Tips on How to Clean Your Basement

Is your basement rife with junk? Can you not even remember the last time it was cleaned? Don’t worry! Basement cleaning doesn’t have to be a big undertaking, and you can always turn to professionals for a recurring cleaning service. Consider the four tips below if basement cleaning is currently at the top of your to-do list.

1. Declutter First

Before you break out the cleaning products, you need to declutter your basement. Most homeowners use their basements and garages for storage, and this is fine if you regularly organize and declutter.

But if you let things get out of hand, your basement may become packed with what’s largely junk. And a basement full of junk is exactly the kind of place that rodents and insects want to make home.

Before you start going through all the boxes and crates, get three to four empty bins: one bin should be for things you’re giving away and the others should be for things that can be thrown away.

This is an efficient decluttering system, and you can use it even if your basement is packed to the ceiling with junk.

2. Clean After Decluttering

After the basement has been decluttered, it’s time to clean. Get all your cleaning products, tools, and safety gear. Using the wrong products is one of the most common mistakes when cleaning a house. Here’s a list of basement-cleaning essentials:

• Mild & heavy-duty cleaning products

• An empty bucket

• A bucket of warm water

• A pair of gloves

• 3-4 clean cloths

• A mop

• A broom

• Window cleaner

• Paper towels

• A trash barrel

• Disinfecting wipes

• An empty spray bottle

• Baking soda

• Vinegar

Start by removing cobwebs, and then address areas that have caked on dust. Afterward, start cleaning the surfaces you use frequently. Any shelves, countertops, cabinets, tabletops, etc. should be disinfected.

Light fixtures, doorknobs, switches, railings, etc. should be disinfected and shined.

Clean the walls next, making sure there’s no mold or mildew growth. Once these have been thoroughly cleaned, scrub, mop, and sweep the floor. If your basement is carpeted, steam-clean to eliminate any grime.

3. Organize Once Everything Is Clean

Once you’ve cleaned the basement from top to bottom, it’s time to organize the items and furnishings that remain. If you want there to be plenty of open space, consider storing all boxes and crates against one wall.

Also, make sure there’s adequate lighting in the basement, otherwise you won’t be able to see well while down there. If your fusebox is in the basement, make sure this is easily accessible; the same goes for any gas and water valves.

And if there are TVs and other appliances in your basement, make sure the cables are organized and out of the way so they’re not a tripping hazard.

4. Decorate After Organizing

After you’ve organized everything, consider decorating the space to make it more inviting. Especially if your basement is already finished, adding subtle decorations could make it one of the most preferred rooms in your home.

Hang oriental lanterns from the ceiling, include exotic fake (or real) plants, put up Japanese-style partitions, and include one of those electric stone fountains. This Zen-inspired basement would be a great place to read, relax, sleep, etc.

Let Metla Cleaning Clean Your Basement for You

We know—basement cleaning can be a big to-do, and most homeowners just down have the time for it. But that’s exactly why we opened our doors years ago!

We are commercial and residential cleaning experts, and we’ll clean your whole home, including your basement, from top to bottom, and always for a fair price! We’re proud to be trusted and sought-after in and around San Diego, CA.

Call us at 858-997-3153 or visit our site to book now and learn more about what we do!