The organisation responsible for some of Britain’s grandest stately homes claims that they do not get rid of dust, they just move it around.
Dust is not only unsightly it attracts the clothes moth which feats on soft furnishings.
Other things to avoid are microfibre cloths and furniture polish sprays.
Instead people should use a soft linen cloth or a natural bristle brush. A smear of wax polish is acceptable but not too often because layers build up and actually attract dust.
Katy Lithgow, head of conservation, said: “We use hog hair bristle brushes on robust surfaces and pony hair on more delicate ones. A soft bannister brush can be used on a table top. We do use dusters but it’s essential they are lint free and properly hemmed. Ours are blue and white checked linen.”
No staff have compiled tips on keeping homes pristine in a new book The National Trust Manual Of Housekeeping.
A 50:50 mix of water and white spirit shifts sticky fingerprints and curtains should be drawn to prevent sunlight fading fabrics.
Other advice includes covering the vacuum cleaner nozzle with gauze when vacuuming expensive rugs, curtains and tapestries and bagging up garden statues.
“We cover our statues in the winter because most get mildew,” said Simon Murray, director of curatorship for the Trust.
“Stuff for every day, little statues by the pond that are from B&Q or somewhere, of course you can pressure wash. But if it’s a Roman bust and family heirloom, you need be a bit more careful.”
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