Attics are the perfect place to store things you might need someday, especially if you live in a large house in Nashville, TN, or a fixer-upper in Las Vegas, NV. Regardless, all attics can become too full. If yours is similar to most, it’s probably full of boxes, old furniture, and other items you no longer need or use. When did you last take the time to clean it out thoroughly?
If it’s been a while (or if you’ve never done it), now is the time. Here’s an expert, step-by-step guide with all the attic cleaning tips you need to help you get the job done.
Before cleaning, remove everything from your attic
When cleaning your attic, you need to clear everything out and start from scratch, removing as much clutter as possible. Afterward, look through all your items and see what’s necessary. Next, get a large box or trash bag, put your old things in it, and take it to your nearest donation center so that they may eventually find themselves in the home of someone in need. – Ana’s Cleaning Services
When to clean the attic
Dust can leak from your attic into the rest of your house, which may affect vulnerable people in your home. If you have an older house, the insulation may have gone bad, which can emit harmful chemicals.
If you’re using your attic as a children’s room or office, clean it at least twice a week. You should clean attics that are solely for storage once a month or so. Clean an empty attic 2-3 times per year. – End Of Lease Cleaning Melbourne
Use eco-friendly products
Depending on the size of your attic and the amount of traffic it gets, you should aim to clean your attic once or twice a year. This helps prevent dust and dirt from accumulating and damaging any items you store. When you’re ready to start cleaning, use eco-friendly cleaning products to protect your belongings, your health, and the environment. Look for cleaning products that are free of harmful chemicals and fragrances. – Ecosparkle Cleaning Service
Hire a professional to look for pests
Before cleaning:
- Hire a pest control agent and have them pretreat the space for rodents, spiders, insects, and bees’ nests.
- Bring a broom with straw bristles to clean the rafters and beams when they’re done.
- Depending on the size of your attic, sweep the floors. If you have a lot of items, use bins to maximize storage while maintaining a clean, organized look.
Clean your attic to prevent pests
Occasionally cleaning your attic occasionally can improve the air quality throughout your home. Also, pesky rodents and bugs are attracted to dirty and cluttered attics. A clean attic helps prevent the spread of germs and diseases while eliminating rodents and insects. – Clean Corp
Regularly check your attic for issues
Make it a point to regularly check on the health of your attic; it saves you money and time by tackling issues before they become problems. Take one day every month or so to sweep, dust, vacuum, and inspect the insulation, support beams, and other exposed materials. Look for mold, mildew, or other damage. If you use your attic as a storage space, organize your belongings regularly, keeping a list of what you have, and donating what you no longer need. – JP Carpet and Floor Care
Clean your attic every six months
Try to clean your attic area every six months. If you live in warmer climates, try cleaning in early fall and spring when the temperatures are tolerable. Before cleaning, sort through and discard or donate anything you don’t want or use. Next, get rid of cobwebs and inspect for evidence of pests. Finally, vacuum with a shop vac to eliminate dust and debris if you have a finished floor surface. – Lost Pines Maids
Start big and work your way down
Organize and declutter your attic before cleaning, tackling large items first. Next, gather clothing, artwork, home decor, and other smaller items to decide what can go and stay. Organize the things you want to keep in bins and label them for future reference. Next, get rid of anything that doesn’t fit. Finish by lining up the large furniture in orderly rows, filling in empty spots with the labeled bins, removing all discarded items, and cleaning the last section of flooring on your way out. – Octomaids
Be intentional about storage
It’s more challenging to move items into the attic, especially when there’s a pull-down ladder. Because of this, make sure everything you move has earned the square footage you’re giving it. For long term-storage, use weatherproof plastic boxes and large labels.
When cleaning your attic, be sure to clean in 90 minute to 2 hour chunks of time. This way, you can make serious headway every session without exhausting or hurting yourself. – Simplify Experts
Organization keeps your attic running smoothly
Attic organization is key to keeping it clean for good. Be sure to label and organize boxes and bins and keep frequently-used items closer to the entrance. A mid-year declutter can help get your family involved and make the cleaning faster. – Equinox Cleaners
Declutter before cleaning
Before cleaning, it’s vital to declutter and clear the space as much as possible. This helps you clean hard-to-reach areas and move around the attic efficiently. Here are three points to keep in mind:
- Ensure that you wear protective gear like gloves and a mask while cleaning your attic. Attics can be covered in mold, dust, dirt, bacteria, and debris, so you must protect yourself.
- Use a vacuum to get rid of all the dust, then afterward, you can use a broom and mop to clean any residue.
- Clean interior windows and screens. This will allow clean air to flow freely and reduce mustiness.
– Maidstr
Clean your attic to keep the rest of your house safe
Although it probably doesn’t need to be disinfected as often as other living areas, attics often attract rodents and insects. Keeping your attic clean, decluttered, and free from debris is the best way to keep the space above your living area free from dirt and disease. – Organic Maids Cleaning Service
Only put hardy items in your attic
Before putting anything in your attic, ensure you have enough space and that your items can withstand extreme temperatures. An attic has many hazards, including dust, pests, and moisture. To store your items, use a weatherproof plastic box with a large label on the side that you can see from a distance. – Belleza’s Cleaning Company
Be wary of mold
Attics are a hotspot for mold and mildew, which can grow and travel from your attic down into your living room, kitchen, and bedroom. So, when you’re cleaning your attic, it’s essential to do so in a safe environment. Be sure to wear protective gear and a face mask – this will help you not breathe dangerous mold spores. If you find mold on any items, dispose of them safely. – Gold Star Maids
Use Sterifab to eliminate mold, mildew, and pests
Before using Sterifab, remove everything and thoroughly clean it out. Once that’s done, apply a light mist of Sterifab to every possible surface. Wait 15 minutes for it to dry before putting everything back. – Sterifab
Use a damp cloth to get rid of dust
When cleaning the attic, try to remove everything from the space first. Then, wash it from top to bottom, checking for mold, mildew, and leaks. Pay special attention to dust, as it can get everywhere. To clean it, get a damp (but not soaked) microfibre cloth and use the edges of it to get into the corners. – BerryClean
Clean cobwebs and dust with an extendable pole
Use a long-handled duster or microfiber cloth on an extendable pole to clean dust and cobwebs from corners and hard-to-reach spots. Try using a vacuum with a long hose attachment for harder-to-reach spots or extra-sticky dust. To help prevent dust buildup, make decluttering a regular part of your yearly cleaning routine. Donate or sell items you no longer need, and recycle or dispose of anything you can’t reuse. Finally, keep the entrance clean, so it’s easy to access. – SPIC AND SPAN. Home and Office Cleaning
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