Cleaning a hoarder house is a delicate and complex process. Hoarding can create severe safety, health, and environmental concerns, and the cleanup can be physically and emotionally challenging for all involved. Whether you are a homeowner or a loved one of someone who hoards, understanding the timeline and process of hoarder house cleaning can help set expectations and guide you through the task.

At SceneSafe BioDecon, we specialize in professional hoarder house cleaning, offering the expertise, equipment, and sensitivity needed to restore a home to a safe, livable condition. But how long does it take to clean a hoarder house? The answer varies depending on several factors, such as the severity of the hoarding, the size of the property, the resources available, and the specific circumstances surrounding the cleanup. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step timeline of hoarder house cleanup and explain what to expect along the way.

Step 1: Initial Assessment – 1 to 2 Days

The first step in the hoarder house cleanup process is an initial assessment. This phase involves a thorough inspection of the property to evaluate the level of clutter, the types of items present, and any potential safety hazards. SceneSafe BioDecon's team of experts will assess the property, considering all relevant factors, such as:

• Severity of hoarding: Is the house filled with piles of clothes, trash, old furniture, and personal items? Or is it a more extreme case where structural damage or health hazards like mold, pests, or biohazardous materials (e.g., animal waste, rotting food) are present?

• Size of the property: The larger the property, the more time it will take to clean, especially if there are multiple rooms, basements, or attics that need attention.

• Health and safety risks: The condition of the property can have serious health risks. Standing water, mold, bacteria, and even potential fire hazards are common in hoarder homes.

• Emotional factors: Hoarding often comes with psychological challenges, which need to be approached with sensitivity. At this stage, a plan for working with individuals involved in the cleanup will be developed.

The goal of the assessment is to determine the scope of the project and create a comprehensive cleaning and decontamination plan. This stage typically takes one to two days, depending on the size of the house and the severity of the hoarding situation.

Step 2: Planning and Preparation – 1 Day

Once the assessment is complete, SceneSafe BioDecon will create a detailed plan for the cleaning process. During this phase, the following tasks are completed:

• Logistics and timeline: Based on the assessment, we’ll create a realistic timeline for the cleanup. For example, if the hoarding is extreme, the cleaning may take several days or even weeks. Our team will prioritize the most hazardous areas and tasks to ensure safety and efficiency.

• Equipment and supplies: The necessary cleaning equipment and supplies will be brought to the site. This includes gloves, masks, biohazard suits, trash bags, containers, disinfectants, and deodorizers. If biohazard materials such as animal waste or bodily fluids are present, specialized equipment will be used for safe disposal.

• Team preparation: SceneSafe BioDecon’s team will be briefed on the specifics of the cleanup and safety precautions. Hoarding cleanups often involve heavy lifting, navigating through cluttered spaces, and managing toxic materials, so ensuring the safety of our team is critical.

The preparation phase typically takes about one day to ensure everything is set up for a safe and efficient cleanup.

Step 3: Sorting and Removal of Items – 2 to 4 Days

The next stage in the process involves sorting through the clutter and removing items from the house. Depending on how much needs to be removed, this step can be physically demanding and time-consuming. The team from SceneSafe BioDecon will carefully sort through the items, deciding what can be discarded, recycled, or donated. We approach this stage with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that family members or the homeowner are involved in the decision-making process as much as possible.

How long does it take to clean a hoarder house during this phase? On average, it takes two to four days to complete the sorting and removal of items, but the duration will vary based on the extent of the hoarding and the number of items to be dealt with.

• Sorting items: Items are categorized into those that need to be removed (trash, debris, hazardous materials), those that can be donated, and those that the homeowner wants to keep.

• Disposal: Hazardous items (such as broken furniture, old food, or trash) are carefully disposed of using appropriate methods. SceneSafe BioDecon adheres to local regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste.

• Heavy lifting: Many hoarder homes contain bulky furniture or piles of items that need to be carefully moved out of the house. This requires a well-coordinated team to ensure safe lifting and movement.

On average, this stage takes about two to four days, depending on the size of the property and the amount of clutter. Extreme hoarding situations could take longer, requiring more time for sorting and handling hazardous materials.

Step 4: Deep Cleaning and Decontamination – 2 to 5 Days

Once the clutter has been cleared out, the next step is deep cleaning and decontamination. This phase is crucial for ensuring the property is safe and habitable. SceneSafe BioDecon’s team will thoroughly clean every surface, removing dust, dirt, grime, and any biological contaminants.

How long does it take to clean a hoarder house after the initial removal of items? The deep cleaning and disinfection process generally takes about two to five days, depending on the condition of the home and whether biohazardous materials, such as mold or animal waste, are present.

• Surface cleaning: All surfaces, including floors, walls, countertops, and appliances, will be scrubbed and sanitized. This step eliminates any residual dirt and debris that may have been hidden under piles of items.

• Disinfection: If biohazard materials (e.g., mold, animal waste, rotting food) are present, a thorough disinfection process will be carried out. SceneSafe BioDecon uses hospital-grade disinfectants to ensure all harmful pathogens are eradicated.

• Odor removal: Decomposing organic materials in hoarder houses often produces a strong odor. The team will use specialized equipment, such as air scrubbers and ozone machines, to eliminate odors and improve the air quality inside the home.

Deep cleaning and decontamination generally take about two to five days, depending on the extent of contamination. If mold or biohazardous materials are present, this process may take longer to ensure thorough removal.

Step 5: Final Inspection and Restoration – 1 to 2 Days

After the cleaning and decontamination process is complete, a final inspection is conducted. SceneSafe BioDecon will inspect the property to ensure that all tasks have been completed and the home is safe for reoccupation. This step involves:

• Final walkthrough: The property is carefully inspected to ensure that no areas are missed and that the house is free of any remaining hazards.

• Restoration: In some cases, restoration work may be necessary, such as repairing damaged flooring, replacing fixtures, or addressing any structural issues that arose from years of hoarding. SceneSafe BioDecon can help coordinate these repairs as needed.

This final inspection and restoration process typically takes one to two days to complete, depending on the condition of the house and whether repairs are required.

Total Time for Hoarder House Cleanup

The total time to clean a hoarder house can vary greatly depending on the severity of the hoarding, the size of the property, and any additional complications. On average, the process takes between 7 and 14 days. Extreme cases, such as those with significant biohazard contamination or structural damage, may take longer.

Why SceneSafe BioDecon is Your Trusted Partner for Hoarder House Cleanup

Cleaning a hoarder house is not a quick or easy task. It requires patience, careful planning, and specialized equipment to ensure the property is restored to a safe and livable condition. At SceneSafe BioDecon, we are committed to providing thorough, compassionate, and professional hoarder house cleanup services that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sensitivity. Whether you are dealing with a mild hoarding situation or a more extreme case, our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure the home is thoroughly cleaned and restored.

If you are ready to tackle a hoarder house cleanup or need help navigating the process, SceneSafe BioDecon is here to assist. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your hoarder house cleanup needs.