Hoarders suffer from a psychological issue that unnecessarily causes them to collect stuff. Some of it is seemingly important, some sentimental, others simply trash. Some hoarders extend their problems to animals and they are overwhelmed with stuff, trash, animal and other affiliations of this stuff and pets. Where being involved in this can be overwhelming and stressful, the years of buildup and filth can be hazardous to your health. Where the person suffering from hoarding needs compassion, patience, and understanding without judgment, they can overcome their issues and let go of the hoard, or in some cases, government codes steps in to make the environment health. Whether it is cleanup voluntarily or it is forced, cleaning a hoard needs to be done with caution and care. Today, we at American Hometown Services would like to further elaborate on hoard cleanups.
Dangers of Cleaning a Hoarder’s House
Cleaning the hoard present a lot of dangers and health hazards than most people think. When professionals are hired to cleanup a hoard, they wear protective clothing, respiratory protections, gloves, and goggles in order to avoid exposure to potential risks. Contaminants run rampant in a hoarder’s nest, particularly bacteria, histoplasmosis, hantavirus, staph viruses including MRSA, E. Coli among others. When anything is categorized as unsalvageable, it should be properly disposed of during the cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing process that involves hoard cleanup.
Health Risks of Hoarding Disorders
In poorly maintained homes, 40% of hoarders, according to experts, hoard animals, and usually have many animals that are not properly cared for that will likely contract diseases. Within a hoard there are many elements that can be hazards to physical harm or health risks, such items include the following common elements listed below.
– Structural damage
– Sharp implements; i.e. needles
– Rotting Food
– Mold
– Live animals
– Human waste
– Excessive dust
– Dead animals
– Asbestos
– Animal waste
What to Wear when Cleaning a Hoard
Should you take on the hoard cleanup yourself, it is vital you protect yourself from the hazards in a hoard. To avoid breathing in dangerous toxins, a disposable mask is sufficient, but a respiratory mask is better; heavy exposure, puncture resistant gloves; long sleeve shirt, pants, and work boots is good, but a biohazard suit is best. When it comes to a hoard cleanup, it is better for everyone to hire a professional cleaning crew that have experience working with hoard cleanup services for proper disposal and cleaning. They have the necessary equipment, gear, and training to handle the biohazard materials and proper disposal.
Tips for DIY Hoarder Cleanup
Protective gear. As mentioned and worth stressing, you are exposed to harmful contaminates including mold, Staph, E.coli, Hantavirus, Histoplasmosis and other threats. Making sure you are protected with appropriate gear and clothing is imperative.
Divide hoard into 3 categories. There are two main categories; one is for unsalvageable that are going to the dump, the second is for items that are being kept, and the third are for items in relatively good condition that can be donated or sold at a yard sale.
You need help. Hoard cleanup is an extensive project, and if the person is doing the cleanup willingly or forced with, will need counseling and support. When it comes to the job itself, you cannot do it alone and need tor recruit help.
Hoarding Cleanup & More in Quincy, Macomb, Hamilton, Warsaw & East Alton Illinois | Hannibal, Missouri
To ensure your safety and the safety others in addition to having a quality cleanup, call in the professionals of American Hometown Services to get the job done right.