Truly, anyone who has come across a filthy home knows it would be overwhelming to clean. What categorizes a home as “gross filth”? What kind of cleaning process is involved? Let’s discuss the answers to these questions and more.

What is Gross Filth?

Typically, a home that you can not live in because it is so dirty, is considered “gross filth”. For instance, the home of a hoarder may be packed with massive amounts of trash, boxes of personal belongings, and debris. In fact, fecal matter, bodily fluids, dead animals and expired food are not uncommon. In addition, finding mold, mildew and a strong odor are extremely likely.

What is the Cleaning Process?

First, a trained professional needs to be involved in the entire process. Gross filth cleanup can be hazardous to your health, so technicians come prepared with appropriate clothing and tools. Then, the removal of contents and waste can begin. Once this is done, sanitation of the entire home begins. 

Benefits of Cleaning?

It may seem obvious, but hoarding has many health risks. For example, fire hazards, contamination from hazardous materials, and general neglect. Homes filled with old food can also attract rodents and insects. It is best to get the problem taken care of as soon as possible. 

The Complete Detail Difference

  • Free Estimates
  • Licensed & Insured
  • 24/7 Emergency Availability
  • Family Owned & Operated
  • IICRC Certified & Insured
  • We Work with Insurance
  • Initial Response Under 60 Minutes
  • Commercial & Residential Cleaning

How Much Does Hoarding Cleanup Cost?

Typically, you will find companies charge between 75 cents to $2 per square foot. However, this all depends on the amount of junk being removed and how severe the mess is. A company will typically charge more if they will be entering an environment that isn’t safe.

Clutter and Hoarding- A Delicate Issue

Unlike a traditional junk hauler, we are committed to protecting your privacy. Complete Detail understands privacy is important when dealing with a hoarder. Our goal is to transform your living condition into a respectful living space. In time, the home can be a place to be proud to bring your friends and family. Best of all, we have processes to make it less obvious that a clutter and hoarding cleanup is taking place. For example, we don’t pull up to your home with trucks and dumpsters that advertise “junk” hauling. We know that could embarrass most people and make them feel more vulnerable.

Complete Detail – Clutter and Hoarding Professionals

Without a doubt, Complete Detail will handle your specific hoarding situation with utmost care and confidentiality. If you are still cautious, feel free to read the reviews our satisfied customers have left us. We are positive our customer service is the best you will find. It is always our main goal to leave our customers happy with their service.

Quickest Way to Clean?

  • Inspect home and create a plan of action, likely with a team of people.
  • Always protect yourself with PPE (personal protective equipment), even during initial inspection
  • Collect plenty of cleaning supplies for specific tasks at hand
  • Don’t overwhelm yourself, start with the smallest room
  • Empty every room from top to bottom
  • Set undamaged items aside
  • Once home is empty, begin to clean, sanitize, deodorize every inch
  • Make any needed repairs to the structure or inside of home

How Long Does a Clutter and Hoarding Cleanup Take?

Timing differs for each home depending on volume, size, hazards, and more. Many professional cleaners can do the job in about three to five days. However, depending on the hoarder, the entire process can be extended to several weeks, if not more. Again, this is a sensitive matter to the hoarder and their family. If a job is prolonged, it will only make matters worse to get upset. Usually, it is best to have a mental health professional available for consultation if necessary.

Understanding Hoarding:

The National Study Group on Compulsive Disorganization has hoarding broken down into five basic levels. Each level has certain criteria to be met in order to be considered serious enough to be in that specific category. Here is a basic breakdown of those five levels. 

Hoarding Level 1

This is the least serious of the five levels. However, they display the following signs:

  • Light clutter but no major odors
  • Three or less areas with animal waste

You may think these are common signs, and at first, they are. However, the individual has a hard time throwing items away or maybe shops an unreasonable amount for things they don’t need. Maybe buying things just because they are on sale. Either way the lack of clutter might hide the condition, but it is still a disorder they must deal with.

Hoarding Level 2

As you will see, hoarding level 2 requires much more intense signs. For example, they have things like a blocked entrance/exit, appliance not working or HVAC system down for at least 6 months. Obvious clutter and narrow pathways are common in addition to mold and mildew in the bathroom and kitchen. Other tells might include:

  • Pet odor and waste on the floor
  • Minimal care for animals
  • Rodents living in the home
  • An overflow of garbage bins inside the home
  • Unclean food preparation areas

Already at level 2, those who are hoarders may avoid inviting others into their home due to embarrassment. In addition, their surroundings may cause anxiety or depression and lead to being withdrawn from almost all social interaction.

Hoarding Level 3

In a home with a hoarding level 3, it is typical to see things like TV sets and furniture outside. Several appliances aren’t working, and you start to see light structural damage. Additionally, you will find an excessive number of pets (exceeding local regulations) being neglected. There is obvious signs of rodents, fleas, and spider webs. Narrow pathways are through the home. Other signs include:

  • One bedroom or bathroom will be completely unusable
  • Hazardous substances will be spilled on floors or other
  • Extreme dust
  • Dirty clothes, towels and sheets thrown about
  • Blocked electrical outlets and tangled cords
  • Overflowing garbage cans inside the home
  • Foul odors all throughout the house

Typically, a person with a level 3 hoarding problem has poor personal hygiene. They also often struggle with weight issues because of an unhealthy diet. Usually if someone brings up the state of their home or lifestyle, they get defensive and angry or seem indifferent to the situation.

Hoarding Level 4

Obvious mold and mildew will be growing in residences within hoarding level 4 issue. Structural damage, sewage buildup and an excessive number of pets is not uncommon. Sadly, animal waste is found throughout the home and has been there for several weeks if not months. Bedrooms are unusable and rotting food is on surfaces. Other characteristics include:

  • Aged canned goods
  • No clean dishes or utensils
  • Beds with lice, or other bugs, and no sheets or covers
  • Excessive webs and spiders
  • Bats and other rodents audibly noticeable in the attic and walls
  • More than one blocked exit
  • Flammable substances stored in the living room

It is not uncommon for people with a hoarding level 4 to have extremely bad personal hygiene and go weeks without bathing. Mental health goes downhill as they focus attention on delusional plans or on memories that make them feel happy.

Hoarding Level 5

Hoarding level 5, is the most severe level possible. You will see structural damage to the home. For example, broken walls, no electricity or running water and fire hazards are present. Additionally, rodents and other pests are visible and found excessively throughout the residence. Other signs include:

  • Bathrooms and kitchen unusable
  • Too many pets according to local regulations
  • Human fecal matter is noticeable in the residence
  • Food rots on surfaces as well as inside a refrigerator that does not work

Often, those with a hoarding problem this severe do not live at their residence. A family member or friend will often allow them to stay with them. It has also been noted that hoarders within this level discharge waste into bottles or buckets that remain inside the home. Severe depression often accompanies this level as well.

How Much Does A Clutter Cleanup Cost?

It is difficult to put a price on a job that can vary greatly from person to person. Some companies can charge anywhere from $35 per employee hour to $80 per employee. Other companies will charge by square footage. This can range from $. 75 per square foot to $2 per square foot. Each job will need a different type of containers to remove the trash. The prices of the containers can range from about $175 to over $450, depending on the contents of the containers and the length of time they will be used.

Get Help Today!

Of course, our Clutter & Hoarding Damage Service company is fully insured and has certificates available upon request. Complete Detail is rated well on BBB in addition to customer testimonials. If you need a Hoarding Cleaning Company in Ohio give us a call at 937-507-2927 or visit our Contact Us web page.

Contact Us

Call Complete Detail today to get more information at 937-507-2927 or schedule an appointment via our Contact Us web page.

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