Fix it yourself
House Cleaner repairs you can do yourself
4 house cleaner problems a careful person can handle at home — and the point where each one becomes a job for a pro.
- You can do
- 4
- Pro-only
- 0
- Typical time
- 20 min – 2 h
- 01Open
Carpet stains that won't come out
Blot — never rub — with a dry white cloth to lift as much as possible; work from the outside of the stain inward.
easy 20–60 min· $5–20 for household cleaners or an enzyme spray
- 02Open
Grout Turning Black or Dark in the Shower
Ventilate, then spray the grout with oxygen bleach solution and leave it for 15–30 minutes.
easy 1–2 h· $10–35 for cleaner, grout and sealer
- 03Open
Hard water stains and mineral buildup
Spray glass doors and tiles with warm vinegar, wait 15 minutes, and wipe; for thick scale, lay vinegar-soaked paper towels on the surface for an hour.
easy 20–60 min· $5–15 for vinegar and citric acid
- 04Open
Mold in bathroom
Open the window or run the extractor fan and wear gloves and a mask; keep the door closed to the rest of the house.
easy 30–90 min· $10–40 for cleaner, silicone or paint
When you do need a house cleaner
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These are the calls a house cleaner takes every week. Licensing, training and where the work is short of people.
How to become a house cleaner