Nashville and Davidson County
Hoarding cleanup when biohazards are involved
A crowded house becomes a biohazard job when the clutter hides animal or human waste, rodent droppings, used needles or rotting food. That part needs protective equipment and proper disposal, whatever happens to the rest.
Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Rodent droppings
Don't sweep or vacuum droppings
The CDC's advice on cleaning up after rodents is specific:
- don't vacuum or sweep urine, droppings or nesting material
- open the doors and windows for 30 minutes before you start
- wear rubber or plastic gloves
- spray the droppings with a bleach solution or a disinfectant until very wet, and let it soak for 5 minutes or as the label directs
In a house with years of droppings, that is work for a company with respirators, not a weekend with a broom.
Approach
Keeping it respectful
Talk first
If the person still lives there, include them. Ask the company how they work with a resident who wants to keep things.
Sort, then clean
Papers, photographs and valuables can be set aside. Tell the company what to look out for.
Hazards first
Waste, needles and spoiled food are removed under biohazard precautions before general clearing.
Questions
Questions people ask
Is hoarding cleanup the same as junk removal?
Not when there is waste, needles or rot. Those need biohazard handling and disposal.
Can the person stay in the home?
That depends on the condition of the house. Ask the company, and the landlord if it is a rental.
How long does it take?
It depends on the size of the house and how much must go. The company can estimate after seeing it.
Around Nashville
Nearby towns on the line
Each page lists the ZIP codes covered and the county the town sits in.
Whenever you are ready
There is no wrong time to call
Some families call the same evening. Others wait until after the service. Until then, close the door to the room and leave the cleaning to people with the right protection.
Speak with a cleanup company
The call is put through to an independent company that works in your ZIP code. Ask what the job involves, how they price it and when they could begin. Nothing is agreed until you say so.
Call (615) 916-5290Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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