Basements can easily become dark and dusty catch-alls for your family’s stuff. If you’re thinking of doing any renovations or simply need more useful space, the first thing to do is to clean the basement.
It could be overwhelming because you’re dealing with not just basic cleaning but also exposing yourself to molds, mildew, standing water, etc. But with the right organization, storage, and cleaning tips, you can take your basement from cluttered and dungeon-like to a fantastic area for you and your family.
Steps in cleaning and organizing a basement:
1. Evaluate your stuff
Take everything out and sort it into three piles: donate, throw, and sell. This decluttering process is crucial and can take time, so pace yourself and take breaks as needed.
2. Turn off electricity
Remember that water and electricity don’t mix, so switch off gas and electricity as you move on to the rest of your cleaning checklist.
3. Make sure everything is dry
If you’ve had any floods or leaks, the top priority is to dry out the basement. You can use a wet/dry shop vacuum, water pumps or fans, and dehumidifiers to let everything try before cleaning.
4. Clean the walls
We often forget that walls can also be damaged by water. We also overlook walls to prioritize cleaning the floors. But walls are important to scrub because dirt, mold, etc can eventually grow and cause damage.
5. Disinfect the area
Disinfecting a basement is crucial for your family and home’s safety. Especially after a flooding or leaking incident, bacteria and organisms can thrive which can cause illness. Remember that sanitizing, killing bacteria on surfaces using chemicals, is different from disinfecting, which kills viruses. To disinfect a basement, use bleach.
6. Waterproof
Now that you’ve cleaned and let everything dry, the next step is waterproofing. This will help remove the moisture element and prevent the growth of mold. A professional will uncover the root of a water/moisture problem. But if you want the DIY route, you can start by applying waterproofing products to bare interior basement walls.
7. Handle necessary repairs
Now the basement is clean, it’s easier to see other damages that need to be taken care of like carpeting, painting, or putting new walls. To protect yourself from possible injuries or exposure to harmful substances, always wear the proper gear if you decide to take on this next step.
