Get matched with top house cleaners in Harvard, MA

You can remove stubborn stains from your toilet by scrubbing with a store-bought cleaner appropriate for the toilet’s material. If you’re looking for a homemade solution, you can also use vinegar and baking soda—just pour 2 cups of white vinegar around the edges of your toilet. Once the bowl is wet with vinegar, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of baking soda, concentrating on the stains. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush to clean the mixture. 

Just a note: While combining baking soda and vinegar is OK, never mix that solution with any other cleaners.

A basic move-out cleaning service typically includes:

• Dusting

• Mopping

• Vacuuming

• Wiping down surfaces 

However, if your home could use a little more cleaning than the basics, you can optionally add on services, like grout cleaning, carpet shampooing, and window washing.

The cost of a professional house cleaning service typically ranges from $30 to $50 per hour. The final price depends on factors like the size of your house, the type of cleaning requested, and the overall level of cleaning required.

On average, you can expect to pay around $170 for a professional cleaning. Costs can also be calculated per square foot, ranging from $0.05 to $0.15 for a standard cleaning and up to $0.20 for a deep clean.

Here's a breakdown of potential costs by service type:

• Standard Cleaning: Includes tasks like sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down kitchen and bathroom surfaces. This typically costs between $75 and $175 per visit.

• Deep Cleaning: A more thorough service that may include window washing, cleaning under furniture, and polishing hard-to-clean surfaces. This can cost from $200 to $600 for a whole-home deep clean.

• Specific Add-ons: Services like window cleaning can cost $4 to $10 per window, and carpet cleaning can range from $75 to $200.

Many maid services offer discounts for regularly scheduled appointments.

To neutralize mildew smell, you can use natural deodorizers like baking soda or activated charcoal. Baking soda absorbs odors; sprinkle it liberally on the affected area, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. Activated charcoal, available in pouches, works similarly. Vinegar, with its natural acidic properties, can also neutralize odors. Mix equal parts water and vinegar, spray the affected area lightly, then blot it with a dry cloth. Enzymatic cleaners are effective too, breaking down odor-causing compounds.