The CleanOps Collective’s Post

If You’re Cleaning a Hoarder House, Your PPE and Training Matter—Big Time I recently came across a video of a cleaning service tackling a "Level 9" hoard (yes, that’s the worst level)—we’re talking piles of stuff, dust, mice, and droppings everywhere. The level of contamination is jaw-dropping. But the real kicker? The people cleaning it up were woefully under-prepared and dangerously under-protected. What did I see? ➡ No respiratory protection or just a surgical mask while cleaning floors covered in dust and mouse droppings. ➡ No shoe coverings. One person was even kneeling on the floor in jeans. Yes, you read that right. ➡ They were using Mr. Clean’s Clean Freak, a retail product that is totally inappropriate for this situation. ➡ To top it off, their idea of "sanitization" was a homemade cocktail of isopropyl alcohol and Dawn dish liquid. Spoiler alert: that doesn’t cut it for something this hazardous. Here’s the problem: If you’re going to clean spaces like this, you need to be properly trained and use the right personal protective equipment (PPE). This isn’t just about the safety of the cleaning crew—it’s about the safety of anyone coming back into that house. Mouse droppings? They carry hantavirus, and dust filled with rodent waste can be seriously dangerous when airborne. The lesson? If you’re going to be in this line of work, get trained, get the right gear, and don’t cut corners. You’re not just cleaning; you’re mitigating a serious health risk. The dangers of being undertrained in situations like this are very real—for you, for your team, and for the people who will live in that space after you’re gone. Restoration & Remediation would love for you to call attention to this because it puts a stain on the entire industry. Please add your comments Microbial Warrior® Academy #HoardingCleanup #PPE #InfectionControl #Sanitization #CleaningIndustry #DoItRight #HealthAndSafety

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The CleanOps Collective we'd love to highlight this issue and raise awareness. Our Editor-in-Chief, Kayla McGowan, will be in touch!

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