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The best cleaner to remove soot depends on the surface material and the type of fire, but consider dish soaps or degreasers, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen. Low-oxygen fires often leave behind greasy soot, which is best removed with dish soaps or degreasers. Baking soda can be useful for absorbing soot deposits from carpets, followed by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the set-in stains.

Apartment kitchens and bathrooms take the longest to clean. Bacteria and other dirt build up the fastest in these wet areas. They need more attention to ensure they remain clean and sanitary. If your apartment has two bathrooms, expect to pay a premium for professional cleaning.

Steam mops can be a better option than traditional mops because the steam can lift stubborn dirt from floors without using chemicals, and it also kills bacteria and dust mites. However, steam mops have drawbacks: they are more expensive, require an electrical outlet, and are not suitable for all flooring types, such as laminate or hardwood, which can be damaged by the steam.

Regular mopping can also sanitize floors effectively when done with the right cleaning products and techniques, though it may require more effort. The main advantage of a traditional mop is its versatility, as it can be used on any type of flooring. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your floor type, budget, and cleaning preferences.

To determine whether you can use cleaning wipes on baseboards, figure out if your trim and baseboards are painted or stained. Painted baseboards can often handle wipes that contain bleach or similar disinfectant. However, steer clear of using these wipes on unfinished wood baseboards, especially if you use them regularly.