Nearly half of Portland's homes predate 1940. Here is how to look after Munjoy Hill buildings, West End homes and triple-deckers without damaging what makes them worth keeping.
Census estimates show about 46 percent of Portland housing units were built in 1939 or earlier, and the median home dates from 1946. Living in one of these homes usually means more trim, smaller rooms and a little more care. This guide covers what that care should look like.
Greater Portland Landmarks says Munjoy Hill's buildings date mainly from the 1850s to the 1930s, including the rebuilding after Portland's Great Fire of 1866. The same organization describes the Western Promenade as a neighborhood of homes designed by noted Portland architects, alongside the historic park of that name.
Greater Portland Landmarks also notes that triple-decker buildings shaped how Portland families lived around 1900, and that many are now being converted or rediscovered as housing. So an old building here can be anything from a single family home to a set of small rental flats.
Maine DEP says more than half of Maine homes may have lead paint, and that most lead poisonings in Maine come from dust from old lead paint, especially in buildings built before 1950. Treat paint in any old building with respect.
Sound paint is generally fine to wipe with a damp cloth. Sanding, scraping and dry sweeping are not, because they can spread dust. Old windows deserve particular attention, since friction wears on the paint. Wipe sills and wells with a damp cloth and dispose of the cloth afterward. If paint is flaking, have it looked at by a qualified professional, especially if young children live or visit there. Renters should report it to the landlord in writing.
Most damage in old homes comes from too much water and too much abrasion, so go gently with both.
One thing works in your favor. The Portland Water District reports an average hardness of 7.2 milligrams per liter as calcium carbonate, which is very soft, so old fixtures see little mineral crust. The district also raises the water's pH with sodium hydroxide to make it less corrosive.
That means strong acid cleaners are rarely needed, and that is good news for old chrome and porcelain. Use less soap, because soft water does not rinse it away as quickly, and film can build up on tile if you overdo it.
About 144 nights a year fall below freezing, and old buildings let you know about it. Dry heated air can shrink wood and open gaps that catch fine dust, and cold glass collects condensation on sills. Soft vacuuming and wiping sills on cold mornings are small habits that help a good deal. The winter cleaning guide goes further.
Sand and salt at the door are especially hard on old floors, so use good mats and keep shoes off the wood whenever you can.
When TotalCare Cleaning comes to Greater Portland, a visit to an older home can begin with a quick walkthrough. Point out anything original or delicate, say what you have used in the past, and mark any rooms that are off limits. A One-Time Deep Clean is a good starting point, since baseboards, blinds, tracks and vents are where these homes hold their dust.
A Recurring House Clean then keeps things steady, and frequent light cleaning is kinder to old finishes than occasional heavy cleaning. If you have just bought or rented an old place, a Moving Clean adds the inside of the oven, refrigerator and cabinets while everything is empty.
The questions Portland homeowners ask most often about this topic, answered plainly.
TotalCare Cleaning will service Portland and surrounding areas with background-checked cleaners and is insured up to $1 million. Re-clean guarantee: if we missed something, tell us by the end of the next day and we come back to fix it. Beyond Clean. TotalCare.
