Squalor is not the same as clutter
A home can be crowded with belongings and still be sanitary. Squalor, sometimes called gross filth, is different: the problem is contamination rather than volume. Rotting food, overflowing trash, human or animal waste, soiled bedding and fixtures that have not worked for some time are common.
These conditions often follow illness, depression, disability, substance use, isolation or the decline that can come with age. We do not ask why. We focus on what needs to happen to make the home cleaner and safer to live in.
Because the issue is contamination, the work looks more like biohazard cleanup than decluttering. The goal is a kitchen that can be cooked in, a bathroom that works and a bed that is safe to sleep in. Belongings that are clean and wanted stay right where the resident wants them.
Who asks us for help
Calls come from adult children, landlords, social workers, adult protective services caseworkers, guardians, conservators and attorneys, and sometimes from the resident directly. Landlords call about rental units, and business owners about back rooms or living quarters on commercial property. If you are calling for yourself, thank you for reaching out. It takes courage, and we will keep the process private.
Our order of work
- Assessment We review each room, note hazards such as blocked exits or soft floors, and agree on what you want kept.
- Protection and containment The crew puts on protective equipment and sets up walkways and, where needed, plastic barriers.
- Trash and waste removal Spoiled food, trash and waste are bagged and removed, starting with the paths needed to work safely.
- Soiled materials Saturated mattresses, upholstery and carpet are removed only with your approval.
- Clean, then disinfect Kitchens, bathrooms, floors, walls and appliances are cleaned and then disinfected with EPA-registered products per label contact time.
- Odor and final review Remaining odor sources are found and removed, and we walk the home with you before we leave.
Rooms and surfaces that usually need attention
- Refrigerators and freezers holding spoiled food
- Toilets, tubs and sinks that have been out of use
- Kitchen counters, cabinets and stovetops
- Bedroom flooring and mattresses
- Walls and doorframes near trash buildup
- Laundry areas and closets
- Vent covers and return grilles, with duct cleaning left to an HVAC contractor
Protecting residents and crew
Human waste is handled as potentially infectious material, consistent with how OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard treats body fluids. Rodent droppings are wetted with disinfectant and removed rather than swept, following CDC guidance meant to limit hantavirus exposure.
Residents with breathing problems or weakened immune systems should stay elsewhere during the cleanup if possible. We will tell you when it is reasonable to return to each part of the home.
Helpful steps before the crew arrives
- Do not try to bag waste or spoiled food without gloves and eye protection.
- Keep a short list of items that must be found, such as medications, IDs or documents.
- If the water or power is off, let us know so we can plan.
- Arrange somewhere comfortable for the resident to stay during heavy work days.
Pests, repairs and ongoing support
Active infestations go to a chartered pest control company, and broken plumbing or electrical hazards to qualified tradespeople. If someone has died in the home, the medical examiner must authorize moving the body, and our unattended death cleanup service may be needed. For ongoing support, a mental-health professional or caseworker can help the resident keep the home in good shape after we leave. Our human waste cleanup page covers smaller incidents.