- Alexander Rodriguez
The Health Risks of Hoarding & How to Safely Clean a Hoarder’s Home
Table of Contents
Hoarding isn’t just about clutter. It’s a serious condition that affects both mental and physical health—and the dangers go far beyond just a messy home. From mold growth and pest infestations to fire hazards and air quality issues, a hoarded home can quickly become a health crisis for the person living there and anyone who tries to clean it.
If you or a loved one is dealing with hoarding disorder, knowing the risks and how to clean safely is key. This guide will break down the health risks associated with hoarding, the safest ways to tackle the cleanup, and when to call in professionals for help.
The Health Risks of Hoarding
A home filled with excessive clutter is more than just overwhelming—it’s dangerous. Here are the biggest health risks that come with hoarding:
1. Poor Air Quality & Respiratory Issues
📌 Why it’s dangerous:
✔ Dust, mold spores, and even animal dander can build up, leading to breathing problems.
✔ Clutter blocks proper ventilation, trapping pollutants inside.
✔ Over time, toxic gases from decaying materials can build up, making the air hazardous.
🚨 Who’s most at risk?
People with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable.
2. Mold & Bacterial Growth
📌 Why it’s dangerous:
✔ Piles of papers, fabric, and organic materials can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold.
✔ Spoiled food and neglected spills encourage bacterial growth, which can cause infections.
✔ Mold exposure can lead to respiratory issues, skin rashes, and even neurological symptoms.
🚨 Who’s most at risk?
Anyone living in the home, especially children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
3. Pest Infestations
📌 Why it’s dangerous:
✔ Clutter provides the perfect hiding spots for rodents, roaches, and insects.
✔ Pests carry diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and Lyme disease.
✔ Droppings, urine, and dead pests pollute the air and surfaces, spreading bacteria.
🚨 Who’s most at risk?
Anyone exposed to contaminated surfaces or breathing in allergens from pests.
4. Fire Hazards
📌 Why it’s dangerous:
✔ Excess clutter—especially papers, boxes, and old furniture—acts as fuel for a fire.
✔ Blocked exits and narrow pathways make escaping a fire almost impossible.
✔ Overloaded electrical outlets and damaged wiring increase fire risks.
🚨 Who’s most at risk?
Everyone in the home, but especially people with mobility issues who may struggle to evacuate quickly.
5. Structural Damage & Falling Hazards
📌 Why it’s dangerous:
✔ Heavy clutter can weaken floors, walls, and ceilings over time.
✔ Stacked piles of items can collapse, injuring anyone nearby.
✔ Blocked walkways increase the risk of trips and falls, especially for the elderly.
🚨 Who’s most at risk?
Older adults and those with limited mobility face the highest risk of serious injury.
How to Safely Clean a Hoarder’s Home
Cleaning a hoarder’s home is not like regular cleaning. It requires careful planning, safety precautions, and patience.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
✔ Identify the risks—Look for mold, pests, fire hazards, and any structural issues.
✔ Check for biohazards—Spoiled food, animal waste, and human waste require special handling.
✔ Talk to the homeowner—If they are open to it, discuss the plan step-by-step to ease anxiety.
Step 2: Gather the Right Cleaning Supplies
🔹 Protective Gear: Gloves, masks, eye protection, and long sleeves to avoid exposure to contaminants.
🔹 Heavy-Duty Trash Bags: For safely disposing of contaminated or unsalvageable items.
🔹 Cleaning Solutions: Disinfectants, mold removers, and pest-control sprays.
🔹 Air Purifiers: Helps improve air quality while cleaning.
Step 3: Declutter in Sections
✔ Start with the most dangerous areas first—Blocked exits, fire hazards, and pest-infested areas.
✔ Sort items into categories—Keep, donate, recycle, trash.
✔ Use a staging area—A separate space to temporarily sort and organize.
Step 4: Deep Clean & Sanitize
✔ Disinfect surfaces—Walls, floors, furniture, and appliances.
✔ Eliminate mold—Use specialized mold removers or hire professionals for severe infestations.
✔ Address pest problems—Exterminate and seal entry points to prevent return infestations.
Step 5: Repair & Restore
✔ Check for water damage, structural issues, and electrical problems.
✔ Replace damaged flooring, drywall, and furniture as needed.
✔ Improve ventilation and install air purifiers to maintain air quality.
Step 6: Prevent Future Hoarding Relapses
✔ Offer ongoing support—Hoarding is a mental health condition that requires compassion.
✔ Set up organizing systems—Encourage small changes like regular decluttering sessions.
✔ Consider mental health resources—Therapy and support groups can help prevent relapses.
When to Call a Professional Hoarding Cleanup Service
Some hoarding situations are too dangerous or overwhelming to handle alone. ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts) specializes in biohazard and hoarding cleanup, offering a compassionate, discreet, and professional service.
📞 Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 if the home has:
✔ Severe mold infestations
✔ Pest infestations (rodents, insects, etc.)
✔ Fire hazards or blocked exits
✔ Human or animal waste contamination
✔ Structural damage (weakened floors, ceilings, etc.)
💡 Tip: If you’re cleaning a home yourself, it’s okay to ask for help. Hoarding cleanup can be emotionally and physically exhausting—you don’t have to do it alone.
FAQs About Hoarding & Cleaning
Q: Is hoarding a mental illness?
A: Yes, hoarding disorder is a recognized mental health condition. It often requires therapy and professional intervention to manage.
Q: Can hoarding cause serious health problems?
A: Absolutely. Hoarding can lead to respiratory issues, infections, injuries, and even life-threatening fire hazards.
Q: How do I help a loved one with hoarding disorder?
A: Be patient, avoid judgment, and offer support. Encourage small steps and, when they’re ready, professional help.
Q: Can I clean a hoarder’s home on my own?
A: It depends. If the home has mold, pests, biohazards, or structural damage, professional cleanup services like ERX should be called.
Q: Will insurance cover hoarding cleanup?
A: Sometimes. If hoarding caused water damage, fire hazards, or pest infestations, homeowners insurance may help cover cleanup costs.
Final Thoughts
Hoarding is a serious issue that affects both health and home safety. If you or a loved one is struggling with hoarding, know that help is available. Whether you tackle the cleanup yourself or call in professionals, the most important thing is to act—because the longer a hoarded home stays untouched, the greater the risks become.
If you need professional hoarding cleanup, mold removal, or restoration services, ERX is here to help. Call (866)-217-7903 for compassionate, expert cleanup services.
