them as cleaning nightmares. Also, I have a friend who bought a shag area rug and lost a needle in it... she couldn't find it until one day she stepped on the needle and it went into her foot so deep she had to go to the ER! The rugs get matted and ugly over a short time and are impossible to clean.

[@reinegrea2293]

Agree with each point! Esp the issue with open shelving in the kitchen. While cooking, the subtances which evaporate (not only the water, but oils), create a sticky film on the open surfaces, which is annoying to clean, especially from the stuff which is actually displayed on the shelves. The best way is to get cabinets with glass, if you want to display things, then they are protected and no need to clean this grossy stuff

[@caroladair4545]

How can you forget those millions of toilets with the bendy pipe bases - we had 4 in our last home - arrghhhh the scuzz that is trapped there immediately after you clean. It is almost the first thing I look for now that we are looking for our next place. If we love a place and it has those toilets - they will have to be replaced with new smooth ones before I move in.

[@MarinaEariel]

I'm glad you mentioned glass/transparent doors on cabinets because some people *need* the open / everything visible shelving so they don't forget stuff exists 🤷‍♀️

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

Nick!! Nick!!! Now you’re speaking my language. Low-maintenance is my love language and easy is the new chic. I hope you do 50 of these videos.

[@terryruiz7417]

Oh dear...you sound like me, an old person! I look at everything through the consideration of how easy is this going to be to clean!

[@elisabethe8055]

I vote for a wooden countertop. Easy to clean, don't get stains, durable and good looking. I put water repellent wax (food safe) on it maybe once every two years, and it still looks good. I am one of those that HAD to have open shelving.. I have never regretted something so bad when it comes to my house. Everything on it gets greasy, even if cleaned often. In my new house, thankfully the seller didn't bought into that idea and i am now at peace. 🙏

[@meherrinrivercounseling7482]

Live my wood countertop and actually still like my open shelving.

[@lucindabreeding]

Does it gouge like a cutting board?

[@kimberleyhunter6815]

Wood is also one of the cheaper options for countertops.

[@elisabethe8055]

@@lucindabreeding that is not my experience. Especially not with hardwood. Never had a problem. ☺

[@MsInescruz]

I agree. White or very light stone countertops can also stain easily, I'd say a medium-brown wooden countertop is just right for the dirt to not be as visible. And I will only have two small open shelves in the coffee machine area, far from the sink or stove, so I think it will be fine.

[@gailtempleton1249]

Nick, I bought Folex after you recommended it on your channel a while back and YOU ARE RIGHT!! That stuff cleans any stain!! I was so happy I believed you. Folex should totally sponsor you. Get the product people! You won't regret it! We had 2 dogs at the time and one was a puppy. It even got out old stains that had been in the rugs for ages! I was going to replace the rugs after potty training and now I don't have to! Thank you for always giving us good advice and for being entertaining too!

[@dianeb95]

Totally agree with Folex! It took out a 15+ year stain in my carpet that nothing else could touch!

[@rainbowcat498]

"if you have ugly things you want to display I’m going to judge you relentlessly" Nick, i LOVE your sass! Dont ever lose that! Best part of watchin your channel!

[@nuthinbutlove]

When I was a teenager my mom and dad went furniture shopping and one of the things that were delivered was wall-to-wall black shag rug for a high traffic living room. After just a few days i knew it wasn't my mother's choice because not only did it need vacuuming a few times a day but it seemed every minute she was picking something out of it. Needless to say she hated that carpet lol.

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

Does your father is still alive? I mean it would be sufficient for any normal mother to see her husband 'disappear inadvertently'... 😁

[@nuthinbutlove]

@@nathalie_desrosiers no he isn't

[@kimherben7866]

@@nuthinbutlove My condolences.

[@mathildamurray2622]

I don’t even do open shelving for my bookcases! Ikea has a lovely billy bookcase with glass doors and I swear by it.

[@willsx2]

Regarding light colored sofas, a few other options if you want one: 1) if it is in a more casual space, there are some nice slip covered options available now so they can be washed 2) for pets, when not having company, place a similar colored throw on the sofa where they sleep - bonus, you can also sit on that throw if you want to eat on the sofa 😉

[@yourconnection9303]

I have an off white/almost white Palliser sectional. I actually stumbled across the Ikea "Evali" throw blanket which I was surprised at how great it looks on the sectional. I use two together because this throw is a thinner material. I works quite well with this sectional to drape over a couple of places of the sectional if someone is over and they're wearing jeans or whatever when I want to protect the material. When I don't want it placed over the sectional, I fold it and roll it up to look like a lumber cushion for the sectional, and I was amazed how great it looks on there like that too! The other two which are also together that I bought, I have draped over the end of the sectional. 👌

[@willsx2]

@@yourconnection9303 Love the idea of creating a lumbar to hide the throw in plain sight. Thanks for a great tip!

[@yourconnection9303]

@@willsx2 You're very welcome!

[@addaptinginthedark]

We use covers because we have 2 cats, and it's easier to wash those once every few weeks rather than constantly linting the couch. Plus they claw the cover instead of the couch itself.

[@Draggonny]

I've got a light coloured loveseat that we use all the time. We also have dogs. The key is to have them in leather. No pills, no staining, just wipe it clean. My mum had similar but in microsuede because it was also wipe clean.

[@Lisa-jm3nk]

Your pet is a commitment. But grubby children…. Nick, you are a treasure.

[@DNAConsultingDetectives]

Nick! You are on 🔥! 😂😂😂 The best design advice with snark! I could watch you every day!

[@suzycharto3655]

What about the stand alone bathtubs - aren't they the equivalent of vessel sinks. You mentioned paper lights in a previous video - how do you clean them?

[@PolishedandPretty890]

From one Canadian to another I'm all about that sweater Nick!!! Always love your tips and tricks for style and home decor! Thanks for sharing! 😁

[@nancyferrier8609]

Sure it's off topic, but I almost never have a conversation without mentioning Dimash. Love Nick, his tips and sense of humor. If he ever gives up on decor he can slways do standup.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Got it from Simons!

[@snoopybluejeans]

From Vancouver area. Wish Nick had a design business. I could use some help with my renos. 4plex.

[@snoopybluejeans]

@@Zlata1Z = I think so.

[@traceyu6213]

At first glance, I thought Nick’s sweater was a hockey puck with wings.

[@dg2517]

"roomba is no match for the shag rug" ..lol. made me laugh.. love it

[@sparrowskeleton1831]

I hate the labor of cleaning but, I do enjoy watching videos of people cleaning. Makes something in my brain happy. I’ll also watch Hoarders to motivate myself to clean lol. Thanks for the tips! Edit: totally agree with buying dark furniture. I would love to have a dark green sofa one day. I think they’re gorgeous and help warm up a room without being stuck in neutrals or navy.

[@OhJodi69]

Check out Midwest Magic Cleaning, he cleans houses for free, is very insightful about the difficulties people have.

[@sparrowskeleton1831]

@@OhJodi69 thank you for the rec! He sounds similar to Aurikatariina, who also cleans houses for free.

[@meganmills6545]

Darks show up all the dirt etc too - as does any solid colour whether dark or light - I recommend choosing a busy, multicoloured/multitone pattern. I've got an old Victorian suite and the upholsery fabic is multicoloured mid-green leaves all over with some kind of hard-to-tell what they are flowers in shades of peach, coral and blue. It's neither dark nor light, everything goes with it and I swear you could spill a glass of wine on it, and a cup of coffee and never find the stains! A famous design that uses the same principal is The Strawberry Thief by William Morris - the one with the blue background work better than the red. I've got a busy, multicoloured wall-to-wall broadloom Axminster carpet too that never shows stains or bits of cruft from day to day activities. That pattern is called Shirvan Persian. I've known several people who I've described it too who said they couldn't live with something that busy or 'old-fashioned', and then when they come to my house they fall in love with it and say isn't it great how it goes with everything! :-)

[@MyFocusVaries]

Reduce clutter for easier cleaning. Less stuff to move before dusting and vacuuming. Wall mount furniture and lights for easier vacuuming. Attach cords to the bottom of furniture to get them off the floor for easier vacuuming. Choose naturally textured curtains and rugs so when you wash them, no ironing required. Leather furniture is the easiest to clean--but it's not for 😺 people.

[@john-robert1961]

Love your cream colored couch better than the gray one you had

[@marylhere]

But it’s always seven after four.

[@r0cken]

The "kids and husband vs. dog and sofa" - priceless. Loved it.

[@marianav9655]

hi Nick, i have a topic suggestion: how to incorporate color on walls. there are plenty of videos on WHAT colors to use, but i've heard you say you don't like accent walls (me neither), and does that then mean you choose a color and paint EVERYTHING? how does that work for an open-space concept? thanks! 🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@CornbreadOracle]

Good topic suggestion!

[@stephaniethompson3356]

I like it!

[@xx528491xx]

Yes!! I have a studio apartment but don't want it all to be the same colour. Especially the transitions from one colour to a different one seem so complicated!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Added to the list!

[@magali44276]

YES!!! 👍

[@barb9990]

So agree with you on kitchen shelves. People gush over those staged pics in Pinterest and all I see is stuff falling off and getting filthy! Who thought that was a good idea?

[@cassiegreene9528]

"Little toothpastie fingers..." I love you Nick.

[@heatherqualy9143]

As a professional house cleaner? I highly endorse this video. And could add 25 more things to the list! Well done. 😜

[@TL-is8pk]

We redid our kitchen two years ago and our designer suggested a glass-front cabinet to display some of our things from our travels and sentimental things my mom had in her kitchen when I was a child. It's a beautiful focal point for our new kitchen.

[@anonz975]

LOL. Love the dedication to the dog. You have a good heart Nick.

[@stacyklein2497]

i clean houses for a living part-time. And i've learned so much with design and cleaning that I will never have in my house.. Wicker light fixtures anything it's like a metal grate I love the white trim because I can take a magic eraser and it's spotless

[@cydneysusan1950]

One of my favorite videos you've done.....and not just for the great advice, but for your ever engaging wit, or as we call it in the South, sassyness......

[@albiesspace]

This is why I subscribe to this channel, function over trends and instagram aesthetics any day!

[@Ohwhale79]

Your sponsor is so cool!! I didn't even know something like this existed! I'm definitely going to check them out. Love this video, I am 100% certified *allergic* to cleaning 😅 (sort of literally, I'm extremely allergic to dust, mold, and almost all cleaning products, poor me. Lol) ALSO, Folex is AMAAAAAAZING!!!!!!

[@annhoang4350]

I was nodding along throughout the entire video! I rented an apartment that had both vessel sinks and dark countertops (paired with a kitchen sink without a backsplash - watermarks galore). That experience made me learn that those were features I didn’t want in my home. Excellent video, Nick!

[@migrabar79]

Kids and husband can fend for themselves but don't get rid of the dog!!! LOL!!! Don't ever change, Nick. I always have a good laugh with your videos, besides that, the advice is spot on. I made some of those mistakes myself and learned from (painful) experience. By the way: I have 4 very large and hairy dogs, and they are staying. Forever. So is the husband. :)

[@carly2764]

I've always had dark countertops in my kitchen, and now I have them in my bathrooms as well. I love them *because* they don't show the dirt immediately. You just have to have good routines of wiping them down regularly, but I love that I'm not seeing every little crumb or spill right away. But I can definitely see that stainless would be the worst! I can never get stainless steel looking clean!

[@denicesilva9962]

I have black countertops - asthetically, not crazy about them, but they do hide the dirt (p.s. I'm an OCD cleaning fanatic). I'd love to hear your hilarious take on white/cream tile floors.

[@mce1939]

Nick: Who likes to clean? Me: Me!! 🙋 I'm a neat freak in the extreme, always have been. Agree with most of this Nick, and really like your ideas. Love how you give specific ideas. Except, I do have a dark countertop, but it's no issue cuz I clean the counters daily. But, yeah, one of my big tricks to maintaining clean and neat spaces, is to not buy stuff and decorate with stuff that's hard to clean in the first place. My husband and son are well-trained in my ways, let's just say that. 😁

[@Nick_Lewis]

Come to my house and clean mine!

[@peg59567]

Love my clean space as well! I have a weekly schedule that keeps everything in order.

[@mce1939]

@@Nick_Lewis Anytime! : ) : )

[@reinegrea2293]

the glass lightning is another thing I would consider for your next video! they are a pain to clean. I love mine, but this is a love-hate relationship (especially, because mine are in the kitchen, ugh...)

[@BM-du1sr]

Nick is the only KZbinr that actually makes me throw stuff out from my apt. 😂😂😂😂

[@victoriae725]

On the shag rugs, I'll amend that if they are small and flexible enough to fit in the washer, it's not a big deal. Pop those suckers in and hang dry every once in a while. That goes for all small rugs.

[@heidianderson1522]

Amen to Folex. Also Odoban. Odoban is the Folex to smells. Only two cleaning products we use anymore with pets. We fostered hundreds of kitties over the course of two years and those two products solved EVERYTHING.

[@katkat5420]

Yes to Odoban. Those hungry little enzymes eat up all the stuff.

[@PrinceDuCiel7]

*screen shots this* Six cats, one with kidney problems, and a puppy who loves mud puddles, I need this.

[@Ohwhale79]

Thanks for the odoban recommendation! I totally forgot about that wonderful stuff!!!

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Odoban and a good vacuuming of my last apartment I feel went a long way in making my apartment feel and smell amazing when I moved out, helping to get my deposit back 😅. I'm always reminded of this Pine Sol commercial where the woman says, "You can clean and clean, but first thing people notice when they walk in your house is: Does it smell clean?" I didn't realize how far smell went towards an area feeling clean until I walked in that apartment the first day and smelled the shampooed carpet. I didn't have any furniture at the time, so I often sat on the floor, which brought me closer to smelling the carpet and how nice it was. I didn't have time to shampoo as well (and thankfully, they didn't bill me for it, but I'd only beem there two years and lived on my own), but a vaccuuming with a brand new vacuum and some Odoban made the carpet look and smell great.

[@mellfraze8112]

Seriously, I've been using & recommending Folex for 20 years.

[@daniellecance1174]

Loved this! Was giggling throughout and the "filth and squalor" at the end was hysterical! Plus felt very validated in my sectional chocolate couch (do have the kids and husband still ;) And we're in the middle of a kitchen remodel and chose Corian Witch Hazel so nice and light. (It's a barren wasteland down to the studs at this moment but can't wait for the finished room ) Also loved the tip of the glass doors. Part of my opinion on why the open shelving isn't dying is... as more neurodivergent adults that didn't know they were neurodivergent start to find ways to organize and accommodate how their brains naturally work (instead of feeling like they fail at how they've been taught the "right" way to organize), having things on open shelves is one step closer to point of performance (as long as you don't have to wash it, like dust on a mug vs a protein powder jug) and it's in eyesight specifically instead of out of sight out of mind. Glass is a fantastic accomodation for the stuff that would get grimy just sitting out. Thanks for mentioning that! Such a great video overall!

[@sarahnapier1865]

I have 4 small open shelves in our kitchen away from the splash zone. I store a small curated collection of our everyday mugs, bowls, Dutch ovens, and my wok. We used everything almost every day or at least most of the time. But I got beautiful ceramic bowls, and mugs, and i think my weathered wok and colourful Dutch ovens- while seasoned, ARE everyday works of functional art. But art all the same. None of it gets dusty because it’s all constantly in use. Happiness for me is putting everything back on the shelves so I can see my favourite kitchen supplies and get inspired to cook something new.

[@dytgb36ycjjbc]

I just moved and in my previous (rented) house, i had black countertops, a stainless steel backsplash and the kitchen cabinets were wrapped in very shiny orange vinyl. All of it was so terrible to clean. I am now saving up to replace the kitchen in my new house and I am so looking forward to have granite or quartz countertops. Sooo much easier to clean!

[@reinegrea2293]

if you get a dark countertop with a pattern, the dirt would actually not be shown (I'm happy with mine) - but the countertops are actually a thing wich has to be quickly cleaned at least once a day or two anyway, no matter of colour

[@emilypotts1051]

Professional cleaning technician here! Here’s a few things that are a pain to clean: Clear glass in a shower. It’s stunning and beautiful but gets covered in hard water stains! Gigantic showers and bathtubs, especially giant soaking tubs. You have to be a damn gymnast to clean those things! And adding to his mention of stainless steel, stainless steel sinks are so easy to scratch and ruin.

[@drewrichardson8789]

Wipe down with a microfibres cloth every 2-3 days, always clean. Shower curtains are gross.

[@StingingNettle7]

The basin sink and the sharp cubic style bathroom sinks were the bane of my existents as a professional cleaner they almost always had a flat bottom that doesn't let the water properly drain and you end up with a permanent pool of stagnant water that stinks and grows mildew, plus those tight right angle corners are difficult to scrub. The classic bowl shape is classic for a reason.

[@kerstin1719]

Three cats (of various colors) and a messy husband. I bought a sofa in a medium teal/turquoise-ish. You can't see any cat hair or stains on that bad boy. Can highly recommend! I used to have a dark granite countertop and if you can afford it it's so easy to keep clean and it looks amazing.

[@Marann771]

Hi Nick! Love your sense of humor! I totally agree on these, however I love white sofas! As a single person it has been great for me but you are right about the pilling and spills. A good fabric protector has worked for me. As I like to say "some things are WORTH more!" 🤩

[@tammybrennan2040]

I avoid dust collectors, I do enjoy watching hoarders channel 😀

[@Kirkachop]

On the open shelving in the kitchen, no one thinks about the sticky residue you generate while cooking. Even with an extractor fan, dust just sticks to your surfaces. Make sure your open shelving is far from the oven. Totally agree on this one. Guilty of this mistake

[@samanthac.349]

Folex is the best! If Folex needs a testimonial, I am the best source. I was a full time dog walker/pet sitter for seven years. I kept a bottle of Folex in my car in case of pet stains, and it has yet to fail me. When my brother and his wife had their first child, I bought them one regular sized sprayer and a mini spray bottle for their diaper bag. They now have three kids and a dog. No stains anywhere in the house.

[@seaside2001]

Nothing l like better than a good old Nick "rant" to start off the New Year right. He is beginning to sound like my grumpy old Dad, especially sporting that mallard duck jumper. I am a child of the 50's, and the set decoration for the chair rant feels familiar and comfortable with a mid century inspired decor that I grew up in. I have a light coloured sofa and have a little man come round a couple times of year to clean it and it is standing up very well. Grandchildren and husbands can be trained not to put their grubby hands on the light coloured soft furnishings.

[@Sooz1234]

Priceless. Humor and help in equal measure. Thank you for brightening our days.

[@kitfranzman4860]

White sofas are beautiful, yet I don't have one because of the reasons you cited. Right about open shelves in the kitchen. Too busy in an already busy area with grease to clean. Shag rugs in the 70's came with rakes. No, I did not misspell rake and you heard it here. Thanks gor the tips.

[@JessieBanana]

I also both hate and love cleaning. I find it really relaxing when I get into it, but sometimes I get lazy about starting. It's kind of like going to the gym.

[@nerdaccount]

Got my household the smile sponges for the holidays and there was a lot of skeptics at first, but now everyone loves them. Nice recommendation. I do like to watch those cleaning shows. Im never going to do that, but it's fun to see something go from insanely dirty to pristinely clean.

[@MyFocusVaries]

Doesn't food crud get stuck in the sponge?

[@nerdaccount]

Mine haven't. The pores are big compared to a regular sponge and everything just rinses out of them. @@MyFocusVaries

[@jori7398]

Nick, Paperlike is the BEST. Love mine. ❤️

[@lindabirkes-lance8915]

Yes, everything you said, Nick. Well, not the part about divorcing the guy and the kids😉, but everything else, especially the part about never getting rid of your pet once you choose to have one. Thanks for another Saturday visit.

[@chelseyaustin6015]

This should be a series! The first thing I think when I go to buy house stuff is “how much will this suck to clean?”

[@critterkarma]

Yes, Folex. And Pottery Barn’s line of Performance fabrics, for slip covers, etc. A Godsend! Super easy to clean, throw the cushion covers in the washer, and voilà, good as new.

[@Nick_Lewis]

It's the best!

[@cheyennesutton2055]

Nick, I am one of those "weirdos" who enjoys cleaning. 😂 I find decluttering, cleaning, and tidying very relaxing and soothing. It puts me in a very tranquil place in my mind.

[@cynthiajohnston424]

Not weird at all ! I worked outside ( pro equestrian ) for many decades & find house cleaning & doing laundry relaxing . Plus , unlike my former career , " doing chores " in the house where it's warm in winter & cool in summer sure is easy ! 😅

[@francoiselafferty-hancock5112]

Me too! I write reports for a living. Sometimes I put so much work into them but they don't go out. With cleaning, it's always satisfying because I can see the before and after.

[@cindianderson9443]

I've had vessel sinks for 20 years and find them super easy to clean. And they are wide so all the gunk stays in the sink and nothing gets on the countertop. (I agree however about glass sinks.) And my dark countertops are fine because they are matt and have white swirled in.

[@mysticrose2766]

"I'm gonna judge you relentlessly" 😂😂😂😂 Precisely WHY I have cabinets with solid doors or frosted glass. LOL.

[@HowHema]

Useful one😇😅

[@donnaokoniewski3761]

I just adore your sense of humor. Fun video. Thank you.

[@Smittenhamster]

As someone who just cleaned her shag rug by hand yesterday.....I totally agree.

[@LumiFlake]

I used to also think that people with light colored sofas are just asking for it. But! After owning a dark couch with cats and people with light hair, the light couch has been a game changer! I have a partner, baby, toddler, cats, a wine spilling friend... and the couch is still looking great after 5 years. We chose a excellent fabric that can be cleaned with just water. Even ink pen doesn't stick to it, yet it's still soft, cozy and textured (plus doesn't show cat scratches). Shout out to the Finnish Hakola furniture!

[@user-gi9ls1du4v]

Nick, I love your videos! Obviously for the decor tips but mainly for your sense of humour. Life is a bit crappy at the moment and you never fail to make me laugh! P.s I didn't do the husband and kids bit but have a fantastic 4 legged friend who is trained to only get on the sofa when her fleece is on it; win, win!

[@vlauren22]

Almost spit up my tea with your opening on kids and divorce. 😂 Love my pets more than people most of the time. I am the one that cleans and had to make up my mind when doing new purchases on whatever as far as color. Love this video.

[@AlexandraLynch1]

We inherited a large built-in bookcase when we moved into this house. We keep books on it. Yes, it does collect dust. We handle this by doing one shelf every week when doing the weekly cleaning of the room. That knocks the sheer magnitude of cleaning the bookshelves down to something that is easier to contemplate and tackle.

[@Parrotheadrenee]

I love your videos for the information AND the delivery! I was cracking up with the comments about getting rid of the husband & kids. I have 2 greyhound rescues & they both hate getting on furniture.

[@john-robert1961]

Cleaning is cathartic!

[@cassiegreene9528]

Well cathart at my abode.....

[@hunnyflash]

I love that you gave other solutions! Like open shelving in other places or getting rid of my husband! It's great advice! I mean, he wasn't dusting my shelves ever tbh.

[@jiayilu8995]

When I saw the title, I knew I would like this video. Also, I like my place cleaned.

[@patriciafuchs5970]

I hate all stainless, it requires constant cleaning and polishing. So far everything you talk about I agree with. Great video.

[@denisedorsey2889]

I think my stainless appliances must have some kind of coating or are fingerprint resistant. I don’t have to clean them any more than usual.

[@meganmills6545]

@@denisedorsey2889 I'm the same as you - my stanless steel double sink kitchen counter top is easy to keep clean. It has neither a brushed steel finished (they show every trace of even getting breathed on!) nor a mirror finish. It's at least 50 years old, though, so maybe it started out super shiny and the decades of use have "domesticated" it. :-)

[@user-xn1gv4wj7w]

Two adult household with a light colored long haired cat, light sofa is the only way I’m not driven nuts seeing the hair everywhere 😂

[@maddeerae]

Couple points: I like to watch other people clean their house while I clean mine. The suggestions of getting rid of the family, so valid and funny. Who is still doing shag rugs?! Who!

[@lesyeuxsansvisage1157]

There is a lovely woman I see on Reddit who helps people with hoarding issues, or health problems. She genuinely loves cleaning, and helping people. It’s actually really endearing! I never thought cleaning could be just a free service to help others. As for the animals, YES! When I met my husband on OKC, I blatantly said in my profile “Animals are a forever in my life. If you don’t like adopted animals, or someone with them who rescues animals, I am not for you.” He loved that about me, and the fact I saved a turtle on our first date. I walked into a creek in heels and a white dress 😂 Animals first, always!