Cleaning an older apartment: check condition first
When cleaning an older apartment, start with the existing finish: sealed, oiled, painted or untreated. A historic appearance does not tell you which cleaner is suitable. Note existing scratches, loose coatings and care instructions before you begin.
Clear walking routes and separate accessible everyday surfaces from tasks needing specialist care or access.
Plan around the material
| Surface | Approach |
|---|---|
| Parquet and floorboards | Remove loose dirt first; choose moisture and cleaner according to the flooring instructions. |
| Painted doors | Use a suitable soft cloth, test a small area and avoid abrasives. |
| Plasterwork and decorative trim | Gently dust stable areas you can reach safely; do not wet loose pieces or flaking paint. |
| Natural stone | Identify the stone and approved care; do not experiment with acid or polish. |
Further reading
Protect wood and limit moisture
Remove grit and dust with a soft attachment suitable for the floor. If damp wiping is permitted, use a well-wrung cloth and avoid standing water.
Steam, intensive cleaners, oils and polish are not interchangeable everyday treatments. For an unknown finish or damaged wood, ask the property manager, flooring specialist or manufacturer about suitable care first.
Treat high windows and ceilings as separate tasks
Do not stand on chairs or windowsills or lean out of a window. Areas that cannot be reached safely need separate planning and suitable equipment. Standard apartment cleaning does not promise high-access work.
Arrange an assessment for historic windows, delicate lights or repairs. More vigorous scrubbing does not restore damaged wood finishes or old paint.
Prepare a cleaning request for an older apartment
- Describe the floor, care products and delicate areas.
- Choose three priority everyday tasks, such as the bathroom, kitchen surfaces and clear floors.
- Clarify demanding or hard-to-reach work separately.
- At PUTZIO, budget CHF 40 per booked hour. Products are included; provide a vacuum cleaner, mop and bucket.
Further reading