What makes old houses different
Older Louisville homes, in Old Louisville, Crescent Hill, the Highlands and Germantown, have materials modern cleaning products were not designed for: shellac and varnish on woodwork, plaster walls, unglazed or original tile, old window glass and brass hardware. Strong chemicals and soaking water damage them.
Material by material
| Surface | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Carved and varnished woodwork | Soft brush for carvings, barely damp cloth, dry immediately | Ammonia, oil soaps used heavily, wet cloths |
| Plaster walls | Dust gently, spot clean with a nearly dry cloth | Scrubbing, spraying water directly |
| Original tile and grout | pH-neutral cleaner, soft brush | Acidic cleaners and bleach on old grout |
| Old window glass | Mild solution, soft cloth, light pressure | Razor blades on old or wavy glass |
| Stained glass | Dry dusting; damp only with care | Spray cleaners on lead came |
| Heart-pine and old oak floors | Vacuum, then a damp, wrung-out mop | Steam mops, standing water |
Booking a cleaning for an older home
Tell us the age of the house and any finishes you are worried about. The team is told in advance, brings gentler products, and leaves anything fragile, like stained glass or antique pieces, for you to decide on. Many owners of older homes book a deep clean once and then every-two-weeks visits that keep the work light.
Short answers
Can you clean stained glass?
Dry dusting, yes. Anything more than that we discuss with you first, because old lead came is delicate.
Do you use steam on old floors?
No. Steam and standing water can damage old wood and finishes.
