Major mess clean up advice needed.

**philocrates** · 01-27-2008, 12:18 AM

We are cleaning up a major mess. And I mean major. We won't go into details, you'll be sick. However, once we get down to the floor and walls [and I haven't even started the kitchen yet [groan.. Not much garbage but the dirt... I have Grease Relief which I have seen clean anything and it is having spasms trying to clean this]

What can I try on the carpet. Extremely short pile. Walls... Ceiling [I have NO desire to go over the drop ceiling panels with a tooth brush like we did in the navy but I might have to. I figure a good disinfect clean of the walls and paint them something dark.

The kitchen? [whimper.. we won't go there yet] The bathroom is soaking.

No the person is NOT invited to come live here again. We are getting rid of the quarters they had and merging the house just to prevent the state from saying "Oh can't you take them back."

I'm also taking photos and making sure our Lawyer has a copy.

But right now? AAAAAGGGGHHHHKKKKK

We have a bit of the commerical disinfectant used by pros because the other half had a licence and are going to use it for the really bad spots. I don't think there is enough to do the rug. We can get more but frankly? I would rather avoid the cost of renewing licence and buying the disinfectant.

**momtoadiva** · 01-27-2008, 12:30 AM

Awww I'm sorry it stinks when ppl tend to take advantage and ewww ppl that live like that, seems to me if it's that bad he needs someone to help look over him. When I use to clean base housing for inspection we always used the basics, bleach for bathrooms, ammoinia for kitchen, and good ol' soap and water for the rest, the walls we would put a lil bleach in the water and a scotch green scrubby. Pure ammonia will cut grease like a charm though it may have to set, becareful though these can not be mixed and the ammonia use a mask so that you don't breath it directly as well becareful it will take the finish off of the cabinets if they are varnished. Good luck

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 01-27-2008, 08:11 AM

I have cleaned for a living and agree with momtoadiva bleach for bathrooms, ammonia for cutting grease and hot soapy water for everything eles. I also add to that mix fresh air open the windows and doors! Vinagar plain old white type helps clean grease too and leaves windows beautiful. Baking Soda the big box is good for removing smells in carpet and furniture. Sprinkle it on and brush it in let it sit for a while over night if possible. Then vaccum up. As for ceilings try a sponge mop well wung out, move in one direction and don't press hard. Don't go over the same area or you'll take a chance of getting it too wet and bringing it down.
Good luck. Also don't try to do it all in a day and all by yourself. It took time to get it that way and it will take time to undo.
Pace yourself.

Laurie in Bradenton

**FrugalMomof3** · 01-27-2008, 08:43 AM

You've gotten some great advice already so wishing you the best of luck getting rid of the mess

**lwlynch** · 01-27-2008, 08:53 AM

Wishing you the best of luck also.. you know though this maybe one of those times you find a professional and let them come in and clean it.. they got steam thingys.... good luck

**Marie78** · 01-27-2008, 10:19 AM

I think you should call a professional for the floors too. Is is possible to tear them out? I know all that would be expensive, but it sounds like you are merging this part of the house with your own. Good Luck.

**philocrates** · 01-29-2008, 06:56 PM

Thank you all.

The carpet can go. The boards under are old wide plank floors that hopefully the carpet protected. They are about 200 years old.

I threw out the mattress and box spring and when I tossed them onto the pile for the garbage truck the dust flew it was that bad.

We are still cleaning out junk and haven't got to the major cleaning. At least half the room is done but it is slow going because we have to clean up stuff like spilled cat litter and cat poop. The cat died two years ago.

I told the Other Half we are in no great race so we will work as we can stand it. It was 40 today and I opened the front door for a while. What a difference. Wish we would get some warm days so I can open the windows wide as well as the door.

I wore a throwaway Tshirt and sweatpants but my poor beloved sweatshirt.. I'm going to try and clean it but am not holding my breath. It smells when I put it back on. It all does.

They even had access to free garbage disposal.. grrr.

So far the last garbage load was 31 bags [55 gallon construction and 30 gallon heavy duty] plus the mattress and box spring. The next load started today is already ten 55 gallon bags.

And my sweat pants are falling off me. I figure by the time we are done, I will be a lean mean cleaning machine... [snicker]

**philocrates** · 01-29-2008, 07:03 PM

I forgot to add:

As to the pros.. The problem is the nearest pro is 75 miles away. We live in a very rural community.

On the bright side? My crime wave is a baby possum breaking in and scaring the cat. George the Possum ate my entire stock of chestnuts when he broke in. [He occasionally shows up on the back porch saying "Are you sure you don't want a pet possum? Those chestnuts were good." ]

**Christa** · 02-09-2008, 08:07 PM

I'd definitely replace or remove the carpet--it's impossible to get really clean. :-P We pulled up carpet in a rental house once and I was so repulsed by how much stuff lives in there that I made hardwood floors my #1 priority when we were shopping for our current home.

Good luck!