6 Reasons Why a DIY Hoarding Clean Up Service Is Not Recommended
Most of us are concerned with keeping our homes clean. However, some people have a compulsive need to collect items that most people consider worthless, such as rotten food and human waste. As a result, the entire house is filled with hoarded items.
While this may be considered disgusting by some, it is essential to understand that this obsessive hoarding disorder is often a result of traumatic experiences and painful events.
So, when the hoarder’s family tends to do DIY cleaning, it clashes with the hoarder’s personality. That is why they require professional assistance, both for the underlying cause of the behaviour and for hoarding cleanup services.What Should You Expect in a Hoarder's Home?
- Food spoilage;
- Expired cans and bottles;
- No usable dishes or utensils.
- Bed and furniture infestation;
- Presence of rodents and other dangerous animals and insects;
- Excessive spider web presence;
- One or more rooms are inoperable; and
- Overflowing garbage with an unpleasant odour.
Reasons to Avoid Do-It-Yourself Hoarding Cleanup Services
There are several risks associated with DIY hoarding cleanup, and here are a few of them:
Reason #1: Biohazard Contamination Risk
Whether decaying materials or rotting food, neglected clutter attracts potentially infectious agents like rodents and pests. These pests frequently carry multiple diseases that can spread throughout the mess, producing large amounts of unseen harmful microorganisms.
Aside from that, hoarding cleanup forces you to remove and clean human waste, bodily fluids, dead or alive pests, and sharp waste (e.g., broken glass and needles).
And, as a DIY cleaner, you’re used to cleaning with little to no body protection. Cleaning poses a significant risk to your health as you become more exposed to these hazardous conditions without the proper protection.Reason #2: Threat of Physical Injuries
Because there are so many things in one place, there is a risk of toppling or tripping over piled up items, leading to injuries. A hoarder’s home is divided into five stages, from most minor to most severe.
Whatever it is, there is a potential for serious injury due to the strange things piled up in every corner, especially on levels 3-5 (vermin & odours appearing, noticeable sewage issues & animal waste, and structural damage & loss of utilities).
Tripping on unnoticed scatter increases the likelihood of sustaining wounds, sprains, or fractures. Allow professionals to assist you by following the proper method of protective hoarding clean-up services.Reason #3: Repetitive Cleaning Motion
Cleaning equipment and tools, in particular, are hazardous to the health and safety of cleaners, especially inexperienced ones. Cleaning necessitates manual, repetitive movements such as scrubbing the floor and frequently bending to reach items, which puts you at risk of repetitive motion injury.
In addition, unlike typical household clean-up, hoarding provides a more significant number of cleaning jobs, resulting in more repetitive movement.
Unlike professional clearing and cleaning services, most of us are unaware of the dangers of cleaning in awkward positions for extended periods. We think these actions are typical, but we don’t realise they can lead to disorders like tendonitis or bursitis. DIY hoarding clean up services are more vulnerable to these issues.Reason #4: Wrong Cleaning Products
We typically use products that we believe will help us in keeping the house clean, especially in the case of a hoarder’s home. We also have a habit of purchasing cleaning supplies at random for our cleaning routines, ignoring the product’s safety and effectiveness.
In other words, we disregard our safety in our eagerness to clear the accumulated clutter.
However, cleaning and household products are not all completely safe. Detergents, polishes, and grooming products, for example, contain hazardous chemicals that are harmful to our health. Some cleaning supplies can also be flammable or corrosive, putting our lives in danger.
It is critical to be aware of the following cleaning supplies that may contain toxic substances to avoid misuse and overexposure:- Air Freshener;
- Chlorine Bleach;
- Dry Cleaning Chemical;
- Rug and Upholstery Cleaner;
- Oven Cleaner;
- Furniture and Floor Polish;
- Aerosol Spray Products;
- Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets;
- Antibacterial Products; and
- Products that Create Suds.
Reason #5: Exposure to Contaminated Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning all corners of the house entails cleaning and sanitising the cleaning supplies. We frequently only clean our brushes, sponges, and rags when they are needed.
But this is not good practice because bacteria multiply and thrive in every cleaning tool, and we spread germs throughout the house when we use them without sanitising them.
The more we use our cleaning tools in hoarding cleanup services, the more dangerous bacteria or viruses spread on the cleaning supplies. This lack of knowledge about proper cleaning supplies and sanitation causes problems. Hence, allow experts, such as Deceased Estate Sydney, to keep your home clean. To avoid cross-contamination, we keep most of our cleaning supplies separate for each client. Furthermore, our cleaning gloves are replaced regularly to prevent the spread of germs.Reason #6: Strains Relationship
Performing a DIY cleanup service at the home of a loved one can be stressful. Many hoarders are unaware that they have a problem and are in denial about their actions. Thus, attempting to clear the clutter may feel like an invasion of privacy.
So, instead of directing their rage at hoarding, they direct it at you. And this may strain your relationship with the hoarder. While you may try to help with good intentions, this is not what they think.
In the case of a hoarder’s home, you should seek professional cleaning services. They receive years of training and experience to understand how hoarders’ function, and they collaborate with therapists to prepare the hoarder for the cleaning process.When in Need, Contact Hoarding Cleanup Professionals!
We understand how frustrations, anxiety, and depression can lead to unthinkable behaviours, such as hoarding. During these trying times, we are here to assist your loved one in regaining strength, which begins with a clean home.
Aside from prudent client management, we take extra precautions before engaging in hoarding cleanup services. You can count on us to treat you with respect and expertise. Call us on 0408 629 666 right away.
