How to Clean a Hoarder House: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning a hoarder house is not like your regular weekend cleaning. It takes time, care, and a well-thought-out plan. Whether you’re helping a loved one or taking on a job as a professional, it’s important to understand that this process can be emotional and even dangerous if not handled the right way.
At Biohazard Busters, we specialize in helping families and property owners bring homes back to clean, livable condition. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean a hoarder house, from preparing yourself emotionally to hiring the right help.
What Is Hoarding?
Hoarding is a mental health condition where a person struggles to let go of items, even if they are no longer useful or valuable. These items often pile up and block living spaces, making the home unsafe and unsanitary.
Hoarder houses can have:
- Piles of newspapers, clothes, and food containers
- Mold, pests, or biohazards like animal waste
- Blocked doorways or staircases
- A strong smell due to garbage buildup
Cleaning these homes is not just about throwing things away. It’s about helping the person behind the clutter with care and respect.
Can You Hire Someone to Clean a Hoarder House?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, hiring a professional cleaning service like Biohazard Busters is often the safest and most efficient way to tackle a hoarder house.
Why Hire a Professional?
- Safety: Professionals wear protective gear and are trained to handle biohazards.
- Speed: A team can clean in days, which may take one person weeks or even months.
- Support: Our teams are respectful and sensitive to the emotional side of hoarding.
Can you hire someone to clean a hoarder’s house? Yes—and it’s often the best first step toward a fresh start.
How to Help a Hoarder Clean
If you’re a family member or friend wondering how to help a hoarder clean, the first thing to know is to go slow. Hoarding is linked to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Your loved one may not be ready to let go of things right away.
Here are some tips:
1. Be Kind, Not Forceful
Avoid saying things like, “Just throw it all out.” That will only create resistance. Instead, try:
“Let’s start with one small area. You can decide what stays.”
2. Set Realistic Goals
Don’t expect the entire house to be spotless in a day. Pick one room or even one corner to start.
3. Offer Emotional Support
Some people need therapy or counseling during this process. If your loved one is open to it, connect them with a mental health professional.
4. Call for Help When Needed
If the situation is too overwhelming or unsafe, it’s okay to call professionals. We offer discreet, compassionate help at Biohazard Busters.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Hoarder House
Now, let’s walk through the actual steps to clean a hoarder house. Whether you’re tackling the job yourself or working with a team, this guide will help keep things clear and organized.
Step 1: Safety First
Before going into a hoarder home, protect yourself:
- Wear gloves, masks, and eye protection
- Have a first-aid kit ready
- Keep hand sanitizer nearby
- Watch out for sharp items, pests, or mold
If the home has animal droppings, spoiled food, or signs of mold, it’s best to call professionals like us right away.
Step 2: Take Photos and Notes
Before moving anything, take photos of each room. This helps you:
- Document progress
- Understand the scale of work
- Keep a record for the hoarder or property owner
Step 3: Create a Sorting System
Use this simple four-box method:
- Keep: Items that are needed or truly valuable
- Donate: Gently used items that can help others
- Trash: Items that are broken, rotted, or unsafe
- Unsure: Items the hoarder isn’t ready to decide on yet
Label large boxes or bins for each category.
Step 4: Start with the Most Important Areas
Start in places that affect daily life, such as:
- Bathroom: Clear space to use the toilet and sink
- Kitchen: Make room to cook and store food safely
- Bedroom: Clean a place for sleeping
Work in short sessions to avoid burnout.
Step 5: Remove Trash and Biohazards
If you come across the following, proceed with caution:
- Rotten food
- Dead animals
- Moldy furniture
- Needles or sharp items
- Insect infestations
These are health hazards. If in doubt, don’t touch—call professionals.
Step 6: Deep Clean Each Room
Once the clutter is removed, it’s time to clean:
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum
- Wipe down walls, windows, and surfaces
- Disinfect everything
- Clean vents and air filters
You may also need to remove the carpet or repaint the walls.
Step 7: Repair and Restore
After cleaning, some homes need minor repairs:
- Patch holes in walls
- Replace broken windows
- Fix plumbing issues
- Reinstall light fixtures
At Biohazard Busters, we don’t just clean—we help restore homes to livable conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cleaning a hoarder house is tough. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Being too aggressive: Don’t force someone to throw everything out.
- Skipping safety gear: Gloves and masks are essential.
- Ignoring mental health: The emotional side matters as much as the physical one.
- Trying to do it all alone: It’s okay to ask for help.
Why Biohazard Busters?
At Biohazard Busters, we take pride in doing more than just cleaning. We bring peace of mind.
- Discreet Services: No judgment, ever.
- Trained Experts: We follow health and safety guidelines strictly.
- Full Restoration: From cleanup to repairs, we do it all.
- 24/7 Availability: Emergencies don’t wait—and neither do we.
We’ve helped hundreds of families turn chaos into calm.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a hoarder’s house is a journey. Whether you do it yourself or hire a team like Biohazard Busters, remember this: it’s not just about the stuff—it’s about helping someone take back control of their life.
So if you’re asking, “can you hire someone to clean a hoarder house?” — yes, and sometimes, that’s the kindest thing you can do. And if you’re wondering how to help a hoarder clean, start with compassion, patience, and a good plan.
