The incredibly dirty (and potentially dangerous) world of hoarder clean ups

If one of your friends or loved ones suffers from hoarding, it can be tempting to help them clear out their possessions. But a hoarder clean-up is not a spring clean. It is often a dangerous process that can result in injury and illness without the correct equipment and experience.

ICE Cleaning is a specialist provider of hoarding clean up services nationwide, and can safely and effectively complete a clean-up. Its high-quality, discreet service can minimise the stress of a hoarder scenario, and help with decontamination and odour removal as well.

In this article, the experts explain the dangers of hoarding clean ups without professionals.

You’re at risk of injury

Hoarder homes are dangerous due to the sheer volume of items in the property, including unstable piles of objects. If you try to dislodge materials without knowing how best to approach them, they could topple onto you and others.  Often the contamination is indoors and out.

In some extreme cases, the property may have structural damage, too. One wrong move and you could do further damage to the property and risk a wall collapsing onto someone.

There is also likely to be a number of trip hazards which you might not be able to see and avoid if you’re removing objects.

You’re putting your health in danger

In extreme cases, hoarders have rotting food, faecal matter, urine, and even dead animals in their home. This can lead to poor air quality, making being in the home a danger to their health and those helping with the clean-up.

These conditions are also a perfect breeding ground for mould which can produce allergens, irritants, and even toxic substances. Exposure to mould could trigger allergies and more acutely impact those with pre-existing conditions, like asthma.

If the items block air vents and airways, this can increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the environment. This might put you at risk of more respiratory problems.

The large number of ossessions can also increase the chances of a fire igniting and quickly spreading, such as piles of old newspapers. If a fire does break out, escaping it is not easy in a hoarder home as escape routes are often blocked by debris.

Rodent and pest infestations are common

Rotting food can lead to infestations of pests like maggots, cockroaches, rats, and mice. Cleaning out the debris brings you in close contact with them and puts your health at risk.

There are number of dangers to you and the hoarder if you attempt a clean-up yourself. Instead, bring in a team of professionals who are experienced in tackling a hoarding clean up. They will have the right protective gear and equipment to effectively treat the issue, and can remove pest infestations and lingering odours from the property to make your home safe again.

To find out more about the hoarder cleaning services ICE Cleaning offers, click here.