Hoarding Cleanup: A Comprehensive Guide

Cleaning a hoarder’s house is a challenging task, but it can help make the process more manageable and efficient. Here’s a suggested order for cleaning rooms based on priority:

Bathroom

The bathroom should be a top priority as it is an area where cleanliness is essential for health and safety reasons. Start by removing any clutter or trash from the bathroom, such as empty containers, old towels, or expired medications. Dispose of these items appropriately. Clean surfaces thoroughly, including the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub, using appropriate cleaning supplies.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a hoarder’s bathroom:

• Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, a mask, and other protective gear to protect against potential hazards.
• Remove clutter and trash: Remove all clutter and trash from the bathroom, such as empty containers, old towels, and expired medications. Dispose of these items appropriately.
• Empty cabinets and drawers: Empty all cabinets and drawers, sort the items into categories such as keep, donate, or dispose of, and clean the inside surfaces.
• Clean the toilet: Apply toilet bowl cleaner to the inside of the bowl and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush, including under the rim. Wipe the exterior of the toilet with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Clean the sink: Spray an all-purpose cleaner on the sink and faucet, and scrub with a scrub brush or sponge. Rinse with water and wipe dry.
• Clean the shower and bathtub: Apply an appropriate cleaner to the walls, floor, and fixtures of the shower and bathtub, and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Scrub with a scrub brush or sponge, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel.
• Address mold or mildew: If there is any mold or mildew in the bathroom, address it using an appropriate cleaning solution or seek professional assistance.
• Clean bathroom fixtures: Clean all bathroom fixtures, such as faucets, showerheads, and towel racks, using appropriate cleaning supplies.

Remember to approach the process with sensitivity and empathy for the hoarder and prioritize safety throughout the cleanup process.

Kitchen

The kitchen is another high-priority area due to the potential health risks associated with dirty dishes and spoiled food. Remove all items from the kitchen, including dishes, food, and appliances. Dispose of any expired or spoiled food and clean all surfaces thoroughly, including the countertops, stove, oven, and refrigerator. Organize and store remaining items in designated areas.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a hoarder’s kitchen:

• Clean the countertops: Remove all items from the countertops and wipe them clean using an all-purpose cleaner.
• Clean the sink: Spray an all-purpose cleaner on the sink and scrub with a scrub brush or sponge. Rinse with water and wipe dry.
• Clean the stove and oven: Remove any food debris or grime from the stove and oven using an appropriate cleaner. Wipe clean and remove any burnt-on food or stains.
• Clean the refrigerator: Empty the contents of the refrigerator and dispose of any expired items or old food. Clean the inside of the refrigerator using an appropriate cleaner, and wipe the exterior with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Address pests: If there are any signs of pests in the kitchen, address them using appropriate methods or seek professional assistance from a reputable pest extermination company.

Bedroom

The bedroom is a place of rest and relaxation, so it’s essential to create a clean and clutter-free environment.

Start by removing all clutter and trash from the bedroom, such as old clothes, papers, and empty containers. Organize and store remaining items in designated areas, such as drawers or closet shelves. Clean all surfaces, including the bed, nightstands, and dressers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a hoarder’s bedroom:

• Remove clutter and trash: Remove all clutter and trash from the bedroom, such as old clothes, papers, and empty containers. Dispose of these items appropriately.
• Empty the closet: Empty the closet, sort the items into categories such as keep, donate, or dispose of, and clean the inside surfaces.
• Clean surfaces: Clean all surfaces in the bedroom thoroughly, including the bed, nightstands, and dressers, using appropriate cleaning supplies such as all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, and scrub brushes. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and under the bed.
• Address bedding: Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters, using appropriate detergents. Consider using a disinfectant solution to kill any germs or bacteria.
• Organize remaining items: Organize remaining items in the bedroom, such as clothes and shoes, in designated areas such as drawers, shelves, or storage bins.

Living room

The living room is a high-traffic area and is often the most cluttered room in a hoarder’s house. Start by removing all clutter and trash from the living room, including old magazines, papers, and other items.

Organize and store remaining items in designated areas, such as shelves or storage bins. Clean all surfaces, including the couch, chairs, and coffee table.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a hoarder’s living room:

• Remove clutter and trash: Remove all clutter and trash from the living room, such as old magazines, newspapers, and empty containers. Dispose of these items appropriately.
• Clear out furniture: Clear out furniture, such as chairs or couches, to make it easier to clean the room.
• Clean surfaces: Clean all surfaces in the living room thoroughly, including coffee tables, side tables, and shelves, using appropriate cleaning supplies such as all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, and scrub brushes. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and under furniture.
• Address flooring: Clean or vacuum the flooring, such as carpets or hardwood floors, to remove any dirt or debris.
• Organize remaining items: Organize remaining items in the living room, such as books or decorative items, in designated areas such as shelves or storage bins.
• Deep clean: Conduct a deep clean of the living room to address any underlying hygiene issues, such as dust, dirt, or grime. This may involve dusting or wiping down all surfaces, steam cleaning carpets, or washing curtains or blinds.
• Address any mold or mildew: If there is any mold or mildew in the living room, address it using an appropriate cleaning solution or seek professional assistance.

Hallways and entryways

Hallways and entryways are often overlooked in hoarded homes, but they can become cluttered quickly. Start by removing all clutter and trash from these areas, such as old shoes, coats, and papers. Organize and store remaining items in designated areas, such as coat closets or storage benches.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a hoarder’s hallways and entryways:

• Gather your cleaning supplies: You will need a broom, dustpan, mop, bucket, cleaning solution, and cleaning cloths.
• Remove any debris or clutter: Pick up any items that are lying around in the hallway or entryway and put them in their proper place. This will make it easier to clean the floors.
• Sweep the floors: Use a broom to sweep the floors and remove any loose dirt and dust. Make sure to sweep in corners and along the baseboards.
• Vacuum the floors: If your hallway or entryway has carpeting, use a vacuum to clean the carpets thoroughly.
• Mop the floors: Mix a cleaning solution with water in a bucket and mop the floors. Make sure to wring out the mop well before mopping to avoid leaving excess water on the floor.
• Clean the baseboards and walls: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the baseboards and walls, removing any dirt or dust.
• Clean the entry door: Wipe down the door with a cleaning cloth and cleaning solution to remove any dirt or fingerprints.
• Replace any items you moved: Put back any items that you removed from the hallway or entryway.

Following these steps will help you clean your hallway and entryway effectively and efficiently.

Remember that the order in which rooms are cleaned may vary based on the specific hoarder’s home and needs. Be sure to approach the process with sensitivity and empathy for the hoarder and prioritize safety throughout the cleanup process.