Summer House Scoops: The Art of Housekeeping, European Style
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In Europe, the trade of housekeeping has long been regarded as a respected profession - one rooted in craft, tradition, and pride. From French hoteliers to English country estates, housekeepers are recognized not only for keeping homes clean, but for protecting the legacy of the home itself. When you have silver that has been passed down, linens woven to last decades, or wood surfaces that only grow richer with age, proper care is not optional. It’s essential.
At Summer House, we share this philosophy. Housekeeping is about more than “tidy.” It’s about stewardship. It’s about using the right tools and techniques so that a family’s most cherished pieces — from copper cookware to heirloom china — are preserved for generations. This is the European respect for the trade that we are proud to bring to Southern California.
Here are a few of our favorite European-inspired essentials, featured above, and how to use them with care:
Marseille Soap (Savon de Marseille)
This centuries-old French staple, made from olive oil, is as gentle as it is effective. Ideal for washing delicate fabrics, fine linens, and wood surfaces that need a soft touch. In many European households, the same bar is used for decades-old linens that are passed down through families, proof that care and tradition go hand in hand.
Copper Scrubber
Beloved for its ability to clean without scratching, the copper scrubber is indispensable for stainless steel, enamel, or glass. Use it to polish pots and pans, keeping cookware in service for generations. Unlike disposable pads, copper doesn’t rust - it’s a tool designed to last and to preserve.
Vegetable Fiber Dish Brushes
Crafted with natural bristles, these brushes are both beautiful and practical. They’re gentle enough for wood cutting boards or antique surfaces, but strong enough for daily dishwashing. In Europe, these brushes are chosen as much for longevity as for function - one brush replaces dozens of throwaway sponges.
Cellulose Sponge
Biodegradable and highly absorbent, cellulose sponges are perfect for everyday wipe-downs. They’re safe for painted finishes and glass, making them ideal for homes where furniture and décor are built to last. This is how a sponge stops being “disposable” and instead becomes part of the ritual of care.
Copper Cloth Pad
Perfect for polishing stovetops, sinks, or even restoring luster to antique items. Its woven design makes it strong but delicate, preserving surfaces rather than wearing them down. The philosophy: protect, don’t replace.
The Summer House Way
In Europe, housekeeping is respected because it preserves the beauty and function of a home for decades, even centuries. The silver is still shining, the linens are still crisp, and the cookware still cooks because someone cared for them properly. At Summer House, we embrace this same tradition.
Housekeeping is not just about cleaning what is seen today, but ensuring what is loved today will still be cherished tomorrow. That is the art of care, and that is the Summer House way.
Our team's favorite place to shop for these kinds of elegant homekeeping tools of the trade? The Household Company, owned by a fellow Southern California friend who shares in our respect of honoring a well-loved home. Find her in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe (6012 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067) or online, here.