Most of the Glebe was built in the early 1900s, and a lot of what makes these homes beautiful also makes them slower to clean.
Think tall brick houses and semis with front porches, three storeys plus a basement, narrow staircases, original hardwood, wood trim, transoms and radiators. Stairs are the big time cost: every floor needs its own vacuum, dusting and bathroom run, so a Glebe home usually takes longer than its square footage suggests. Original wood and plaster get a gentler touch, not harsh products.
Many homes have been renovated with modern kitchens and bathrooms behind the heritage front, so a single visit often means both old trim and new glass showers.
There are also newer condos and townhomes near Lansdowne and along Bank Street, which are a quicker, more predictable clean.
