It is a common belief that attics and crawl spaces are just home to many insects, rodents, spiders, and other nasty creatures. As a homeowner, you should know that these dust-free places tend to accumulate unwanted particles from your homes, such as pet dander, debris from a construction, soot from fireplaces or furnaces, and pollen. In turn, air quality worsens since these particles will be circulated indoors through heating ducts or AC units. That’s why homeowners need to ensure thorough attic cleaning every now and then. Cleaning includes deodorizing dehumidifying ventilation systems sealing leaks in attics walls and ceiling vents.
We usually desire things that don’t come free from – one of them is our attics’ cleanliness. Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes find it difficult to attain a neat attic, especially if they have limited time or lack experience in cleaning this particular part of the house. Because attics are dusty, malodorous, and dirty, people leave their jobs on it until they get exhausted from all odds involved.
In order to make your work easier [for you], we have done some research for you which explains how to do attic and crawl space cleaning. Here are the steps:
1- Thoroughly examine your home’s current conditions
Before going on with any type of job, you need to know all the tools and materials that will be needed for cleaning your home’s attic or crawl space. For instance, if you have rodent problems, it would be best to bring a catchpole and bait station. It is also necessary to assess the areas that need particular attention; for example, if your attic has a lot of insulation, you might want to remove it before cleaning.
2- Prepare the area by clearing any obstructions
After deciding on the tools needed for the project, the next step is to clear all obstacles in the work area. This includes moving any items stored in the attic or crawl space and setting up tarps or drop cloths to protect surfaces from dust, dirt, and debris.
3- Vacuum and sweep the area
The next step is to vacuum and sweep the entire area. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, especially if there is a lot of insulation present.
4- Remove any cobwebs
Cobwebs are one of the most common nuisances in attics and crawl spaces. Use a broom or a vacuum with an extendable hose to remove them.
5- Dust surfaces and corners
Dust can accumulate in corners and on surfaces very quickly, so it’s important to take the time to dust everything thoroughly.
6- Deodorize the area
If the attic or crawl space smells bad, use an enzyme-based deodorizer to neutralize the odor. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
7- Change the insulation if needed
In most cases, you won’t need to change your attic insulation. However, if there is a mold or moisture problem in the attic or crawl space, it will be necessary to remove and replace it. If this occurs, don’t forget to clean up any dust particles by damp mopping the floor before installing new insulation.
8- Examine all surfaces for damage
Cleaning any surface can wear away its protective finish over time. Be sure that no area is being cleaned too hard or too often. This could lead to the appearance of scratches and scuffs on both horizontal and vertical areas such as walls, ceilings, beams, floors, window sills, cabinets.
9- Inspect and seal any areas that need it
Caulk and seal any small cracks or openings in the foundation or roofs that lead into the attic. You should also repair any penetrations through the roof, such as pipes and vents. These areas should also be tested for insulation since if they are leaking heat, it will make these areas even colder than they already are.
10- Clean fans, vents, and surrounding areas
Clean all of your home’s ventilation fan screens, registers, and surrounding surfaces thoroughly before you turn them back on. This reduces dust from being circulated throughout your home while completing other tasks.
In conclusion, attics and crawl spaces are not the cleanest places in any home. They are dusty, dirty, and malodorous. Some people even think that they can skip cleaning it for a long time. However, attic and crawl space cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your home, no matter if you have rodent problems or not.
