THE BIG STATELY HOMES SPRING CLEAN: EXPERTS SHARE THEIR SECRETS

Experts from some of the conservation charity’s most fabulous properties in Northern Ireland tell Stephanie Bell some of their spring cleaning tips and how they can be adapted for our more modest homes

Lockdown has done wonders for our homes as most of us get stuck into cleaning to pass the time. The May bank holiday traditionally heralds the start of our annual spring clean regime and while most of our homes are already sparkling, for Northern Ireland’s stately houses it is one of the busiest times of the year.

With chandeliers needing polished, antique floors waxed and dozens of windows cleaning, the mammoth spring clean stately-style will be getting under way in our National Trust properties this weekend.

As a conservation charity the National Trust looks after some of Northern Ireland’s most treasured historic houses and their collections.

Keeping them in tip-top condition requires expert knowledge, patience and plenty of time.

The trust’s conservators draw on an array of tips and techniques which have stood the test of time, many of which can be applied in your own home.

Claire Magill, conservator for the National Trust in NI, explains: “Despite our houses being closed to the public while the trust follows guidance to prevent the spread of Covid-19, a core team of staff remain in place to carry out essential care and cleaning tasks at our places.

“Dusting, cleaning and polishing are just a few of the daily tasks our house teams carry out. When cleaning we apply a range of researched techniques and natural products which housekeepers in the past knew were effective and which give great results.

“And by using natural materials wherever possible you can be reassured these methods are good for the environment as well.”

Here’s an insight into some of the cleaning that’s been happening at National Trust houses behind closed doors: