Need Quick Clean Ideas!!

Updated on October 05, 2007
J.S. asks from Cortland, IL
17 answers

I am getting ready to put my house on the market next week, and needless to say, I've got some cleaning to do. My biggest concern is scuffs on the walls and floor, and carpet stains (paint, markers, juice, etc). If anyone has any suggestions as to quick and effective ways to take care of these specifics, as well as any other cleaning ideas I would greatly appreciate it!!

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So What Happened?

Well, I took just about everyone's advice! The magic eraser works wonders!! I used that thing just about all over my house. I feel embarassed to say this, but I actually ended up going to Target when I was done cleaning, and bought tons of them! Now when I come across an area that needs to be clean, all I have to do is grab one!
Thanks so much to everyone for the advice!

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R.A.

answers from Chicago on

I just put my condo on the market a few weeks ago. I've done this once before, but now with 3 monsters at home, the cleaning is a bit more tedious. I do one room at a time from the moment I get home. I grab a basket and fill it with stuff for every other area. I take the basket with me from one room to the next and by the time I get to bed, I'm done! When all else fails, I pack everything in a box and stuff it in the trunk of my truck until I get back. Scuff marks, I just use the Mr Clean eraser. Stains on the carpet I use an Oxygen based formula from Bissel and it does the job. Sheesh! Just writing this down is exhausting alone! Good luck to ya!

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K.P.

answers from Chicago on

Good luck first!! Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean books have great ideas that work for stains, etc. Written by Linda Cobb-
K.

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S.B.

answers from Chicago on

The best thing I've found is the Mr. Clean magic eraser!! This is wonderful at cleaning everything, and I use them both at home and at work. (I'm a housekeeper) I hope this helps and best of luck on selling the house!!

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L.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J.,

I think Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are just magical... but I guess you've heard that 11 times already. ;-)

Oh and if the stains are too bad I think you should just put potted plants on them. It will disguise the stain and add a tropical feeling to all of your rooms.

Just kidding around. Good luck selling you home!

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are great. Be careful not to scrub too hard as it will dull the paint. We sold our place last year and it really did the trick. I would also keep wipes around (Lysol or Clorox) and use them on counters in the kitchen and bathroom before buyers come. It is quick and easy. Good luck.

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J.B.

answers from Chicago on

Mr Clean Magic Eraser is WONDERFUL!!!! My children colored on 3 of the 4 walls in a room and when I say color my once white walls were red and green with no white to be found and it took it completely off. Someon stopped by the house and asked which room it happened it because they couldn't even tell.

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J.D.

answers from Chicago on

J.,
Try the magic eraser by Mr. Clean. It IS magic - it got rid of dark areas from our cat rubbing the walls, scuffs and bumps from movers and handymen.

As for the carpet, a steam cleaning is probably in order. You can rent or hire. I know another mom posted about this recently, so check out the recent requests and responses.

Good Luck,
Jean

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L.

answers from Chicago on

Definately Magic Eraser for the walls. I like Spot Shot for carpets. Works great...I think you can get it at Ace or True-Value.

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L.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hey J.,
It looks like everyone likes the magic eraser. My response will be a little different. I am a realtor with 8 yrs. of Interior Design experience. I stage homes for free when somebody lists with me. My last listing sold in 7 days after it had been on the market a year with other agents. You want to get rid of any clutter, any collections you have. You want to depersonalize (personal pictures etc.) And clean, clean, clean. I bring in accessories which I purchase myself. I really enjoy that part of it & it makes a huge difference even on a house that needs updating. The house has to smell good, it has to be well lit. Neutralizing is good but colors also work well when it's well decorated. Concentrate on kitchens & baths. There's probably a lot more I can't think of know. Feel free to call me with any questions or e-mail me back. I assume you already have an agent but you can always contact me if not or before you sign. My # is ###-###-####.
L. C (Mom of a 20 month old girl, Antonia)

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C.G.

answers from Chicago on

I third Mr Clean Magic Eraser. We just put our house on the market and I used it all over the walls/applicances/floors, etc. I actually went through 6 of them doing the whole house.

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M.W.

answers from Chicago on

For scuffs I have had great success with Mr. Clean magic erasers.

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C.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J.,

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works wonders on all surfaces. I have used it on walls to get all kinds of marks off as well as floors to get the scuffs off.

Happy cleaning!
C.

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P.

answers from Chicago on

Magic Erasers are the best!! Try the Target generic ones's. I think they are better if your walls are painted a color other than white. Also I love Oxy Clean Carpet. I spray it on and don't have to scrub. It seems to eat the stains right up. Good luck.

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L.A.

answers from Chicago on

Not sure where you live...I posted about carpet cleaning and used ChemDry by Tom and Tina. They serve Lake County and are wonderful--their phone number is ###-###-####. Is is owned by a husband and wife and Tom will come out.

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D.A.

answers from Chicago on

The Mr Clean sponges are great for scuffs on walls,and Spot Shot is my favorite for carpet stains. It works great!

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M.P.

answers from Chicago on

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works wonders on walls and baseboards. Sometimes I have to go over the spot with windex or something because the eraser leaves a white film over the spot. But its genious. I seriously don't need to repaint a wall that I thought needed it prior to the eraser.
I don't know much about carpeting, we have wood floors. I do know when selling it's good to make cookies so that the house smells good. Watch HGTV they give you some great ideas for "staging" your house.

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T.S.

answers from Chicago on

J.

My new best friend = Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. AND Target makes a generic version that works just as good. I could not BELIEVE how clean it got the wall in our dogs room and the grout/tile.

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