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Fix it yourself

House Cleaner repairs you can do yourself

9 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
9
Pro-only
0
Typical time
20 min – 5 h
  1. 01

    Carpet smells bad

    Find the source before treating the whole room: sniff low along walls and in corners, and press a paper towel into damp-feeling spots — the pad holds the smell more than the pile.

    easy 1–3 h· $10–25 in baking soda and enzyme cleaner

  2. 02

    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

  3. 03

    Carpet stains that won't come out

    Test any cleaner on a hidden patch first — inside a closet or under furniture — and wait ten minutes for colour change.

    easy 20–60 min· $5–20 in household cleaners

  4. 04

    Deck or patio gray and discolored

    Sweep and clear the deck, cover nearby plants with plastic, and wet them down; cleaners and stain run-off scorch leaves.

    moderate 2–5 h· $40–120 in cleaner, brightener and stain

  5. 05

    Driveway stained or dingy

    Sweep the driveway and pull weeds from cracks and joints; a weed left in a paver joint comes straight back through new sand.

    easy 2–4 h· $20–60 in degreaser and sand; pressure-washer rental $40–90/day

  6. 06

    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

  7. 07

    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

  8. 08

    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

  9. 09

    Pet Urine Stain and Odor in Carpet

    Find every spot with a blacklight in a dark room — urine glows pale yellow-green, and there are usually more spots than you can smell.

    easy 30–90 min· $15–30 for enzyme cleaner and a blacklight

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