Okay, this is really gross, but I need some tips.... - Page 2

[littlemizflava]

the add water steam cleaner works wonders it heats the mess and wets it so it is way easier to remove would be alot cheaper to buy one then all the cemicals or cleaner that would be needed because it is so hot it disinfect at the same time and it is safe to use on everything

[Jane]

I have a *big* steam cleaner and I LOVE it. Ebay, baby.

[*clementine*]

Originally Posted by bryannastreasure

http://www.squalorsurvivors.com

lots of info there....that reminds me, I need to clean something.
Bryanna

My oh my. That was a fun site to look through.

[Caneel]

Toss, toss, toss

I did the same for a family member suffering from depression and addiction.

The advice of room by room is good as well as clear out a room and allow little back in.

I threw out an amazing about to stuff (junk) much to the dismay of the rest of the family members. I refused to listen to the "someone could use that" (10+ year old boxes of pasta) or "there is enough for a few more showers" (dozens of nearly empty shampoo bottles).

We were working in crisis situation and it was not the time to worry about such things. Also, we had no reasonably close service for donations.

Armed with heavy duty rubber gloves, I can face almost anything!

Those green scrubbing pads work wonders. I cut them in half to extend the life.

[MissMommyNiceNice]

One tip I picked up from watching that show on TLC, oh, what's it called, with the organizers & the yardsale, hmm...well here's how it goes. Take everything out into the yard (they do the front to sorta' embarrass the people into keeping clean, but the back might be more discreet in your case). make 3 piles: Keep, Trash, Sell. Do a quick sort to go through in 30 minutes to get started, then go through more thouroughly over the next couple of hours. Once the "keep" pile gets manageable, then you can throw out all the trash and have a yardsale with the "sell" pile or send it to the mission. It is a lot easier to clean with all the stuff out of a room.

Good luck! You're a good friend. I had to help one of my friends do this, but she had like 25 years worth of clothing and real attachment issues. It may seem daunting, but I agree with the room by room assessment of things. It will help make it more manageable.

[Starr]

Make sure you have everything you need and then some before you start. Nothing like killing a good cleaning spree to find out you have to go get something. Things I would have before you start:

Dumpster- rent one
Heavy duty carpet cleaner- Rent
Rags
Pails
Sponges
Brushes
Broom/ Dustpan
Vinegar
Baking Soda
Bleach
Gloves
Mask
Tarps
Mr. Clean
Soap

I would clear everything out of the house, trash any furniture that looks like it could potentially be unable to clean, go to Goodwill for newer used, I'm guessing you will be trashing 1/2 of everything. Then I would take down light fixtures and get them soaking in soapy water to clean. Crank the music and get cleaning. When you are done for the day I would leave the windows open and sleep somewhere else, let the house air out. Also I would recommend a new coat of primer and paint. You want it to look nice and fresh becuase chances are someone will be inspecting it before releasing her kids from soter care.

[mama-meg]

I would think about bringing a timer too - clean for 45 minutes, then get out in the fresh air for 15 minutes. When I had to clean our flooded basement taking regular breaks allowed me to go right back to it.

I also recommend simple green, it is a great all purpose cleaner.