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Being a stew on a superyacht is no easy task and it’s definitely not as glamorous as it seems. If you’ve ever done the job or are currently doing it, you know it’s relentless and exhausting, especially during charters when days are long and you barely get to step out on deck. That’s why Wilsonhaligan Recruitment has compiled a collection of tips, tricks, and hacks to help you solve common issues and maybe inspire you to try new approaches. Every interior crew member has their book of tricks, but you might discover a couple of new ones here!
Cleaning
Carpets/Fabrics:
- Protection is Key: Always treat carpets and furniture fabrics with an appropriate stain repellent/waterproofing treatment to minimize potential damage.
- Red Wine Spills: Never scrub or use a stain remover on red wine spills. Blot with a white paper towel (no dyes), add club soda or cold water to dilute the stain, and keep blotting. Once clean, cover the area with kitchen towels and place heavy books on top to absorb deeper liquid.
- Suede Care: Regularly vacuum with the upholstery attachment or brush by hand. Use a suede cleaning cloth to maintain the surface.
- For liquid stains, act quickly by wiping with a suede cloth, then use a towel dipped in white vinegar to clean the stain.
- For greasy stains, use white spirit on a white paper towel, then dust with bicarb and let dry before brushing or vacuuming.
General Cleaning/Maintenance:
- Glass and Mirrors: Turn off lights, shut doors, and use a torch or phone light to spot missed marks.
- Be Organized: Have everything you need before you start cleaning to avoid wasting time with multiple trips.
- Set a Routine: Stick to a cleaning routine to ensure thoroughness, especially during exhausting mid-season.
- Eco-Friendly Products: Use natural products like essential oils (lemon, lavender, orange, citronella, lemongrass, tea tree). Mix lemon oil with vinegar for an all-purpose cleaner.
- China Cleaning: Soak stained china in a mix of table salt and white vinegar for 5 minutes, or use a baking soda and water paste.
- Glass and Crystal: Use minimal detergent and add a drop of white vinegar to rinsing water for sparkle.
- Silverware: Store in anti-tarnish cutlery rolls and avoid detergents with citrus additives. Rinse immediately to reduce staining.
- Porcelain Storage: Use flannels, coffee filters, or napkins as dividers for cost-effective storage.
- Crack Repairs: Submerge china with hairline cracks in milk and simmer for an hour to repair.
- Static Cling: Use a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer.
- Fly Repellents: Use lavender or citronella essential oils.
Decorations
Flowers:
- Keep Fresh: Mist daily and add ice cubes to their water. Store in air-conditioned rooms overnight.
- Cut Stems: Always cut stems at an angle and refresh every few days with a sharp knife.
- Feed and Protect: Use sugary drink remnants or a sugar-water solution to feed flowers. Add a bit of Listerine or vodka to water to prevent bacteria growth.
- Placement: Keep flowers away from fruit to avoid premature wilting. Change water every two days.
- Recycling: Use flowers from old displays for new centerpieces or dry petals for drawer scenters.
- Local Inspiration: Use local elements like flowers, plants, herbs, shells, or sand for table décor. Add candles, lights, or ornaments for extra charm.
- Budget Shopping: Don’t hesitate to buy décor items from budget stores like IKEA or Zara Home. Opt for versatile items that can be used in multiple settings to save storage space.
Guest Experience
A good stew always has a refreshing, pretty, non-alcoholic welcome drink ready for guests. This helps to perk up travel-weary guests as they come onboard.
Visit Wilsonhalligan Recruitment’s website here: https://www.wilsonhalligan.com/
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