How to Clean an Open Crawl Space
For homes that do not have a full basement, an open crawl space is a common addition underneath the structure. The crawl space of a home keeps the structure off the ground, while also providing access for utilities and maintenance. Because the crawl space is out of sight, it is prone to collect clutter, pests and water damage. In order to keep your home in top condition, you must maintain and clean the crawl space. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Protective suit
- Dust mask
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Head lamp
- Dumpster or large garbage can
- Shovel
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Broom or HEPA tank vacuum
Instructions
-
-
1
Dress in safety gear, including a full-body protective suit, a dust mask and heavy-duty gloves. Secure the head lamp by wrapping the strap around your head. Turn on the light.
-
2
Open the crawl space access door. This is usually located in an interior closet in the home or is accessible via a trapdoor in the foundation wall of the home.
-
-
3
Enter the crawl space by squatting down or crawling through the access door to the open area beneath your home.
-
4
Perform a visual assessment of the crawl space, looking carefully for health and safety hazards such as excessive mold, asbestos debris or animal contamination. If any of these conditions are severe, discontinue the cleaning process and call a professional.
-
5
Remove any large debris, such as boxes and hanging insulation, with your gloved hands. Pass these out the crawl space opening, and place them in the outside dumpster or large garbage can, using the shortest possible route. If possible, choose a route that allows you to pass debris directly to an outdoor area.
-
6
Separate all items that are salvageable, such as canning jars, bricks or anything washable. Place these in your adjoining outdoor work area until they can be properly cleaned and stored elsewhere.
-
7
Scoop out smaller debris and mud with a shovel. Place the debris in a heavy-duty garbage bag. Pass each full bag out of the crawl space opening to the outside dumpster.
-
8
Locate the crawl space drain, if available. Clear the drain of any debris that may stop the drain from working properly.
-
9
Allow the crawl space to air out and dry for several hours.
-
10
Remove any remaining dust or debris with a broom or a tank vacuum with HEPA filtration.
-
11
Follow all manufacturers' instructions for the safe removal and disposal of the protective equipment.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Check all exposed plumbing for leaks while you are cleaning the crawl space.
Solid surfaces such as concrete and lumber may be scrubbed with a stiff cleaning brush and a mild cleanser.
If mold is not an issue and the crawl space is completely stripped and cleaned, you can safely wash the surfaces with a pressure washer.
After cleaning, you may want to spray a moisture barrier or pest repellent in the crawl space.
Do not attempt to remove mold or other contaminants from a crawl space without completely sealing off the crawl space and work areas from the rest of your home.
References
- Photo Credit building a basement 2 image by Kostyantyn Ivanyshen from Fotolia.com
