Many houses have attics, and while some people have taken the steps to turn it into an extra bedroom or office space, most attics are used as a general dumping ground for things we need to store but don’t use regularly. Because of this, attics can often get very dirty and messy. It may be easiest to leave it this way, but if you give your attic a proper cleanout once or twice a year, you’ll be able to use the space much more efficiently. Here are 4 steps for properly cleaning out your attic.
Get rid of pests
The first step towards cleaning out your attic is to get rid of unwanted pests. Most attics are dark and dusty, and people don’t go up there a lot. They are, therefore, the perfect hiding space for all sorts of pests. People often find rats or bats in their attic. Some pests you may be able to get rid of, such as spiders or bugs, but other times, you have no choice but to call in professionals. This is always the best thing to do if you don’t know how to deal with a specific type of pest – if you try to get rid of it yourself, you could end up getting hurt.
So, if you need to get rid of squirrels in the attic, or you think you may have a termite infestation, it’s worth it to call an extermination company. Even if they don’t do the extermination themselves, they may have some helpful tips to ensure that you go about things the right way.
Organize
Organizing is a big part of properly cleaning out your attic. You can organize your attic before or after you clean it – it’s up to you. As mentioned, many attics are used to store things, and we often keep things that we don’t really need. While you’re cleaning your attic, it’s a good idea to go through any old boxes you may have up there to make sure you’re not unnecessarily using up space. Decluttering will help you use your attic space more efficiently.
Clean
The next step in properly cleaning out your attic, of course, is to actually clean the attic. Attics tend to be cleaned less often than other rooms, which means that when they are cleaned, it requires a lot more work. If possible, try to move any furniture, boxes, or other big items out of the attic so you can properly get into every nook and cranny. A light dusting won’t be enough to rid your attic of all the dirt and dust it’s accumulated since your last cleaning, so you may want to get into some old clothes and prepare yourself for a day of in-depth cleaning.
Make sure you disinfect the surfaces properly to kill the microbes or bacteria present on them. When using cleaning products, always follow the instructions on the labels to ensure safe and effective use. You may need to use protective equipment, such as gloves or glasses, depending on the directions on the product label. Avoid mixing chemical cleaning products as they may cause allergic reactions, as an alternative for surface cleaners consider getting skin-friendly alcohol wipes that are greener, as effective and yet a safer choice.
Beyond normal cleaning needs, insulation may need to be removed or installed. If you have no experience with this process, you may want to consider professional attic insulation removal and new installation. The Attic Health team will provide you with a Free Inspection of your attic and crawlspace to put your mind at ease.
Redo
The final step in properly cleaning out your attic is to put everything back, but this time in a better way. Now that your attic is as clean as can be, it’s time to move everything back in there. Be sure to place things in a way that makes sense, so that you can easily access things you may need soon. If you want to repurpose your attic and turn it into a bedroom or office, you can try decorating it to make the space look a bit fresher.