Altona Meadows is an established suburb, and many of its homes have been lived in for decades. Older homes clean up well, but grime builds up in places that newer homes don't have: aluminium window tracks, older ovens, vertical blinds, wall heater vents and grout that has been mopped thousands of times.
This guide walks through those areas and how to clean them without damaging older finishes.
Kitchens
- Older ovens: remove racks and soak them. Use an oven cleaner suited to the enamel and keep it off seals and electrical parts.
- Laminate cupboard doors: grease builds up around handles. Wipe with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Avoid scourers, which dull laminate.
- Rangehood filters: metal mesh filters can be soaked in hot soapy water. Check whether yours are disposable.
Bathrooms
- Grout: scrub with a stiff brush and a grout cleaner. Grout that is crumbling or stained right through needs regrouting, not more cleaning.
- Silicone: black spots inside old silicone often won't clean out. Replacing the silicone is usually the fix.
- Exhaust fans: a dusty fan moves less air, which makes mould more likely. Turn off the power and clean the cover.
For more detail, see our guides to bathroom mould and soap scum and tile and grout cleaning.
Windows, blinds and heating
- Aluminium tracks: vacuum the grit, then scrub with a soft brush and soapy water. Avoid acids and abrasive pads.
- Vertical and venetian blinds: dust with a microfibre cloth or a vacuum brush attachment. Check the care label before washing fabric blinds.
- Gas wall heaters and floor vents: vacuum vents and wipe heater covers when the heater is off and cool. Servicing is a job for a licensed gasfitter.
- Ceiling fans: slide an old pillowcase over each blade to catch the dust.
Carpets
Carpet that has been down a long time holds a lot of fine dust below the surface. Regular vacuuming helps, but a hot water extraction clean lifts much more. See our carpet cleaning service.
When cleaning isn't the fix
Some problems come back however well you clean: mould from a leak or poor ventilation, peeling paint, failed silicone and worn-through benchtops. Note these for a tradesperson, or for your landlord if you rent.
Getting help
Our deep cleaning service covers all of the areas above. After a deep clean, regular house cleaning keeps the home on track. See our Altona Meadows cleaning page for local details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should an older home get a deep clean?
Once or twice a year suits most homes that are cleaned regularly in between. If an older home has not been deep cleaned for a long time, the first clean takes longer, and later ones are quicker.
Can old shower grout look new again?
Cleaning often lifts a lot of discolouration, but grout that is cracked, crumbling or stained right through will not look new. Regrouting is the fix in that case. Sealing clean grout helps slow future staining.
Is it safe to clean old aluminium window tracks with harsh products?
No. Vacuum loose dirt first, then use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Strong acids or abrasive pads can mark the aluminium finish and damage rubber seals.
Do you deep clean homes in Altona Meadows?
Yes. Niks Elite Cleaning provides deep cleaning and regular house cleaning across Altona Meadows 3028, plus neighbouring Seabrook, Laverton and Point Cook.
Book a Deep Clean in Altona Meadows
Call Niks Elite Cleaning on +61 493 519 401 or request a quote online.