What To Know About Basement Cleaning

Publish date: 2024-07-16

When was the last time you cleaned your basement? That long ago, huh?

If you’re like me, cleaning your basement falls way down to the bottom of the to-do list. Or, at least it did when I had one. Unless we had a flood or a repair service had to come out( in that case, here is your guide to remove water from a flooded room), I never bothered. Out of sight, out of mind.

“Basements are often overlooked, but they play a significant role in your home’s overall cleanliness and health,” says professional home cleaner Andrii Gurskyi, co-founder of New York City maid service HomeClean. It’s important not to forget about them. Mold spores and dust can migrate upstairs on air currents, and dirty basements can harbor pests.

Gurskyi walks us through the basics below. And, he adds, always be on the lookout for mold, moisture and other potential dangers.

“Older homes may contain asbestos in insulation, tiles, or other materials,” Gurskyi says. “If you suspect asbestos, contact a professional for testing and removal. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper training and equipment can release dangerous fibers into the air.”

How Often Should You Clean Your Basement?

It depends on whether your basement is finished or unfinished.

“Since finished basements are integrated living spaces, they require the same attention as other areas of your home,” Gurskyi says. That means cleaning them weekly at least. Pay particular attention to flooring, high-touch surfaces, and couches and other soft furnishings that can harbor food crumbs, dust and pet hair.

Unfinished basements don’t require as much attention, but Gurskyi still recommends cleaning them monthly. “Regular cleaning prevents dust, debris and allergen buildup, contributing to a healthier home environment,” Gurskyi says.

If you’re using your unfinished basement as a workspace, or you often go downstairs to access storage, you may want to clean it more frequently.

What You Need To Clean Your Basement

Many of the same cleaning supplies you use upstairs — like microfiber cloths, cleaners and sanitizers — can pull double duty in your basement. But Gurskyi recommends a few basement-specific tools to make the task more efficient and effective:

Quick Basement Cleaning Chores

For regular weekly or monthly maintenance, treat your basement like the rest of your house. That means cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, vacuuming and doing all the basic cleaning chores you’re accustomed to upstairs.

Here are the specifics, according to Gurskyi:

Basement Deep Cleaning Tasks

Twice a year, give your basement a deep clean. Besides getting rid of hidden grime and dust, it gives you a chance to inspect areas you don’t often see. Basements tend to be damp and musty, so if you’ve got mold or pests hiding in dark corners, deep cleaning lets you recognize and take care of the problem before it grows.

Basement Cleaning Services

For everyday dirt and grime, you can probably handle the job yourself. If you see any of the following problems, Gurskyi says, think about enlisting a pro:

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