Cleaning the Past, Preserving the Future: Caring for Portland’s Older Homes

Portland is a city built on character. From the tree-lined streets of Irvington to the hidden bungalows of Foster-Powell, the Portland metro area is home to some of the most charming—and dust-prone—historic homes in the Pacific Northwest. At Full Time Clean, we don’t just clean homes. We care for them. And that means understanding the quirks and craftsmanship that make Portland architecture so beloved.

Take Irvington, with its stately Craftsman homes and preserved brick walkways. Or Eastmoreland, where Tudor-style gems and lush lawns reflect the neighborhood’s legacy of refinement. These homes don’t just need a wipe-down—they need thoughtful, detail-oriented care that honors their age and design. We know because we live here too. In fact, I even had the chance to meet builder Robert Rummer before he passed—yes, that Rummer, the Eichler-inspired genius whose mid-century marvels still shine in parts of Beaverton.

Whether you live in a Ladd’s Addition foursquare, a St. Johns cottage, or a mid-century ranch tucked into Hillsdale or Raleigh Hills, our cleaning process is tailored to protect period materials and preserve a home’s unique integrity. Original hardwoods? We’ve got the right pH-neutral products. Delicate tile or antique trim? We take our time.

We also understand the significance of these homes to the broader Portland story. That’s why we champion events and organizations that celebrate our city’s architectural legacy. Groups like Restore Oregon and Architectural Heritage Centerhost walking tours, lectures, and preservation events that remind us all how important it is to care for the homes that shape our city’s identity.

From Foster-Powell to Arbor Lodge, and across the bridges to St. Johns, Portland’s neighborhoods are more than just pretty façades—they’re living archives. And just like any piece of history, they deserve thoughtful stewardship.

At Full Time Clean, we believe the most luxurious kind of clean is one that respects your home’s roots. We’re proud to be a locally owned, woman-owned, Black-owned business rooted in Portland’s deep love of design and place. We don’t just remove dust—we restore clarity, comfort, and pride to the spaces you call home.

So whether you're prepping your Eastmoreland gem for a preservation tour, maintaining a tidy Arbor Lodge bungalow, or simply trying to keep up with muddy footprints in your Beaverton Rummer, we’re here to help you keep history sparkling.

Want a cleaning company that knows the difference between vintage and just plain dusty?
Get a quote now and book a clean that honors your home’s past—while making it shine for the future.