Case Study: The Extreme Cleaning Team — Hoarding Cleanup in Preston
Client: Mrs. R, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston
Service Provided: Hoarding Clearance, Biohazard Removal, Full Deep Clean & Space Restoration
Project Duration: 7 Weeks
Service Provider: The Extreme Cleaning Team
1. Background
The Extreme Cleaning Team was contacted by the neighbours of Mrs. R, a 68-year-old widow living alone in a semi-detached house in Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston. They had grown increasingly concerned after noticing strong odours, overflowing bins, and emergency services visiting multiple times due to falls inside the property.
Mrs. R had experienced loneliness following the loss of her husband, leading to depression and hoarding behaviours that worsened over several years. The property had become severely cluttered, and many rooms were no longer accessible.
With the risk of eviction and health complications increasing, the local council’s adult social care team recommended a specialist hoarding cleaning service — and The Extreme Cleaning Team was brought in.
2. Challenges Identified
2.1 Physical Safety Risks
Narrowed pathways due to boxes, newspapers, and clothing piles
Living room and dining room completely unusable
Bathroom access blocked by heavy clutter
Fire hazards caused by overloaded electrical sockets and flammable materials
High slip-and-trip risks due to unstable stacks of items
2.2 Environmental & Hygiene Issues
Rodent droppings found under furniture and behind appliances
Strong odours from long-term accumulated waste
Mould growth on walls and behind bulky items
Untreated biohazardous waste in the kitchen
Ruined food storage areas and contaminated surfaces
2.3 Emotional & Psychological Issues
Deep attachment to sentimental items
Feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the situation
Fear of judgement or being “forced out”
Anxiety and low trust toward anyone entering the home
3. The Extreme Cleaning Team’s Approach
Phase 1 — Compassionate Assessment & Client Support (Week 1)
A senior hoarding specialist spent time with Mrs. R to:
Understand her emotional triggers and priorities
Identify important sentimental items and family memories
Establish that she would remain in control of all decisions
Build trust at a pace that felt comfortable for her
A personalised, multi-week plan was created with daily achievable goals.
4. The Cleanup & Restoration Process
Phase 2 — Controlled, Supportive Decluttering (Weeks 1–4)
The Extreme Cleaning Team worked closely with Mrs. R to clear the property methodically.
Actions Taken:
Gradual removal of more than 4 tonnes of accumulated items
Sorting items into keep, donate, recycle, and dispose categories
Careful recovery of photos, letters, jewellery, and family heirlooms
Stabilisation of furniture and removal of unsafe obstacles
Coordination with the Preston City Council-approved waste facility for responsible disposal
Throughout the process, the team maintained a calm, empathetic approach to reduce distress.
Phase 3 — Deep Cleaning, Decontamination & Repairs (Weeks 3–7)
Once the clutter was removed, the team performed a full deep clean.
Sanitisation & Cleaning:
Full kitchen decontamination
Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal treatment throughout
Industrial steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery
Rodent sanitation, including removal of droppings and sealing entry points
Odour neutralising treatments
Bathroom sanitation and restoration
Repairs & Restorations:
Repainting mould-affected walls
Replacing damaged flooring
Reinstalling safe lighting and fixing tripping hazards
Ensuring clear, safe walkways through all rooms
5. Results
5.1 Before & After Summary
Home Condition Before After
Safety Level Unsafe, high risk Fully safe & navigable
Room Access 2/7 rooms usable All 7 rooms accessible
Hygiene Poor Fully deep-cleaned & sanitised
Odour Strong Neutral & fresh
Pest Activity Present Fully eliminated
5.2 Emotional & Lifestyle Improvements
After the cleanup:
Mrs. R reported feeling “relieved and lighter”
She regained confidence and felt comfortable inviting family over again
Her risk of falls decreased dramatically
The council revoked the threat of enforcement action
Her daily routine became manageable with the new organisation system
She described the transformation as “life-changing.”
6. Client Testimonial
Mrs. R:
“I thought I would lose my home. I was so ashamed. The Extreme Cleaning Team treated me with kindness every step of the way. They gave me back my freedom and a fresh start. I can’t thank them enough.”
Neighbour:
“We saw a remarkable change. The house is safe again, and Mrs. R is happier and more sociable. The team worked wonders.”
7. Why This Case Highlights The Extreme Cleaning Team’s Expertise
Exceptional experience handling severe hoarding situations
Sensitive, mental-health-aware approach
Ability to safely manage hazardous waste and infestations
Compliance with Preston City Council regulations
Focus on long-term stability for vulnerable clients
8. Conclusion
This Preston case demonstrates how The Extreme Cleaning Team delivers more than a cleaning service — they provide empathy, structure, and life-changing transformation.
Through patience, professionalism, and a client-centred approach, the team restored a safe, comfortable living environment for a vulnerable resident and helped her reclaim independence, confidence, and control over her home.
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