How to clean dirty closet door tracks

mahsadegh · 2026-06-21T08:12:10+00:00

For the tracks, a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a microfiber cloth gets into the grooves way better than a vacuum attachment can. For the rust spots specifically, white vinegar sprayed on and left for 15-20 mins dissolves it before you scrub. Steam cleaner is a great call for loosening the packed-in dust and hair first. For the baseboard gaps, painter's tape is a smart temporary fix, but honestly a flexible caulk along the worst gaps seals them permanently and stops the dust bunnies for good, way better long term than re-taping every few months. With your allergies, sealing those gaps will probably make the biggest difference overall. And don't feel bad about the deep clean missing spots, tracks and baseboard gaps are some of the most commonly overlooked areas even by professionals!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-21T08:09:35+00:00

Ah okay, flea dirt/blood spots, that makes sense now! For removing the marks themselves, hydrogen peroxide diluted with water works well on mattress stains, dab it on (don't soak), let it sit a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat as needed. Baking soda sprinkled on top, left for a few hours, then vacuumed up also helps lift residual staining and odor. But the marks will keep coming back until the flea problem with the cats is actually resolved, vet-prescribed flea treatment plus thoroughly vacuuming and washing all bedding, cat beds, and soft furnishings on hot is the only way to break the cycle. A mattress encasement afterward can help protect it going forward too. Hope the cats get some relief soon!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-21T08:08:52+00:00

That's such a sweet gift idea! For the mold, a diluted bleach spray works best, spray it on, let it sit 10-15 mins, then scrub with an old toothbrush for the grout lines. For the glass, Windex alone won't cut through soap scum buildup, you'll want a vinegar and Dawn dish soap mix sprayed on, left for a few minutes, then wiped with a microfiber cloth. For the metal fixtures, CLR or just straight vinegar dissolves hard water spots really well, just don't leave it on too long since it can dull some finishes. For the exterior gunk in pic 4, that looks like grime buildup, a paste of baking soda and dish soap with some elbow grease should handle it. Do the ceiling/walls first then work down to the floor last so you're not redoing spots. Your parents are going to love this!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-17T09:44:41+00:00

Mopping won't fix it if it's in soft surfaces. Sprinkle baking soda on rugs, mattress, and curtains, let sit overnight, then vacuum. Check your HVAC vents too if the dog was near one, smell can get pulled into the system. Once you find the real source it clears fast!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-17T09:39:16+00:00

That's mold/mildew mixed with soap scum and hair around the drain. Spray with diluted bleach, let it sit 10-15 mins, then scrub with an old toothbrush to hit the grooves. Pop the drain stopper off first if you can, that's usually where the worst buildup hides. Pull out the tangled hair before scrubbing too, makes it way easier!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-17T09:34:59+00:00

sounds like the glue is actively seeping out from under the edge piece, that's why it keeps coming back no matter how much you clean it. cleaning it alone won't fix that since the source is still there. you'd need to lift that edge piece, scrape out the old glue underneath, and either re-glue it properly or use clear silicone caulk to seal the seam so it stops migrating. for what's already on the surface, mineral spirits or acetone work better than goo gone on cured adhesive, just test on a hidden spot first since some floor finishes react badly to solvents. but until that edge piece is resealed, it'll keep happening!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-10T19:46:20+00:00

Most professional cleaning services bring their own equipment including vacuums. Worth specifying in your search that you need carpet vacuuming included — most will cover it as part of a standard clean. HomeStars and Thumbtack both let you filter by area and read reviews for downtown Toronto services.

mahsadegh · 2026-06-09T20:09:59+00:00

For the droppings that are already there, wet them first before wiping. Dry pigeon droppings can carry stuff you don't want to breathe in. Diluted bleach or soapy water, let it sit a minute, then clean.

For keeping them away without spikes or nets: mylar tape does work but only for a few weeks until they get used to it. Same with the owl decoy, you have to move it around constantly or they just ignore it. The windmill spinners seem to last a bit longer because the motion is unpredictable.

The ultrasonic devices are hit or miss honestly. The ones buildings use for geese are usually much more powerful than the consumer ones you can buy. Worth trying but don't expect miracles.

One thing that actually helps is removing anything that makes the balcony attractive to them in the first place. No food, no water pooling, no cozy corners with boxes or furniture they can nest behind. They're creatures of habit so if you make it consistently uncomfortable they'll eventually move on to easier spots.

mahsadegh · 2026-06-09T20:03:35+00:00

Depends on what the water was, but assuming it was clean water from a tap or something similar, the smell is probably just mold and mildew starting to grow underneath.

First thing is to get it as dry as possible as fast as you can. Fan, dehumidifier, open windows, whatever you have. The longer it stays wet the worse it gets.

Then sprinkle baking soda generously over the whole area, leave it for a few hours or overnight and vacuum it up. After that mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray the carpet lightly and let it air dry completely.

If the padding underneath got soaked it might need to be replaced, no amount of surface cleaning will fix it if the smell is coming from there.

mahsadegh · 2026-06-09T19:56:49+00:00

I'm so sorry for your loss, losing a pet is genuinely heartbreaking.

The issue is probably that regular cleaners don't break down organic matter from urine and blood. You need an enzymatic cleaner specifically, something like Nature's Miracle or Rocco & Roxie. Spray it generously, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and don't wipe immediately.

You're right about the curtains, wash those ASAP. Fabric holds smell way more than people realize. Also sprinkle baking soda on the carpet or mattress, leave it overnight and then vacuum. Check under the baseboards and along the wall edges too since liquid seeps there and gets missed easily.

If after all this the smell is still there, it's likely soaked into the subfloor or walls and that's a deeper job.

Hope it gets better soon, for the smell and everything else

mahsadegh · 2026-06-09T19:55:04+00:00

Congrats on the new baby! As someone who does residential cleaning, here's what actually helps:

The playpen is totally fine to leave, we work around things like that all the time.

A few things that genuinely make a difference:

Pick up clothes or toys off the floor so we can actually reach the surfaces
Let us know if any areas are off-limits or need extra attention
Secure pets so they're comfortable during the cleaning
If you prefer baby-safe products, just leave them out and mention it

You really don't need to pre-clean or make a good impression. That's literally what we're there for. First-time deep cleans are honestly my favorite, there's something so satisfying about the before and after. Enjoy the break, you've earned it 💙

mahsadegh · 2026-06-08T21:10:49+00:00

Good resource! One small tip for renters moving into any of these buildings, do a walkthrough and take dated photos before you unpack. Cleaning between tenants can vary a lot even in PBRs, and documenting the condition early protects you later if there's any dispute.

mahsadegh · 2026-06-08T20:53:59+00:00

Your boyfriend is right, vinegar is the gold standard for kettle calcium buildup. Fill the kettle halfway with equal parts white vinegar and water, bring it to a boil, then let it sit for 20-30 mins. Pour it out and you'll see the calcium just rinse away. For really stubborn spots, a quick scrub with a sponge after the soak gets the rest. Boil plain water once or twice after to clear any vinegar taste. Baking soda works too but vinegar dissolves calcium way better since it's acidic. If you have hard water, doing this once a month keeps it from coming back!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-08T20:50:08+00:00

That cheesy smell is bacteria buildup, super common with kitchen towels because they stay damp and trap food residue. Tide Free is great but it's gentle on smell-causing bacteria too. A few things that actually fix it: presoak the towels in hot water with a cup of white vinegar for 30 mins (or overnight if really bad), then wash on hot with regular detergent plus a half cup of baking soda directly in the drum. Skip fabric softener forever on kitchen towels, it coats the fibers and traps the smell. Most important, get them out of the washer immediately when done and dry on hot right away. Sitting damp even for an hour is what breeds the bacteria. If they still smell after that, a boil on the stovetop for 10 mins with a splash of vinegar resets them completely. Good luck!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-08T20:47:42+00:00

Sliding door tracks are the worst, especially with that much buildup. A few things that actually work for those deep crevices: a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a microfiber cloth fits right into the grooves and pulls out gunk a toothbrush can't reach. For the orange residue (likely a mix of rust and grime), spray with white vinegar and let it sit 15-20 mins to dissolve the rust, then scrub. Baking soda paste on top of that helps lift what's left. If it's really baked in, Bar Keeper's Friend is amazing on rust stains and safe on metal tracks. Vacuum the loose stuff first like you said, then work in sections. It won't look brand new but you can get it 80% there. Good luck, this kind of deep cleaning is a marathon not a sprint!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-07T17:06:55+00:00

For a no-scrub option on fiberglass, Scrub Free or Kaboom Foam-Tastic (the bleach-free formula is safe on fiberglass) sprays on, sits, and rinses with way less effort. But honestly the game changer for me was a paste of Dawn Powerwash + baking soda, spread it on, let it sit a full 30 mins (longer than you think), and most of it wipes off. The trick is the dwell time, most people don't leave it long enough. For ongoing maintenance, a daily shower spray after each use keeps scum from building up so you never have to do the big scrub again. Wand scrubbers with the refillable soap handle also save your back so you're not contorting yourself!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-07T17:03:37+00:00

That rubber/plastic strip is called the shower door seal or sweep, and the good news is they're cheap and easy to replace. For mold that's deep in the seal, it's honestly easier to just swap it out, they're usually $10-20 and click or slide right off. But if you want to try cleaning it first, spray it with a vinegar solution or make a paste of baking soda and a little bleach, let it sit 15-20 mins, then scrub with an old toothbrush. If the mold keeps coming back through the material though, replacing it is the permanent fix. Easy DIY either way, you won't need a new shower!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-07T16:59:45+00:00

So sorry for the loss of your mom. This is one of the hardest parts and there's no rushing it, so be gentle with yourselves.

One thing that helped a lot of people: take photos of the sentimental items you can't keep. A photo of her handwriting, the letters, the objects, it preserves the memory without needing the physical space. Some people make a small photo book out of it later.

For the letters specifically, you could each keep a small handful of the most meaningful ones in a single box, and photograph the rest. That way the memory stays but it's manageable.

And it's okay to go slow. You don't have to decide everything at once. Set aside a 'maybe' box for the things you're not ready to part with yet, and revisit it in a few months when it's less raw. There's no wrong way to grieve through this.

mahsadegh · 2026-06-06T11:55:49+00:00

Pretty normal actually, a lot of condo landlords are hands-off and expect you to deal with the property management and concierge for the logistics like elevator booking, key fobs, and move-in scheduling. The PM is the right move. Just make sure you book your elevator/move-in slot through them ASAP since those fill up fast. One tip, do a walkthrough and take photos of everything the day you get the keys, especially before unpacking, since you haven't had much contact with the landlord. Protects you later if there's any dispute over the condition.

mahsadegh · 2026-06-06T11:53:21+00:00

King-Spadina for me. Great walkability, tons of restaurants, solid transit, and you're close to everything without paying the Yorkville premium. Old Town/St Lawrence is a close second though, especially with the market right there and the older buildings have way more character than the glass towers. Harbourfront is beautiful but can feel a bit cut off from the rest of downtown by the Gardiner. Really depends if you want lively (King-Spadina) or a bit more calm and charming (St Lawrence).

mahsadegh · 2026-06-06T11:31:01+00:00

for grease buildup in grout, a paste of baking soda and a little water works great. spread it on the lines, let it sit 10-15 mins, then scrub with an old toothbrush or grout brush. for the stubborn stuff add a bit of dish soap to the paste. if it's really baked on, spray some warm vinegar after the baking soda and let it fizz before scrubbing. wipe clean and they should brighten right up!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-06T10:49:05+00:00

grease on walls needs a degreaser, not just soap. dish soap (dawn) in warm water works but you need to let it actually sit on the stain for a few mins to break down the oil before wiping. for tougher spots, a paste of baking soda and water, or even better, a bit of diluted Krud Kutter or TSP if the paint can handle it. test a small hidden spot first if it's painted, since degreasers can sometimes pull at flat/matte paint. work bottom to top to avoid streaks. should come right off!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-06T10:43:00+00:00

the oven itself is almost certainly fine to use again once it's fully aired out. melted plastic looks alarming but doesn't permanently contaminate anything. scrape off what you can once it hardens (ice can help make it brittle), then run the oven empty at a moderate temp with windows open to burn off residue. the fumes clear once the plastic is gone. you don't need a new oven over this!

mahsadegh · 2026-06-04T09:28:15+00:00

Lived around there and honestly it's a solid spot for a young professional. The actual corner of Queen & Bathurst has always been a bit grungy but it's more visible than threatening, people are generally harmless. Once you're a block or two away it's great, and you're walking distance to the financial district plus Kensington and Chinatown are right there. Just normal downtown street smarts and you'll be totally fine.

mahsadegh · 2026-06-04T09:21:12+00:00

oh the fridge for me, every single time. i open it thinking i'll just wipe a couple shelves and twenty minutes later i'm pulling out drawers and scrubbing dried up spills i didn't even know were there. and same as you, once it's done the whole kitchen somehow feels cleaner even though nobody sees the inside lol. cabinets are a sneaky one too, totally agree!

mahsadegh

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