Hoarder Cleaning in Merseyside

UK research suggests that around 2% to 5% of people show hoarding behaviours. That is roughly 1.4 million to 3.5 million people across the UK, or about one in every 40 at the midpoint.

Local public health reporting applies a 2% to 3% benchmark to Merseyside. That suggests around 29,600 to 44,400 residents may be affected by hoarding. These are estimates, not reported cases.

Liverpool may have the largest share, with an estimated 10,200 to 15,200 people. The Wirral comes next at 6,600 to 9,900, then Sefton at 5,800 to 8,600, St Helens at 3,800 to 5,700 and Knowsley at 3,300 to 4,900.

By May 2026, a Merseyside hoarding initiative had grown to include 13 housing associations, and a local network lists 19 peer-support groups, including one in Birkenhead that meets every fortnight. One major Wirral housing provider logged 156 concerns about property conditions in 2024/25 and completed over 350 tenancy visits, although not every concern was a hoarding case.

Clutter blocks exits, hides hazards and makes kitchens and bathrooms hard to use. It raises the risk of falls and pests. Too much clutter adds to the fire risk and can block escape routes.

In 2024/25, Merseyside firefighters attended 718 accidental dwelling fires, up from 668 the year before. Those fires led to 54 injuries and seven deaths. The figures cover all home fires, not just hoarding, but clear exits save lives.

A hoarded house can also hold harmful bacteria, mould, dust, animal waste and bodily fluids. Years of damp can cause structural damage, which is why deep cleaning matters as much as clearing. A 2020 Merseyside Fire and Rescue discussion put possible repair costs between about £1,000 and £60,000, depending on whether a property needed clearing, major repairs or demolition. That is an older local example, not a price guide.

Before any work starts, we sit down with you. We ask what worries you and what you want back first, often the kitchen, the bed or a safe way out. Then we write the plan with you, listing the rooms, the order and the pace.

Research warns that a sudden "blitz clean" can cause extra distress and rarely lasts. A slower, person-centred approach built on safety, consent and small steps works better.

Our trained team works with patience, empathy and respect. Mental health-aware staff understand the emotional side, and we never joke or comment on what we find. We protect your dignity and privacy at every stage.

In a light or moderate case, many people stay. We start with a clear path to the front door and a safe room for you. Our deep cleaning services can start in other rooms while you rest.

If there is mould, animal waste, bodily fluids or a lot of dust, we may ask you to stay with family or friends for a day or two. We also ask when floors are unsafe or the air is bad.

Our team wears protective gear and keeps walkways clear. We check for fire hazards, sharp items and unsafe electrics. Specialist cleaning teams are trained to handle biohazards and hazardous materials safely, as part of our biohazard cleaning services.

Our deep cleaning covers worktops, cookers, fridges, sinks, toilets, baths and every surface you touch.

Years of clutter leave dirt and stains. We treat carpets and floors with the right cleaning chemicals and clean furniture you want to keep. If carpets are beyond saving, we tell you first.

Our specialist cleaning services use protective kit and safe chemicals on affected surfaces. We carry out this deep cleaning slowly, so nothing is missed. Our specialist services also cover bins, cupboards and bedding areas.