Your Painted Walls
Maintenance is crucial to keeping a crisp paint job looking fresh. To do this, Carl Minchew, director of Product Development at Benjamin Moore, suggests spot cleaning your walls with a cloth or sponge and water. If that doesn't work, dip the rag or sponge into water mixed with a little dishwashing liquid, the milder the better. If the stain persists, apply a few drops of soap directly onto the wet sponge or cloth you're using. Then make sure you rinse the wall afterward with plain water.
Your Bookshelves
Sort books by size and subject. Remove and discard any ripped dust jackets (unless you think they might have value). Line books, some vertically, some horizontally, in a rhythmic pattern. This will relieve the monotony of rows.