It’s no secret that the average person doesn’t clean their attic as frequently as they clean other parts of their home, which is why many homeowners turn to trusted professionals like Attic Projects to help keep this space safe and under control. Since attics are out of the way, even the neatest people can fall behind when it comes to cleaning their attics.
Unfortunately, ignoring your attic’s condition for years on end could lead to serious problems. Here’s what you need to know about the true cost of skipping attic cleaning (and tips on getting your attic back in shape).
Why Attic Cleaning Matters
When attics are left alone for too long, they might start to develop health hazards. If you clean your attic on a regular basis, you’ll have a better chance of noticing these issues right away, giving you an opportunity to deal with them before they affect your well-being.
But the health benefits of attic cleaning don’t stop there. When your attic is organized and tidy, going there to take items out of storage won’t be an ordeal – and that can give your mental health a boost. In fact, the American Cleaning Institute has stated that 87% of Americans feel better when their homes are clean.
What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Attic?
Even when you understand the benefits of attic cleaning, fitting this job into your busy schedule can be tough. But if you skip attic cleaning for years on end, this space could start to suffer from:
Dust Buildup
It’s easy to assume that dust in your attic is a fact of life. But even if you can’t keep your attic entirely dust-free, ignoring this space will make your dust problems much worse than they would be otherwise.
According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, indoor dust exposure can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and asthma. With that in mind, keeping dust under control in every part of your home is a worthwhile goal to pursue.
Mold Growth
Is your attic dealing with high humidity or other moisture problems? If so, there’s a good chance that mold will get a foothold in this space at some point. If it does, it won’t take long for this situation to affect your health.
Mold exposure can cause a wide variety of health problems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These issues can include symptoms like coughing and a sore throat, as well as more severe reactions among people who are more sensitive to mold.
Water Damage
If you spot “rings” on your attic walls or ceiling while cleaning this space, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with water damage from a leak. But when you don’t inspect your attic regularly, leaks can get worse before you know it.
Checking for signs of trouble outside your home is another effective way to spot attic water damage.
Signs that can point to this form of damage include broken/rotted wood, cracks, and gutters that are clogged or hanging away from your home.
Infestations
The CDC has stated that rodents carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and hantavirus. And since these pests shred insulation and chew on wooden beams/electrical wiring, an attic infestation can lead to consequences like structural damage and less effective home heating and cooling.
Rodents are great at hiding in attics, but regularly cleaning your attic will make it easier for you to find these creatures. Whenever you’re in your attic, look for signs like rodent droppings and gnaw marks on wiring.
Keep These Attic Cleaning Tips In Mind
With these dangers in mind, it’s easy to see why attic cleaning should be a high priority. But since attic cleaning presents a unique set of obstacles, it’s a good idea to be prepared before you start this job.
While you’re working in your attic, be sure to:
Take safety precautions. If it’s been a while since the last time you accessed your attic, it could have developed safety risks you don’t know about. Protect yourself by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, goggles, and knee pads.
Stock up. PPE isn’t the only thing you’ll need while cleaning your attic. Along with that, make sure you have the right tools and cleaning supplies, such as a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, trash bags, and brooms and dustpans.
Clean the right way. While taking care of attic cleaning work, it’s best to start by working on easy-to-reach spaces. Once you’re done with these spots, move on to trickier areas.
Minimize your dust exposure. A spray bottle can reduce the effects of dust as you clean your attic. Just give dusty surfaces a quick misting before cleaning them (but don’t try to use this method to replace a dust mask).
How to Tell If You Need Professional Cleaning Services
In many cases, homeowners are perfectly capable of cleaning attics on their own. That might be true for you if it’s been a few months or even a year since you last took care of this job. But if it’s been several years since you last cleaned your attic, it’s probably a good idea to look into professional cleaning services.
These cleaning crews have the tools and knowledge required to deal with severe dust buildup, mold growth, rodent infestations, and other issues commonly found in neglected attics. If you’re dealing with any of these problems (or if you just have a ton of clutter to deal with), consider giving the experts a call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attic Cleaning
How often should an attic be professionally inspected even if it looks fine?
Even if everything seems normal, it’s a good idea to have your attic inspected every 1–2 years. Many issues like small leaks, early mold growth, or minor pest activity aren’t obvious at first glance. Regular check-ins can help catch problems early before they turn into expensive repairs.
Can poor attic conditions impact my energy bills?
Yes more than most people realize. If insulation is damaged, shifted, or contaminated, your home can lose heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Air leaks and poor ventilation can also force your HVAC system to work harder, which often shows up as higher monthly energy costs.
Is attic cleaning something that can improve indoor air quality?
It can make a noticeable difference. Air from your attic can circulate into your living space through small gaps and your HVAC system. If your attic contains dust, debris, or contaminants, those particles can eventually make their way into the air you breathe inside your home. Keeping the attic clean helps reduce that risk.
Get Help From the Best Local Attic Cleaners
Though ignoring your attic can allow problems like mold growth and water damage to get worse, these issues can affect any attic. If you’re facing problems like these, you definitely shouldn’t attempt attic cleaning on your own.
Fortunately, trustworthy attic cleaners like the pros at Attic Projects can take care of this job for you at an affordable price. No matter how long it’s been since you last cleaned your attic, get in touch today if you need help!