Skip to content
壹家壹清潔專家
EN
繁簡EN
Move-in PreparationCleaning Experts

Refurbishment cleaning after buying a second-hand apartment: How to handle the traces of time and stubborn stains left by the previous owner.

Years of oil stains, water scale, and moldy smells are common when taking over second-hand apartments. This article instructs you on how to scientifically distinguish between replacement and cleaning items and how to regain home hygiene with efficient solutions.

Second-hand property renovations should be handled in tiers; grease and limescale need to be broken down with professional degreasers and mildly acidic cleaners. For moldy silicone and old pipes, it is recommended to replace them directly rather than trying to force a clean. First locate the source of dampness or odors, then assess the material to decide on mold removal methods; steam is not suitable for all surfaces and cannot replace leak repairs.

Identify the three major disaster areas

Before handling a second-hand house, evaluate based on these three core areas:

1. Kitchen grease: Old, hardened grease requires special degreasers and warm water to soften.

2. Bathroom limescale and efflorescence: Never scrub hard; use mildly acidic substances to chemically decompose them.

3. Odours in older homes: identify leaks, moisture or dirt sources before choosing a material-compatible method. Deeply mould-affected porous materials may need replacement or repair; steam alone cannot guarantee mould removal.

When handling moldy materials, you can follow US Environmental Protection Agency's home mold prevention recommendations(opens in a new window)treatment and note the on-site and material restrictions.

Decision: Replace or renovate

Correct renovation concepts can save budget:

Items to replace: Moldy silicone sealant, toilet seats, old faucets, damaged drainage pipes.

Items to renovate: Solid wood flooring, marble windowsills, well-structured wooden cabinets.

Professional cleaning standards and safety

Cleaning should prioritize removing dirt before considering disinfection. During the process, strictly avoid mixing different chemicals. 壹家壹清潔專家 uses high-temperature disinfection technology, which can reach deep into wall corners and inside cabinets; this is far more efficient and comprehensive than using ordinary cleaners.

  1. Perform a material test before cleaning bathroom glass.
  2. Stop DIY if you discover pipe leaks or structural deformation; prioritize repairs instead.
  3. Completion check: Ensure there is no chemical residue and corners are thoroughly dry.

Reader questions

FAQ

Should I wash moldy silicone sealant myself or replace it?
Mold in silicone often penetrates deep into the material; it is recommended to remove it directly and re-seal with anti-mold silicone, which is more hygienic and aesthetically pleasing than repeated cleaning.
Is there a way to clear the stale smell from old wooden floors?
Fragrances alone cannot remove the odor. You need deep cleaning to decompose the mold and dust in the floor gaps, then combine it with ventilation to see effective improvement.

Professional help

Need professional assistance?

After reading Refurbishment cleaning after buying a second-hand apartment: How to handle the traces of time and stubborn stains left by the previous owner., if you would like our team to handle it, you can first understand the scope of move-in cleaning, then send the unit details and photos via WhatsApp to inquire.

WhatsApp inquiryInquiries and Bookings