Dirty Basement? How to Clean and Organize It Like a Pro

What is basement cleaning, and why is it important?

Cleaning is a task that some of us put off or do very rarely.

Cleaning a basement involves decluttering, organizing essential items, and removing dust and grime.

 A dirty basement is usually full of various types of dirt, and often there is moisture. By cleaning this part of the home, you bring it into order and organize it so you can find your way around it more easily. You also help prevent the appearance of mold and the creation of that unpleasant smell that tells you that your basement needs cleaning.

What are the benefits of Cleaning Your Basement?

Preventing mold and mildew

A dirty basement usually has higher humidity, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth, but if you regularly clean the basement you prevent fungus and mildew.

Improving indoor air quality

As you probably know, high humidity lead to poor air quality, and this can be challenging for everyone. Because of that, basements need quality ventilation that they could be eliminated eliminate unpleasant odors.

Reducing pest infestations

Various types of pests can live in basements that have not been cleaned for a long time. They contaminate the environment and can also easily enter the house (believe us, you don’t want that). Keep in mind that regular maintenance reduces the possibility of seeing a rat in the house.

Preventing structural damage

Let’s not forget that regular basement maintenance is also important to prevent moisture from affecting the foundation of the house, potentially causing cracks or other problems. Checking the condition of the basement should be a top priority when we speak about older basements with specific weaknesses.

Increasing home value

If you plan to sell the house in the future, keep in mind that its value will undoubtedly be higher if the basement is well-maintained and does not require significant financial investments.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Basement

Below are concise guidelines for cleaning your basement. We think it will be easier for you if you have all you need to do in one place.

How to Declutter Your Basement

Sort through your junk

It’s time to clean the dirty basement!

Where to start first? 

We can start with sorting through everything you have in the basement. This means going through all the stuff in boxes and shelves and choosing what you want to keep, what would you like to see been throw away, or given away. 

Put your focus only on those objects you really need. In this way, you will leave more space just for items you 100% know you will use.  

Get organized

After eliminating unnecessary items, it’s time for organization.

Use boxes, boxes with lids, and shelves, and ensure everything has its place. This will let you know where things are when you need them, so you won’t waste time looking for them.

Deep Cleaning Your Basement

Dust the hard-to-reach areas

We all know there are some places we usually skip over. All those nukes and crannies in the dirty basement are long overdue for a good dusting.

Using long broom handles and other tools can help you reach those hard-to-reach places and clean them.

Vacuum

If the floor is suitable for vacuuming, vacuum it. Do not use a vacuum cleaner that vacuums the house; use a shop vacuum with stronger power and more remarkable ability to vacuum vast amounts of dirt and dust. You can only use a home vacuum cleaner if your basement is (relatively) new, has a solid floor, and is well-maintained.

Mop the floor

If the basement has a cement or wood floor, you can mop (again, not with the same mop or at least not with the same attachment that you would use in the house). If the basement is older and you have noticed that the cement is crowning, avoid power washing because high-pressure washing can ablate the cement.

Eliminating Odors and Preventing Mold

Combat the musty smell

If the ventilation in the basement did not work or if you did not ventilate it regularly, the unpleasant smell characteristic of dampness and mustiness may appear due to excess moisture. Using a dehumidifier, regular ventilation, and installation of fans can significantly reduce humidity.

Top 5 Expert Tips for Deep Cleaning Your Basement

Don’t forget these very handy five tips that will make any dirty basement an organized, clean place. 

1. Declutter

Don’t clutter the basement with unnecessary things.

We mentioned this at the beginning of the text, but it is important to emphasize once again that you should not get attached to the things that have lost their usefulness to you. 

Take our word for it, you will find everything you are looking for much easier, and you will find the basement has that sense of “clean” energy.😊

2. Use appropriate equipment 

We always look to make the job easier and faster. So, you need to use the right cleaning tools as a special vacuum cleaner, a broom, microfiber cloths, and floor cloths. Also, you need proven and effective products that will help you to remove all the dirt.

Keep in mind that you also need a good pair of gloves and a protective mask.

3. Remove mold

To remove mold and mildew, you must use quality, specialized products. If the fungus is widespread, you may need to call professionals to help you deal with the problem.

4. Devise a storage plan

A well-planned and organized basement is a useful part of the home. It usually includes a laundry room, a mini-workshop, or a basement that can be used to store seasonal items or decorations. Organize the space so that used items are easily accessible, while those you use less often can be stored in boxes or on higher shelves.

5. Make the best use of space

When you already have a basement, why not use its full potential?!

You can make practical use of the space if you place high shelves in the basement, and in order to know what you have in which box, you can put labels on the boxes so you can spot them right away.

How to Prevent Your Basement from Getting Dirty Again

Regular cleaning schedule

We have already emphasized that cleaning a dirty basement should be a regular activity. 

You should not be burdened with the idea that the basement should be spotless, like the house, but it is important to have hygienic conditions and that the space is well maintained.

Using dehumidifiers to control moisture

It is not easy to control humidity level in the basement without dehumidifier. When natural ventilation is insufficient or just not possibile, a dehumidifier can remove excess moisture and reduce the likelihood of mold growth.

Proper storage solutions

Use each square meter of the basement for good organization, which will help you know exactly where your things are. Use shelves, hanging organizers, and boxes with lids, and try to create the most practical arrangement in your basement.

Pest-proofing your basement

It is not uncommon for pests to appear in the basement. Don’t let that scare you – by hiring a pest control service, you will solve this problem in the shortest possible time and very effectively.

This type of protection is necessary because pests can cause damage to all items in the basement, and it is easy for them to access the house through it.

Conclusion

However, do not put too much effort into cleaning a basement that, due to its dilapidated condition or for some other justified reason, cannot shine in its full glory regardless of the efforts you put into cleaning. This is common in houses built many years ago, where the basement has not been renovated or adequately maintained. Know that it is important for the basement to fulfill its basic function and to be kept in hygienic conditions.

Need Help Cleaning Your Basement? Contact Us for Professional Basement Cleaner Services!

If you still lack the time or want professional support, Chicago Maid Match can help.

Did you know that we provide a wide range of client-customized services? Our professional cleaners are trained for fast and efficient work, so we believe you will be completely satisfied.

We invite you to learn about the discounts available if you hire our services weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.