Have you been glancing up at your attic hatch and thought it’s time to shake the dust off? Perhaps you took the Christmas decorations down from the attic where they are usually stored and you noticed that it could do with some cleaning. It could be that it has been years since you’ve spent more time inside the attic of your home than the few seconds it takes to put something in or take it back down again.  

If this is the case, it may be time for some attic cleaning. Read on to see how to convert a massive endeavor into a manageable task that you’ll be pleased you did.  

Remove Everything

The simplest room to clean is one that is empty. Remove the contents of your attic before you start bringing out brooms, dusters, and other cleaning tools. 

This will enable you to clean and check every inch of the area, as well as go through objects you no longer use. This chance to declutter and either throw out, sell, or donate the items you don’t want anymore will give you a lot more space and make you feel good about clearing the attic (and maybe the rest of your home) too.  

Once you’ve emptied the attic, you’ll be able to see if there are any signs of a pest infestation. If there are, you should engage a pest control company to help you before you do anything else.  

Vacuum Before Sweeping 

A broom will stir up more than it cleans when there is a coating of dust and dirt on the floor. Begin with a vacuum instead. Pick up any larger pieces of debris that your vacuum cannot handle, then suck up as much as you can from one end of the room to the other. 

Keep in mind that the kind of vacuum you use is important. These will function best if you have a high-efficiency bag or canister with a filter. Dust mites, dead insects, and allergens that gather in attics can be captured by good vacuums and not cause you any harm. Use hoses and other vacuum extensions to reach tight corners and strangely shaped spaces. Be thorough, then sweep away any leftover dust and debris with a brush. 

Inspect The Insulation 

After cleaning the attic, you should examine the insulation. You will need to install extra insulation if it has dropped below the floor joists. If you can’t see the floor joists above the insulation, they’re probably underneath it, which indicates that the insulation is in good condition. 

The insulation should be dispersed equally, and there should be no gaps or weak sections. If your insulation displays any signs of wetness, mold, or mildew, it should be replaced. The attic circulates a large part of the air in your house. You don’t want these toxins infiltrating the air in your house. 

Look For Moisture And Mold 

Your insulation isn’t the only area where mold can grow in your attic. Examine your empty attic carefully and thoroughly; it could be a bigger problem than you realized. You can find mold in several colors, including gray and black, as well as brown, orange, green, and white, so make sure you look carefully. It’s most likely growing in your attic if it smells musty. 

The best thing to do if you have mold in your house is to contact specialist cleaners. You don’t want to risk it lasting or becoming uncontrollable, particularly if you have asthma or allergies. Mold can cause respiratory difficulties if allowed to grow unchecked.