Crawl space cleaning is a part of home care that affects indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and structural integrity. Knowing the dos and don’ts of crawl space cleaning will help you do it right.
What Is Crawl Space Cleaning?
Most people don’t want to look into their crawl spaces or clean them. By ignoring your crawl space you start missing pests, dust and debris that start calling your crawl space home. Over time the problem gets worse and you start seeing the effects seep into the living space above and what was once a livable breathable home becomes less habitable.
If you’re reading this and haven’t checked your crawl space in the last 6 months, do it now. If you can’t physically shine a flashlight under your crawl space or don’t feel safe crawling in the dark we recommend hiring a professional to inspect and show you what needs to be cleaned.
If you decide to do DIY crawl space cleaning instead of services you will need to pick up some gear like a disposable crawl suit, gloves, headlight and a respirator mask. Next you will need large garbage bags to wrap the debris from the crawl space in plastic and find a trash service that can safely dispose of your debris. This is especially true for infected, damaged or discarded insulation. Most counties will not allow you to throw insulation away.
Why Should You Clean Your Crawl Space?
Water in crawl spaces can cause major damage. If it rains water can enter and stagnate in the area causing dampness and high moisture levels. After cleaning and drying the crawl space you will need to buy an encapsulation system to create a vapor barrier around your entire crawl space. This will help protect your insulation from future water damage.
Air Quality
60% of the indoor air that circulates in your home comes from the crawl space. A thorough cleaning will remove dust, mold and other contaminants that affect air quality. Your family will experience fewer allergies and respiratory issues.
Funny Odors
The crawl space under your home can smell musty. Regularly cleaning the crawl space will prevent funny and stinky odors from entering your home. Use an EPA-registered spray like Oust before doing a DIY crawl space cleaning.
Easy Access
A crawl space may have plumbing, wiring and ducts. The fixtures can fail and need a technician to fix them. A clean crawl space will allow the technician to easily access the area to diagnose and fix the problem.
Protect Your Home
Mold and standing water in the crawl space can weaken the structure of your home. Water can corrode the plumbing and crack the foundation walls. Mold will rot and deteriorate the wooden support beams.
Cleaning your crawl space will keep the underlying structure strong.
Next we will go over the do’s and don’ts of crawl space cleaning.
Do’s of Crawl Space Cleaning
Cleaning a crawl space starts with looking for signs of pest infestation, animal droppings, holes in the ground and torn crawl space insulation. Common pests are rats, squirrels, cockroaches and termites.
Add Sump Pumps
Sump pumps will remove excess water and are especially useful if your crawl space floods or has leaks. Water damage can occur from a small amount of moisture so keep your crawl space and foundation dry with a sump pump.
Install French Drains
A french drain will divert water away from your foundation’s crawl space walls. We recommend installing a full perimeter trench system in the crawl space to prevent water from accumulating. There are many variations, grated pipes, drains and gravel covered ditches. Installing this proactively will prevent many crawl space issues.
Check the Gutters
A clogged, broken or missing gutter on the outside of your home can cause crawl space leaks. If the gutter can’t move the water it will flow over the sides of the house or build up around the footing of the crawl space. Check your gutters if you want to save your home with less expense.
Inspect the Crawl Space Regularly
According to the EPA, up to 40% of the air inside your home comes from your crawl space. Regular inspections will detect issues like mold, which can exacerbate respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma or allergies.
A study by the American Lung Association found that homes with mold problems were 2.2 times more likely to have residents with asthma.
Use the Right Tools
Proper tools are essential for cleaning and minimizing health risks. HEPA vacuums, for example, are critical in trapping fine particles and preventing the spread of contaminants.
According to the US Department of Energy, HEPA filters must capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter, making them perfect for removing mold spores and dust mites, which are 1-30 microns.
A study by the Building Science Corporation found that proper ventilation can reduce crawl space moisture levels by up to 50%, significantly lowering the risk of mold growth.
Install a Vapor Barrier
Vapor barriers prevent ground moisture from entering the crawl space, which is crucial for low humidity levels.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) states that installing a vapor barrier can reduce moisture levels in a crawl space by up to 70%, which in turn decreases the risk of wood rot and mold.
The Department of Energy estimates that proper insulation and vapor barriers in a crawl space can save up to 15% in energy costs by preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Use Proper Insulation
Insulating your crawl space properly helps with energy efficiency and moisture damage.
Closed-cell spray foam has an R-value of approximately 6.5 per inch according to the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) making it one of the best insulation material for heat loss and moisture infiltration.
A study by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) found that homes with properly insulated crawl spaces had 18% lower heating and cooling costs compared to homes with poorly insulated crawl spaces.
Treat and Prevent Mold
Mold not only damages your home’s structure but also poses serious health risks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 1 in 4 people are at risk for health issues related to mold exposure. Mold can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems.
Concrobium Mold Control and RMR-86 are recommended because they effectively eliminate mold and prevent its recurrence. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene found that treatments like these can reduce mold spore levels by over 90% when applied correctly.
Apply these products after cleaning the crawl space. For Concrobium, use a sprayer to ensure even coverage, especially on surfaces prone to mold growth, like wood joists and insulation. For RMR-86, apply it directly to affected areas and let it sit before wiping clean.
Don’ts of Crawl Space Cleaning
Don’t Ignore Insulation Problems
Poor insulation can cause energy inefficiency, moisture problems and structural damage. The U.S. Department of Energy says up to 20% of a home’s energy loss is due to poorly insulated crawl spaces and basements.
The Building Science Corporation reports that crawl spaces with inadequate insulation and vapor barriers are 50% more likely to have moisture problems leading to mold and wood rot.
Don’t Overlook Vents
Unmanaged vents can bring moisture and pests into your crawl space and cause a host of issues. A University of Minnesota study found that unsealed vents can increase humidity in a crawl space by 20% and exacerbate mold and pest problems.
Don’t Use Non-HEPA Vacuums
Using a non-HEPA vacuum can spread mold spores and dust mites throughout your home. According to the American Industrial Hygiene Association, using HEPA vacuums in crawl spaces reduces airborne particle concentrations by 99%, making them essential for thorough and safe cleaning.
Don’t Skip the Vapor Barrier
Without a vapor barrier, your crawl space is prone to high moisture levels, which can lead to severe issues like mold, wood rot, and structural damage. The NAHB says homes with properly installed vapor barriers in crawl spaces are 80% less likely to have significant mold growth compared to those without.
Made from polyethylene plastic sheeting, vapor barriers should be at least 6 mils thick, with thicker options (up to 20 mils) being more durable and protective. The NAHB says vapor barriers are critical in humid climates and can reduce crawl space moisture by up to 70%.
Don’t Forget to Seal Gaps and Cracks
Gaps and cracks allow moisture and pests to enter your crawl space and negate the benefits of cleaning and maintenance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says sealing gaps and cracks in a home’s envelope including the crawl space can reduce energy bills by up to 10% and prevent moisture related issues.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals without Ventilation
Using chemicals in confined spaces like crawl spaces without proper ventilation can lead to toxic fumes and health risks. According to the CDC, exposure to high concentrations of cleaning chemicals in confined spaces can cause respiratory issues, dizziness, and other health problems. Always ensure proper ventilation when using chemical treatments in the crawl space.
Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance
Consequences: Failing to maintain your crawl space can lead to big problems over time, including structural damage, pest infestations and health risks. An ASHI study found that homes with regular crawl space maintenance were 75% less likely to have significant structural damage and had 50% lower repair costs over a 10 year period compared to homes that neglected crawl space maintenance.
FAQs – Crawl Space Cleaning
How Often Should I Clean My Crawl Space?
Most homeowners should clean their crawl space at least twice a year. Also watch for signs of trouble, strange odors, water damage and pest infestation.
Should I Vacuum My Crawl Space?
No, you shouldnt use your household vacuum to clean your crawl space. Professional companies use special vacuums that can remove dust and other small particles to avoid any cross-contamination.
How Can I Maintain My Crawl Space?
Make sure to maintain your crawl space regularly. You will want to start by closing off the crawl space, then check for pests and install proper insulation. Keep your crawl space clean and free of debris and pollutants.
How Can I Quickly Dry Out My Crawl Space?
Use fans to remove moisture and prevent mold and mildew growth. Fans will also dry out dew and condensation in your crawl space. Then, install a permanent dehumidifier to keep the area dry.
Call a Professional Cleanup Company
Attics and crawl spaces can affect your home’s health and comfort. The experts at Attic Projects do crawl space cleanup, insulation installation and home energy assessments. We also do inspections, cleaning, repairs and other services for attics and crawl spaces in California and Washington.Now that you know the dos and don’ts of crawl space cleaning. Contact Attic Projects today for a free cleanup quote from the crawl space experts. Call us at 858-923-4083 or fill out our form.
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