The process of cleaning a hoarder’s property is unlike any ordinary domestic clean; it is a complex, sensitive process that requires specialist training, compassion, and care. Hoarding is often linked to emotional or psychological distress, which is why a deep clean needs to be undertaken with empathy, discretion, and a clear step-by-step plan to restore the home – and dignity – of those involved.
Understanding Hoarding and Its Impact
Hoarding disorder is a recognised mental health condition where individuals struggle to part with possessions, regardless of their actual value. Over time, clutter can develop into unsafe living conditions and pose serious risks to health and wellbeing.
Why do People Hoard?
Hoarding can stem from many personal afflictions, such as trauma, anxiety, OCD, or depression. Items will often carry emotional significance, and letting go can feel overwhelming – even impossible – which is why a respectful approach to cleaning for hoarders is critical with these spaces.
The Dangers of Hoarder Environments
When items are gathered en masse and stored in a manner that leaves little breathing space or air flow, applying too much weight to an area, or pose a risk to health, a living space becomes a danger.
- Fire hazards can occur due to blocked exits or flammable materials.
- Infestations from pests or rodents may spread disease.
- Structural damage can be caused from leaks or weights.
- Respiratory issues develop from mould, dust, or decay.
- Biohazards take the form of human waste, animal faeces, or used sharps.
The goal of a cleaning service for hoarders is not just to clean the space, but to restore a safe, liveable environment without judgement.
Step One: Initial Assessment and Planning
Each hoarding situation is unique. At AL Scrubz, we begin by conducting a confidential on-site assessment where we evaluate:
- The scale of the hoard
- Any health and safety risks
- Whether biohazard cleaning services or pest control services are needed
- If any items hold sentimental or legal value
Once the assessment is done, we create a bespoke cleaning plan, working closely with the client, family, or social services to confirm expectations are clear and sensitive needs are respected.
Step Two: Sorting and Decluttering
This is one of the most emotionally charged stages, but we work at the client’s pace, separating items into what to keep, which ranges from valuables to documents and sentimental and essential items; items to donate or recycle; and items to dispose of. In this step, we provide secure bags, bins, and storage boxes. For clients that are not present, we can photograph items before disposal, or involve referring agents.
Step Three: Safe Waste Removal
Hoarder properties often harbour hazardous waste, which can include rotting food, animal waste, sharps or syringes, and mouldy or contaminated furniture. As a certified waste carrier (this license means we ensure waste is handled and transported in a responsible and environmentally sound manner), we follow strict UK health and safety regulations.
Step Four: Deep Cleaning and Sanitisation
Once the clutter is removed, our specialist cleaners carry out a full deep clean, which includes:
- Surface and floor cleaning
- Disinfecting touchpoints like door handles, switches, and banisters
- Steam or chemical treatments for the removal of bacteria, stains, and odours
- Pest control or needle sweeps, where applicable
- Deodorisation using ULV (ultra-low volume) fogging or ozone treatments, if necessary
We use non-toxic, professional cleaning agents to keep environments safe, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Step Five: Final Inspection and Report
After cleaning, we walk through the space with the client or responsible party and make sure they’re satisfied and comfortable, though this can stir up mixed emotions that we aim to ease. If required, we provide before-and-after photos, especially when working with housing associations or local authorities.
We can connect clients to ongoing services such as mental health professionals, social care, or aftercare cleaning, as hoarding is rarely a one-time event.
Do Hoarder Cleans Stop the Urge to Hoard?
A hoarder clean on its own will not stop the need to hoard. Although a clean home is a huge first step, emotional and therapeutic support is often needed to address the root cause of hoarding behaviour, which is why we work closely with support workers and families to make sure the clean-up is part of a wider care plan.
Hoarder cleaning services aren’t just about transforming a messy space into a tidy one; they’re about restoring safety, dignity, and peace to a person’s life. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, and have dealt with many hoarding projects in the past that have tested clients. But we’re there every step of the way to make the transition as easy as it can be.
