Toronto is famous for its beautiful historic neighbourhoods, from Cabbagetown to The Annex. Moving into a Century Home (a home 100+ years old) is a dream for many. But cleaning a historic property before you move in requires a completely different approach than cleaning a modern condo.
Standard cleaning chemicals and aggressive techniques can easily damage original features. Here is what a specialized historic home move-in clean entails.
1. Caring for Original Woodwork
Century homes often feature original hardwood floors, high wainscoting, and intricate staircases.
- These surfaces cannot be mopped with standard water and floor cleaner, which can warp old wood or strip antique varnish.
- They require gentle, pH-neutral wood soaps and immediate drying, followed by nourishing wood conditioners to restore their luster without damaging the patina.
2. Conquering the Cast-Iron Radiators
If your new home still has hot water radiators, you are looking at a major dust trap. Decades of dust, pet hair, and debris fall between the iron fins. When the heat turns on in the winter, that burning dust creates a terrible smell and ruins air quality.
- A specialized clean involves using flexible, long-reach microfiber wands and high-suction vacuums to clear out the fins completely before the cold weather hits.
3. Plaster Walls and Delicate Fixtures
Unlike modern drywall, original lath and plaster walls can be fragile. Scrubbing them aggressively can cause the plaster to crumble. Antique brass hardware, crystal chandeliers, and original stained glass require gentle, specific polishes—modern glass cleaners with ammonia will permanently pit and ruin antique brass.
4. The “Old House Smell”
Older homes often have a distinct, slightly musty smell due to aging wood and settling. A thorough move-in clean—including a complete wipe-down of the basement beams, sanitizing the interior of old closets, and steam-cleaning any existing carpets—is essential to neutralize the environment and make it feel like your home.
Trust your historic home to the experts. Contact My Canada Cleaning for a careful, customized move-in clean for your Toronto Century Home.