It is no secret that most pest control services leave a particular smell after they perform their operations, and it is perfectly understandable, given that they are removing numerous unwanted pests. However, it does not cancel out the fact that the stench can be too strong for our liking, and we would like to clean up to get rid of it. On the other hand, doing so without the proper technique would create a bigger problem. We risk eliminating the pest control measures that were taken, and we would then need to go through the entire process again. In order to help you avoid this troublesome situation, this article will tell you how to clean cupboards after pest control and more.
Essential Information: Know Your Pest Control Company
Knowing your pest control company is an important factor in how you can develop an effective post-pest control cleaning technique. Your chosen pest control company should use products that are not toxic to you and your family, and they should inform you of how the removal will go about. For example, they may tell you how long the smell will remain, how many days you have to wait before cleaning, what particular areas in your home they put the pest poisons in, and anything like that. Knowing this will allow you to accurately customize your course of action in cleaning up after it.
First Things First: Do Not Rush and Prepare
Although you may be tempted to clean right after the treatment, this is extremely forbidden. Cleaning immediately after the treatment will make it less effective against unwanted pests. This is because you would be washing away the properties and toxins that will kill them off. Therefore, you should start cleaning after the advised period, which is why the step previously mentioned is crucial. Your pest control service company should inform you of this detail. Moreover, you may be tempted to cut the waiting period by a day or two, so please do not do so.
While you are waiting for the treatment set in, you may prepare the cleaning materials best suited for your situation. True for all cases, you will need cleaning gloves, face masks, and goggles to ensure that you won’t be intoxicated with the chemicals. In addition to that, your chosen soap should not harm the material of your cupboards. You will also need to have a vacuum cleaner and trash bags at your side when cleaning your cupboards.
How To Clean Cupboards After Pest Control
Once you have done all the necessary precautionary measures, the question that we will now answer is “how to clean cupboards after pest control.”
#1 Empty It Out
If your pest control company told you that what they used is not toxic and did not require you to empty your cupboard out, then this is your step. You must remove all contents in your cupboards, and you may set it aside using a spare box or lay it out on your dining table. Please do not overthink this step because you will be putting it back anyway after cleaning your cupboards.
#2 Throw Away The Pests
You will most likely get grossed out by this step, but you need to remove the dead or dying pests in your cupboards manually. In most cases, these are cockroaches, but some also have rats (thus why the smell is more pungent). You may place these pests in trash bags, and you can use a vacuum cleaner if there are cockroach eggs and rat waste. Vacuuming your cupboard would also be helpful for tiny dirt particles.
#3 Wipe Your Cupboards Clean (Alternative: Spray It Clean)
Using a cloth soaked in soap and water mixture, you can wipe the surfaces of your cupboards. It is essential that you only use a damp cloth instead of brushing it because you do not want to damage the material of your cupboard and altogether remove the toxins to keep pests away. You have to remember that your goal is to clean but leave out the protective measures. With regards to the cloth, make sure that you rinse it every now and then so that you will be removing dirt and not just spreading it around. As an alternative, you may spray a water and soap solution on your cupboards. You just have the cloth below to avoid dripping and to scrub the surface with it slightly. Either way, both methods should work perfectly fine in removing the smell and cleaning your cupboards.
#4 Let Dry and Return Materials
After you have cleaned the surfaces of your cupboards, they will most likely be slightly wet. With that said, it is vital that you do not close it and let it dry for a bit first. If you do happen to close it, it won’t be able to dry properly and may develop a smell. Once you have checked if it is dry and clean, you can now return the things you removed in the first step.
By following the steps and measures stated above, you will be able to clean your cupboards effectively.
Key Takeaway
Before you clean your cupboards, you must know how long after the pest control treatment you can clean, what areas the chemicals were placed in, and the proper protective materials. After which, the first step in cleaning cupboards is by emptying them. Remove all things inside it as well as the dead or dying pests. You can vacuum your cupboards for extra cleaning purposes to get rid of cockroach eggs, rat waste, and tiny dirt particles. Once you are done with that, you can either wipe your cupboards with a damp cloth or spray with a soap and water mixture. For both cases, let dry afterward before putting back the items taken out in the first step.
