As spring arrives, many households begin annual deep cleans. Anđela Tićunović, chief stewardess aboard the 47-metre luxury motor yacht DS Yacht Bella, chartered through Goolets, is sharing practical housekeeping advice inspired by superyacht standards. These techniques emphasise efficiency, attention to detail, and subtle luxury, and can be applied effectively in everyday homes.
Life on a superyacht demands flawless presentation at all times. Guests expect gleaming surfaces, perfectly presented linens, and an atmosphere of effortless calm, regardless of motion or schedule changes. Crew members like Anđela maintain these standards through disciplined routines that prioritise quality over excess.
5 professional housekeeping hacks
- Microfibre Magic: Glassware often escapes notice until a flaw, such as a watermark, appears. Superyacht crews avoid harsh chemical sprays that leave residue. They use steam or distilled water for cleaning, followed by polishing with a dedicated glass cloth.
At home: lightly dampen a sheet of kitchen roll to wipe surfaces, then follow with a dry sheet for a streak-free shine. - Luminous Linens: Crisp table linens elevate even simple meals. Professionals rinse thoroughly to eliminate detergent buildup, often using a double rinse cycle. Sunlight drying acts as a natural brightener.
At home: adding a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse cycle and line-drying outdoors enhances freshness and brightness. - The Five-Minute Turnaround Tidy: Superyachts often face unexpected guest arrivals, so stewards focus on rapid resets rather than constant deep cleaning. A quick pass with a cloth, light surface spray, and lint roller removes visible traces of use.
At home: keeping a similar kit under the sink allows for swift preparation when guests arrive. - Scent Layering, Done Properly: Luxury is defined by subtle, clean aromas rather than overpowering scents. Crews layer gentle fragrances with linen mists or diffusers, ensuring consistency without dominance.
At home: choose one base fragrance, such as fresh linen or cotton, and apply sparingly for a harmonious scent throughout your space. - The Guest Bed That Feels Five-Star: The difference between clean sheets and hotel-quality bedding comes from finishing techniques. On yachts, linens are smoothed and pressed directly onto the mattress.
At home: lightly mist sheets with water and smooth them by hand or with an iron. Adding contrasting textures, like a soft throw or velvet cushion, enhances comfort and depth on a modest budget.
Anđela Tićunović said: “Despite what you may think, ensuring your guests feel like they’re on holiday is not about buying expensive products. It’s actually more about the care, consistency and precision in which you approach making your home a clean, calm and welcoming space. If you can adopt even a few of these methods before your guests arrive this holiday season and make your home feel like a relaxing oasis, they’ll want to return again and again, and that’s something that even superyacht money can’t buy!”
These insights show how professional habits from superyacht environments can improve home maintenance, fostering spaces that feel welcoming and refined.