How to Clean Out a Crawl Space?

Crawl space cleaning can get a little overwhelming, right? Because who wants to go into the shallow, unfinished area beneath the house? Even reading this must be making people with claustrophobia uncomfortable. However, despite all the factors, crawl space cleaning is important, and here, in this blog, we will tell you why. Even though your crawl space may not be particularly noticeable from an aesthetic standpoint, keeping it clean is essential to maintaining the structural soundness and all-around well-being of your house. Development of mold, pests, infestations, and structural damage are just a few of the issues that may arise due to a moist and dirty crawl space. This scenario highlights the importance of crawl space cleaning—keeping it dry, clean, and safeguarded all year round.

• Cleaning a Crawlspace: Keep Your Home Humidity-free and Sound

Did you ever notice strange smells in your house, like that musty smell in your home, or experience suddenly increased humidity levels? Yes? Then this is. That is a clear sign that your crawl space needs your attention. 

Cleaning your crawl space is essential to maintaining a cleaner and safer home. Here’s how you can clean your crawl space:

Step 1: Procurement of the Safety Gear

The first and foremost step is to gather all the essential items that you might need to clean the crawl space. To prevent breathing in dust, mold spores, or other pollutants, wear the proper protective clothing, such as a respirator, gloves, and coveralls. Here’s a complete checklist of all the important things you might need:

• Gloves
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Dust mask or Respiratory mask
• Protective clothing (coveralls) or Tyvek
• Sturdy boots
• Knee pads
• Hard hat 

Step 2: Preparation of the Surface 

The next step is to prepare the surface for cleaning. Make sure the crawl space has enough lighting for clear vision in the dark, shallow space. Moreover, it is optional but advisable to take photos or videos to document the initial condition and any areas of concern that you might show to a reliable crawlspace company or your insurance company in case of emergencies.

Step 3: Dirt and Debris Removal

After a proper lighting setup, you will now be able to see all the dirt accumulation, hard rocks, or debris that may harm the vapor barrier or even the old insulation material. It’s time to clear all the obstacles: Clear away any debris that might be obstructing access or retaining moisture, such as broken pipes, trash, and outdated insulation. This will not only clean the surface but also level it as much as possible. 

Step 04: Addressing Mold and Pests

If you find mold, use a mold and mildew cleaner, or you can also use vinegar and water to scrub it away; it is exceptionally effective for mold removal. However, if you detect signs of pests, address the infestation with cleaning agents to remove any nests or droppings and moisture buildup. Lastly, ensure that there is proper ventilation to help dry the area and prevent any mold growth in the future.

Step 05: Inspecting the Area for Leaks

Inspect the foundation, pipes, and other potential water sources for leaks; repair any leaks you find and seal any cracks or seams that could lead to future leaks. Moreover, to control the future moisture, install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping into the crawl space, or install a dehumidifier to help control humidity levels down there. 

Furthermore, to stop moisture from leaking in, make sure the seams are correctly taped and sealed. 

Step 06: Final Cleaning

Last but not least, vacuum the entire area for final cleanup to remove any remaining dust or debris. After that, disinfect the area by wiping down surfaces with a disinfectant and sanitize the space, if necessary, via a UV sanitizer or other effective methods.

• Conclusion:

Thus, in a nutshell, cleaning your crawl space is essential to maintaining a cleaner and safer home. Eliminating debris, fixing water leaks, sealing and safeguarding the crawl space, and adhering to regular maintenance enhance the environment’s healthiness and enhance your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency.

• FAQs

How often should a crawl space be cleaned? 

A crawl space must be cleaned at least once a year to avoid moisture buildup, leading to pest infestations and other water damage issues.

Should I remove dirt from my crawl space? 

Removing dirt and debris from the crawl space is crucial. Otherwise, it will block your access to it and cause problems for you.

How to quickly dry out a crawl space?

Remember that you have to dry the structure, not the soil. If there is too much water, use a submersible pump or a truck mount to remove and move it off-site, and ensure proper ventilation for drying out.