SPRING cleaning may be a a day’s work for some, but spare a thought for staff and volunteers at the National Trust in Warwickshire when ‘just giving the house a once-over’ can take weeks.
Everyday tasks such cleaning the floor take on a whole new meaning at Charlecote Park, where it takes four volunteers, three full days to wash and polish the marble floor tiles in the Great Hall.
And at Baddesley Clinton it takes two people more than two and half hours to vacuum the house, and an hour to just prepare the fire each day.
The spring clean of the the historical houses in the charity’s care takes time.
National Trust conservator Julie Marsden said: “With many of our places now open all year round, the traditional ‘spring clean’ that happened before the start of the season, now takes place throughout the year.
“The importance of the buildings and collections in our care, mean cleaning takes patience, skill and the right tools for the job.
The National Trust is now welcoming visitors to see conservation cleaning in action, and discover how the spring clean is helping protect Warwickshire’s historic buildings for generations to come.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/events to find out more about behind-the-scenes tours, talks and conservation days.
