Deep-Clean Strategies for Historic Homes in Mid-County

Mid-County St. Louis is filled with charm: original wood floors, intricate moldings, antique tile, and built-in shelving that dates back a century or more. From Webster Groves to Richmond Heights, homeowners treasure their historic properties—but those vintage features come with one big challenge: dirt builds up in hard-to-reach places, and standard cleaning just doesn’t cut it.

Here’s how to deep clean a historic home without damaging the character that makes it special.

Why Standard Cleaning Isn’t Enough

Historic homes are full of architectural beauty—and hidden grime. Over time, dust settles into wood grooves, cobwebs cling to high ceilings, and kitchen grease hides behind original cabinetry. Unlike modern homes with smooth surfaces and easy-access corners, older homes require more attention, care, and technique.

Professional deep cleaning services understand how to navigate:

• Fragile plaster walls
• Aged hardwood floors
• Delicate tilework with irregular grout lines
• Narrow baseboards and original trim

Start with a Top-Down Strategy

In any deep clean, it’s best to start high and work down. For historic homes with tall ceilings and ornate features, this step is essential.

Begin With:

• Dusting crown molding, ceiling corners, and fan blades
• Removing cobwebs from exposed rafters or ceiling medallions
• Cleaning chandelier glass or antique light fixtures

Once the overhead grime is gone, work your way down through walls, trim, furniture, and finally the floors.

Floor Focus: Protecting Original Materials

Wood floors in older homes often have thin or worn finishes. That means aggressive scrubbing or steam cleaning could cause permanent damage.

Tips for safe cleaning:

• Use pH-neutral wood cleaners (never vinegar or bleach)
• Vacuum with a soft-brush attachment before mopping
• Avoid wet mops that soak joints or boards
• Dry floors immediately after mopping to prevent warping

For tile floors, scrub grout with a baking soda paste or specialty cleaner. Avoid using metal brushes that could scratch the glaze.

Kitchen and Bath: Grease, Grout, and Timeworn Touchpoints

Old kitchens often have decades of buildup behind appliances, under cabinets, and inside drawers.

In a deep clean:

• Pull appliances forward and clean behind/underneath
• Degrease vent hoods and stove backsplashes
• Scrub grout with a toothbrush and peroxide cleaner
• Clean inside drawers, especially under silverware organizers

Bathrooms can also hide issues. Target baseboards, tile crevices, and the space behind the toilet where dust and moisture often collect.

Don’t Skip Windows and Trim

Older homes have original windows with detailed wood trim—and lots of crevices for dust to collect.

Focus on:

• Cleaning sills, sash rails, and frames with a damp microfiber cloth
• Vacuuming between storm windows or screens
• Using wood-safe polish to restore luster to sun-faded trim

In some homes, you’ll find layers of paint around hardware or inside cabinets. Gently clean with mild soap and avoid scraping to prevent lead exposure in older paint.

What About the Basement?

Many Mid-County homes include basements with concrete floors or unfinished walls. A good deep clean here includes:

• Sweeping and mopping the floor
• Dusting exposed beams and pipes
• Checking for mold or moisture in corners
• Vacuuming cobwebs from stairwells and vents

If your basement is finished, treat it like any other living space with a focus on edges and corners that accumulate dust over time.

Hire a Team That Understands Older Homes

St. Louis Cleaning Team works in homes built 50, 75, even 100 years ago. We take care not to damage antique finishes, vintage hardware, or delicate surfaces. Every deep clean is tailored to the layout and materials of your home.

Whether you live in a Craftsman bungalow in Maplewood or a Victorian in Webster Groves, we’ll make sure the beauty of your home shines—without risking the character that makes it unique.

Schedule your historic home deep clean now and bring back the sparkle with confidence.