Thoroughly dust under and behind furniture and into the drawers.

Unbox historic textiles in storage to inspect for mold growth or pest infestation.

Professionally clean non-historic carpets if needed.

Vacuum exposed historic textiles with a screen.

Vacuum upholstered furniture with a screen.

Be careful not to splash water or oversaturate the mop in collections areas.

Wash non-historic table coverings, curtains, and other non-historic textiles.

Wash windowpanes or dust ultraviolet-filtering film.

Dust picture frames, mirrors, glass panels in furniture, and picture glass.

Clean all windows, window blinds/shades, and window frames.

windowsills), interior wood fixtures, lighting fixtures, etc.

Dust tops of doors and horizontal architectural surfaces (i.e.

Clean non-historic glass doors with glass cleaner.Sweep leaves or other debris away from exterior entrances.Clean, dust, and wash building entrances, steps and landings, and areas of high traffic.Vacuum floors in public areas (not in collections areas).

Note: a daily walkthrough is a good time to keep an eye out for signs of damage, pests, or mold and record it in the log. Dust-mop or sweep floors in high-traffic areas, especially near entrances.Vacuum public traffic runners and non-historic carpets.Empty trashcans, removing all food waste from the site.The following schedule is just a suggestion and may be modified for the particular needs of a collection. Although the format can vary, a housekeeping log should include the following: task, date, notes, and staff member name. If the collection also has a pest log, the two can support one another. The log should be updated upon completion of any housekeeping tasks. It is just as important to make sure that a collection is not over-cleaned as it is to make sure that it is cleaned, which is why a housekeeping log is an important part of a collections maintenance program.Ī housekeeping log is a great way to keep track of what has been done and what has yet to be done, and any changes in the status of a collection can be recorded. A regular schedule of daily, weekly, monthly, and semi-annual to annual tasks ensures that the entire collection receives attention and care.

Housekeeping tasks will vary depending upon the size, use, and type of collection a historic house has different needs than a contemporary art museum. Housekeeping can also serve as a low-budget way to support other collections care activities, such as pest management.ĭEVELOPING A COLLECTIONS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM It not only keeps collections clean and dust-free, but also allows staff time to regularly monitor the state of the collection. A well-designed housekeeping plan serves more than one function.

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