Hoarding Cleanup: 5 Myths That Keep People From Getting Help
Hoarding is more than just a messy house or a cluttered garage. It’s a complex mental health condition that can pose serious risks to safety, health, and quality of life. Unfortunately, stigma and misinformation often prevent people from seeking the help they need.
At Biogone, we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming hoarding situations can be—for individuals, families, and property managers. But we’ve also seen the life-changing difference a respectful, professional cleanup can make.
In this post, we’re tackling five of the most common myths that hold people back from reaching out—and sharing the truth behind each one.
Myth 1: “It’s just a little clutter. They just need to clean up.”
The truth: Hoarding is not the same as clutter or collecting. It’s a recognized mental health disorder that involves persistent difficulty discarding items, regardless of their value. The result is often extreme accumulation of items, blocked pathways, unsafe living conditions, and in many cases, health hazards like mold, pests, or biohazards.
Simply telling someone to "just clean up" isn’t just ineffective—it can be harmful. It ignores the psychological challenges involved and adds to the shame or guilt they may already feel.
That’s why hoarding cleanup should be approached with compassion, patience, and specialized training—not judgment.
Myth 2: “They chose to live like this.”
The truth: Hoarding is not a lifestyle choice. It’s often tied to underlying mental health issues like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or past trauma. Many people who hoard feel intense emotional attachment to their belongings or experience distress at the thought of discarding items.
They’re not lazy. They’re not doing it on purpose. They’re struggling.
At Biogone, we recognize that trust and empathy are key. Our job isn’t just to remove items—it’s to help restore safety and dignity while working at a pace that’s respectful of the person involved.
Myth 3: “A regular cleaning service can handle it.”
The truth: Hoarding situations often go far beyond surface-level cleaning. What may look like a pile of boxes or newspapers can actually conceal mold growth, rotting food, animal waste, rodent infestations, or even structural damage to the home. In many cases, biohazards such as human waste or bodily fluids may be present.
These situations require trained professionals who are equipped to:
Identify and manage health hazards
Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Safely remove contaminated materials
Clean, disinfect, and deodorize
Provide disposal in compliance with state and federal regulations
We’ve been called in after other companies attempted to handle a hoarding site—only to realize too late that they were unprepared. Don’t risk safety. Bring in experts from the start.
Myth 4: “You have to throw everything away.”
The truth: A respectful hoarding cleanup isn’t about clearing everything out without consent—it’s about creating a safer, more livable space while honoring the individual’s needs and choices as much as possible.
Whenever it’s safe and feasible, we work to salvage valuable or sentimental items. We also collaborate with family members, therapists, or caseworkers when needed to ensure the cleanup process aligns with the person’s goals and comfort level.
Our goal is never to traumatize—it’s to support healing and provide a fresh start.
Myth 5: “There’s no hope—it’s too far gone.”
The truth: No matter how severe a hoarding situation may seem, there is a path forward. We’ve seen homes buried floor-to-ceiling in items, with zero access to bathrooms or kitchens, and fully restored them to clean, functional, and safe spaces.
The process may take time, but it’s absolutely possible—and it starts with a phone call.
Biogone provides discreet, nonjudgmental hoarding cleanup services tailored to the unique needs of each client. Whether you’re a family member, property manager, or someone dealing with hoarding yourself, know this: you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to ask for help.
When to Call Biogone
Here are some signs that it may be time to reach out for professional help:
Walkways or exits are blocked
Mold, odors, or pest activity is present
Appliances or bathrooms are unusable
The hoarding poses a fire or health risk
The individual is overwhelmed and unsure where to begin
Our team is available 24/7 to provide fast, confidential, and compassionate service. We handle the physical cleanup so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Compassion First. Cleanup Second.
At Biogone, we know hoarding is about more than a mess—it’s about people. That’s why we approach every case with care, professionalism, and respect for the individual behind the condition.
If you or someone you love is facing a hoarding situation, we’re here to help—without judgment and with results.
