How to Clean an Attic

Cleaning an attic may be an unpleasant and time consuming job, especially if you've avoided it for years. But look at the bright side. Maybe your attic holds valuable treasures, like collectible magazines or toys, not to mention family heirlooms. So get the mop and broom ready and venture up into that dusky old attic. All your hard work may result in a clean attic and a windfall.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check your attic for problems that need immediate correction. Look for bats, insects, mice, bird nests and other pests. Eliminate dampness and water damage with increased insulation and leak repair. Fix any cracks or sagging in roof joints.

2. Clear out the attic one task at a time. If you have a small attic, make sure you have enough room to maneuver, sort and mop. First throw out all the items you don't need and create a pile for definite "keepers" and items that you aren't sure you want to save.

3. Sweep the floor and dust walls and old furniture after you've removed and sorted smaller items. Wash and mop one section at a time.

4. Sort through your "keeper" and "maybe" piles and decide what to do with items. Old furniture and large items you no longer need can be set out for trash pick-up and old magazines or newspapers can be recycled. Any old toys, records, jewelry or other items that may have cash value can be sold online or brought to thrift stores if you no longer want them.

5. Organize the items you want to keep in the attic. Put magazines in one pile and store family heirlooms, yearbooks, keepsakes and other photographs in a clean, sturdy container. Eliminate clutter and leave a small pathway for the next time you need to climb up into the attic to clean it.

[AtticGuys]

on 12/30/2008 Most attics have been neglected for years and have suffered from remodeling, re-roofing, or rodent contamination. In these cases homeowners should consider hiring a professional. Especially in cases of rodent infestations, even the CDC recommends to "Take precautions before and during clean up of rodent-infested areas." http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning_up/index.htm

Attic Guys is a professional Cleaning and Decontamination Service. We are experts at any type of attic cleanup that homeowners may need. Give us a call for a free inspection 949-585-9300 or visit our website http://www.atticguys.com for more information on Cleaning your attic.