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JKulp42757 t1_ix9gf4f wrote

Without knowing exactly how bad it is, here's what my general plan would be:

  1. Buy a vacuum, doesn't have to be the best, just something, if the house is really bad, you don't want to end up breaking an expensive one anyway. $60
  2. Trash bags. Get the "contractor" bags at lowes or home depot. 55 gallon, extra thick, you can put a LOT of trash in these, making the job easier overall - $18
  3. Gloves - $4 Walmart
  4. N95 Mask - $16 for 2 at Walmart
  5. Various cleaners/"smell good stuff" - look at the active ingredients, you can go cheap here (generic/store brand) and get the same cleaning power as the expensive stuff - Focus on items that kill germs/odor rather than just covering them up with a scent. $20 should do.
  6. Carpet cleaner - Rental and a bottle of carpet shampoo $70
  7. Air purifier - Walmart has several around $80
  8. Rags for cleaning - $10

1-8 puts your total at $278 - you can probably get it all done for $250. If you plan on any shopping at Walmart, check the app/website first, I've noticed many prices are lower on there for pickup than they are in store. And ya, get rid of the cats asap.

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blu3dice t1_ix9pw6a wrote

>2. Trash bags. Get the "contractor" bags at lowes or home depot. 55 gallon, extra thick, you can put a LOT of trash in these, making the job easier overall - $18

THIS. It's worth the extra $$$ for how tough and durable the contractor bags are. You don't want bags ripping and spilling more stuff on your floors etc.

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The_Curvy_Unicorn t1_ixawjek wrote

Follow all of this advice, but when it’s time to clean the carpet - AFTER vacuuming very well - post on your local Buy Nothing FB group and ask if anyone has a carpet cleaner you can borrow. I lend mine out frequently. You don’t need the soap for it. Use a mixture of vinegar and water.

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