New house cleaning

[dolphinrescuegirl]

We just bought a house that has been sitting empty for close to 2 years. I'm sure you can imagine the dirt! Anyone have any time saving tips or advice? Ex: the fridge smells horrid so I have heard to put a pan of charcoal in there for a couple of days and that will help. The windows are covered in cobwebs. We plan to do powerwashing on the outside but obviously can't do that inside. I plan to take a dustbuster to them but any other tips that can keep the dust down? I hate sneezing fits! I hope this doesn't sound dumb. I keep my house clean but I have never had to start with this much dirt before!

 

[Chicago526]

Try fly lady.com, she has a lot of cleaning tips. It's mainly for those who hate cleaning and/or can never seem to find time to do it, but it's a place to get you started.

With this much to clean it maybe more cost effective to use a lot of home made cleaners, like combos of vinager, baking soda (you can buy a hug bag at Costco for what it costs to buy a couple of boxes), freshe citrus, amonia, etc. There are plenty of receipes online, just stick to the simple ones, buy a couple of spray bottles, and mix your own. Also instead of paper towels, buy some cheap washclothes, it cheaper than going through rolls of paper towels, better for the envirment, and you can wash and reuse them.

 

[BunsenH]

Try contacting a company that cleans up after fires or other disasters. It may be prohibitavely expensive, but may be worth a call. They may be able to get the house livable in a very short amount of time.

 

[Brit17]

I was going to suggest a cleaning company/service also ... it make cost a little but it will probably save you a lot of time and energy and be so worth it in the end ... I know some companies even offer a "Move In/Move Out" cleaning package ...

 

[minniecarousel]

Start with a "web-ster" - a long handled duster to get all cobwebs off the celing and walls. Wash windows, then floors. (Easy for me to say!) I like the idea of hiring a cleaning company to do a one-day cleaning with a crew big enough to get the job done.

 

[olena]

If you do clean it yourself and are sensitive to dirt/dust/mold/mildew, get a mask and maybe something to protect your eyes. When you start cleaning, all those irritants become airborne and can bother your system, which will zap your energy, make your miserable and exacerbate the task.

 

[dolphinrescuegirl]

Thanks for all the replies. I am having a cleaning company come out tomorrow to give me a quote. Good idea about the mask, I didn't even think about that!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Thanks for all the replies. I am having a cleaning company come out tomorrow to give me a quote. Good idea about the mask, I didn't even think about that!

You made need not just a mask but a respirator. You can rent them.

If there is that much dirt you do not want to make yourself sick.

I would hire a cleaning company.

 

[laughinplace199]

I agree that hiring someone to at least get it liveable (sp?) is a good idea. Also, if the fridge is that bad, I think I'd get a new one.

 

[Chicago526]

Thanks for all the replies. I am having a cleaning company come out tomorrow to give me a quote. Good idea about the mask, I didn't even think about that!

Also, if you do decide to clean it yourself and use normal household cleaners (Windex, 409, etc.) make sure to wear rubber gloves to keep the chemicals off your hands.

 

[ksjayhawks]

Try contacting a company that cleans up after fires or other disasters. It may be prohibitavely expensive, but may be worth a call. They may be able to get the house livable in a very short amount of time.

I was going to suggest contacting a cleaning service as well. They will do a thorough job and you can move into a clean house without all the stress, mess, and TIME that it would take to clean it yourself.

It would be worth the money to me and I hate to spend money on stuff like that!

You might want to consider a new fridge if it is that smelly and bad.

 

[momrek06]

CONGRATULATIONS KIM on your new home!!!!

I am sure in no time at all you will get that new home all SPARKLING! I am glad you are calling for a quote!

On the fridge....if the doors have been closed....for a long period time....there might be mold in it....maybe you will need to replace it.