Whether you’re cleaning up your basement to get ready to move, to get your basement clear for a sale or move-out, or are simply cleaning a basement for a property you’ve just purchased, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s dive in and talk more about the steps in a basement cleanout and what you need to know.

Your basement’s a mess – here’s how to clean it

Basement cleanouts aren’t for the faint of heart. They can expose you to harmful chemicals, mold, mildew, sewage, standing water, and numerous other hazards. 

However, rest assured that if you’re looking to DIY water cleanup or handle minor flooding, as long as you have the correct tools and take precautions, you should be just fine. All it takes is some research and a little elbow grease to get your basement looking good as new and get your house ready for moving in or for sale in no time. 

As always, if you’re not sure if you want to take on the task of cleaning up water damage in your basement, the professionals are just a phone call away.

Tips for cleaning a basement

Here are some tips for your basement cleanout: 

#1: Flip the breaker

Water and electricity don’t mix. That’s why switching off the electricity and gas should be the first thing on your basement cleaning checklist. If you don’t know the location of the breaker, get in touch with your electrician right away. 

Generally, they can give you a few ideas on where to look, and if you still can’t find it, they can come to your home to turn off the power for you. 

#2: Let it dry before cleaning

Mold grows in less than two days, so drying out the basement should be a top priority after a flood or leak. 

You can utilize a wet/dry shop vacuum or a water pump if you have experience in how to use that. Fans and a dehumidifier will help it dry the rest of the way after the water is gone. 

#3: Clear out any damaged items

Flooding (whether it’s from sewage or another source) can be toxic and contaminate those cans of peaches, corn, and baked beans in your basement. There isn’t a safe way to clean them, so it’s best to discard them. 

You’ll also want to throw away any carpeting, flooring, wall materials, insulation, beds, and furniture immersed in water. (If there was only minor water damage, some of these items could be cleaned.)

#4: Disinfect – don’t just sanitize

Sanitizing your basement with an antibacterial spray can help kill harmful bacteria, but it won’t stop all organisms from growing after a flooding incident. Bleach can, though. 

It’s important to disinfect your basement thoroughly for your family and home’s safety (more on how to disinfect a basement below).  

#5: Don’t forget to scrub the walls

When you think about cleaning a basement, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the cement floor. However, you don’t want to overlook the walls. 

Like the floors, the walls can get affected by water. That’s why it’s important to clean nearly two feet up the wall from the floor and wherever there is damage to ensure that the walls are no longer contaminated. 

#6: Add a waterproof stain

Once the water is gone, consider a waterproof stain to help fight back against water damage in the future. This is extra beneficial if you live in an area at risk for flooding or have an older home that’s known for leaks. 

To apply the stain, you’ll first need to give the floor a good scrub using an alkaline cleaner and degreaser. Next, you’ll want to wash away the cleaner, add phosphoric acid, and scrub the floor once again for about 60 minutes. Leave the solution there for 20 minutes. Then, rinse the floor three times over. Finally, after it’s dry, you can apply the stain, which takes about a day to dry. 

#7: Take care of any necessary repairs

It’ll be easier to see the damage the water left behind after the basement is clean. That is your chance to schedule repairs or DIY the repairs yourself. 

These repairs may include tearing off the carpeting, painting the walls, or putting in new walls and insulation. No matter what the job entails, make sure to wear the proper gear to keep yourself safe.

How do I disinfect my basement?

First, you’ll need the right supplies. That includes chlorine bleach, scrubbers with long handles, washcloths, one or two buckets, a mop, latex or vinyl gloves, and safety goggles.

Next, you’ll want to make sure the basement floor, walls, and anywhere else affected are completely dry. If they’re not, you can move this process along by plugging in a handful of dehumidifiers and fans. 

After the area is dry, you’ll want to open the windows to help with the airflow. Then, add a tablespoon of chlorine bleach to a bucket of water. Dip your mop inside of the bucket until it’s fully wet. Then, mop the floors and walls until everything is covered. Wait for the area to dry, and mop it again. Use your scrubbers for more difficult areas. 

Tip: If the solution is not properly cleaning the floor after a flooring or sewage incident, up the bleach quantity to ¼ cup. 

How do I clean up water in the basement?

As we mentioned above, you can do one of two methods: vacuum the area with a wet/dry vacuum, such as this one by DEWALT. You can also use a water pump or sump pump to get the water out. Again, it is vital to dry the area before starting the cleaning process. 

What do you do with junk in the basement?

First, you’ll want to assess the water damage. If an item is beyond repair, you can throw it away or recycle it in some cases. If there are items you want to get rid of that were not affected by the water, you can sell, donate, or recycle these as well. (You can also have a company that offers basement cleaning and junk removal pick up your items for you.)

Ultimately, it comes down to how much time you have and whether the items are salvageable. Find more junk removal tips here. 

What if you can’t clean your basement alone?

Basement cleanouts are no easy task, and it gets even harder when there’s water damage. If you don’t have the right tools or time to clean your basement by yourself, contact a flooded basement cleanup company for assistance. 

They can ensure the job is handled professionally from square one, dry everything out, and limit the chance of mold and mildew growth. All you’ll have to do is show them where to go.

Best of luck with your basement cleanout

Once your basement cleanout is complete, it’s a great time to contact movers (such as your friends at Bellhop). We can help coordinate your move from start to finish, deliver your items to your new home, help you carry your items inside, and much more. Here is a bit more information on comparing moving company quotes as well.
Find movers near you today.

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Change your air filters

It can be easy to forget about your air filters: that is, until your home is covered in dust. It’s important to change those filters (or at least check them) every month to ensure clean air is circulating through your home. The longer the filter is in, the more allergens and dust accumulate inside of it, which decreases the efficiency of the filter. If you can’t tell whether it needs to be replaced or not, a good rule of thumb is to hold it up towards a light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it! 

Descale your coffee maker

Gross as it may be, a coffee maker can acquire residue that can make your morning coffee taste not-so-good. Though they’re often overlooked, coffee makers should be cleaned once a month. No, we’re not talking about wiping down the exterior, we’re talking about descaling the interior! To extend your coffee brewer’s life (and to enjoy better-tasting coffee), try a cleansing kit compatible with your coffee maker that can clean and restore your machine. We’re fans of both the Keurig Descale Starter Kit and the Affresh Coffee Maker Cleaner.  

Deep clean your garbage disposal 

If you’re holding your nose while walking past your sink, it’s probably a good time to address your garbage disposal. The good news is that they are very easy to clean (and should be cleaned monthly to prevent any lingering scents). A little bit of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can do the trick. Even grinding up citrus peels in the disposal can help eliminate odors. If you want to go the extra mile, check out Home Depot’s tips for additional cleaning instructions. 

Tend to your washer and dryer 

Washers and dryers are some of the most-used appliances in a home. It’s time we start showing them some love once a month to keep our clothes smelling fresh and clean, rather than musty and mildewed. For washers, simply pop in a cleaning tablet and run a “tub clean” cycle (or run your washer on the hottest setting). This will strip any built-up mold or mildew inside the washer, leaving it bright, shiny, and fresh again. For dryers, try using a dryer lint vacuum attachment to suck out any dirt or lint stuck inside. This will get rid of all that lint stuck at the bottom of your dryer that can be dangerous (i.e. a fire hazard) if left unattended. 

Rinse your dishwasher out

Dishwashers need to be cleaned on a monthly basis, too. Food and grease particles build up inside a dishwasher over time. (And if you’re washing your dishes in a dirty dishwasher, you’re not really cleaning them.) The easy part is, most dishwashers have a mechanism to self-clean! Try putting a mug full of vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and running it on the hottest setting to clean. This will strip all of the grease and food particles left over from previous cycles. Don’t forget to clean that dishwasher filter, too. Check out these tips from The Spruce on cleaning a dishwasher filter. 

Test your smoke detector

This is probably the most overlooked maintenance task: checking (or changing) your smoke detector batteries. It’s a tiny chore that can have major implications for the safety of your family and your home. Smoke detector batteries should be replaced once a year, but you should be pressing the button on each of your smoke detectors to test them every month. 

Doing these basic tasks every month will save you time and stress down the road. It only takes a few minutes out of your day to make your home a cleaner, safer, and healthier place to live. For more home maintenance tips and tricks, check out our posts on Decluttering Your Home and Making Your Home a Smart Home. 

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