5 Steps to Clean a Neglected House

Did you inherit a neglected house or did you just buy one to flip? Cleaning a neglected house can be a very large job. It can require quite a bit of effort, but there are some ways you can make it much easier. Here’s your quick plan for cleaning a neglected house.

1. Rent a Dumpster

The first thing you want to do is rent a residential dumpster. With the right dumpster rental, you’ll be able to easily get rid of things you don’t need or want. This might be the most important tool when it comes to cleaning a neglected house. Make sure you get a dumpster rental that’s the right size for the house. If there’s old furniture and other junk, factor that into the size you will need before you rent a dumpster for cleaning the home.

2. Empty the House

Anything that doesn’t belong should be taken out of the home. Even if you plan to put it back into the home when you’re done, remove it for now. If it’s something that can be damaged by weather, put it in the garage or cover it to protect it. The things you don’t plan to keep can be tossed out in the dumpster you rented. This will help to ensure you get a clean slate to work with and can easily clean the neglected house from top to bottom.

3. Gather Your Cleaning Tools

If you will be doing the cleaning yourself, gather all the necessary tools including anything found on this list of 19 must-have deep cleaning tools. Make sure you have everything you need before you get started with your home cleanup project.

4. Clean from Top to Bottom

You want to start by cleaning the top of things first, such as dusting off ceiling fans and high shelves. This will ensure when it’s time to sweep and vacuum, you only have to do it once and you’ll get all the dirt and grime. Work from top to bottom as you clean your neglected house and you’ll save some time on the entire project.

5. Work from One Room to Another

Start with the dirtiest rooms or start with the one you want to clean first. It’s a good idea to tackle this big project one room at a time. You can move from one room to another and make each room sparkle before you move on to the next. Trying to tackle the entire home at once can be rather overwhelming. As you move from one room to another, you’ll be able to make sure everything is well-cleaned before moving on, which is a great way to make sure a neglected home doesn’t become too overwhelming when cleaning it. Once the home is completely clean, you can start moving on to the next stage in your project. Whether this means moving furniture in, doing repairs or remodeling, or anything else, make sure the home is fully cleaned out and cleaned up before you decide to move on to the next steps.

Tools You Need for Cleaning Up a Neglected House

When tackling the daunting task of cleaning up a neglected house, having the right tools is essential for efficiency and effectiveness. Start with heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects and contaminants. A sturdy broom, dustpan, and a powerful vacuum cleaner are must-haves for removing layers of dust and debris. For tougher grime, a set of scrub brushes and a mop paired with a bucket of cleaning solution will be necessary. Heavy-duty trash bags are indispensable for disposing of refuse, and a roll-off dumpster rental might be required for larger-scale waste. Don’t forget personal protective equipment like masks or respirators to safeguard against inhaling dust and mold spores. For organization, bring along some strong plastic bins or boxes to sort items that are salvageable. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to bring order and cleanliness back to a neglected space.