How much does attic cleaning cost?
How much does attic cleaning cost?
$100 – $500 average basic cleaning cost
$3.30 – $5.50 cost per square foot (cleaning, restoration, sanitizing, & new insulation)
Attic cleaning cost
Attic cleaning costs $100 to $500 on average for a basic cleanup, including junk and debris removal. Attic decontamination costs $700 to $11,000 to eliminate mold, asbestos, or a rodent infestation. Attic restoration costs $3.30 to $5.50 per square foot. Attic insulation removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
| National average cost | $240 |
| Minimum cost | $75 |
| Maximum cost | $2,000 |
| Average cost range | $100 to $500 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Attic cleaning and restoration costs by service
Attic restoration costs $3.30 to $5.50 per square foot on average. A complete attic restoration typically includes removing old insulation, cleaning, sanitizing, and installing new insulation. Removing hazardous materials or potentially harmful contamination increases the total cost.
| Service | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Basic cleaning | $100 – $500 |
| Decontamination | $700 – $11,000 |
| Rodent and feces removal | $150 – $600 |
| Rodent-proofing | $100 – $800 |
| Junk removal | $100 – $420 |
| Ventilation installation | $150 – $900 |
| Air sealing | $350 – $3,000 |
| Insulation removal | $1,100 – $3,000 |
| New insulation installation | $1,000 – $2,700 |
*Based on a typical 1,100 to 1,500 square foot attic
Attic decontamination cost
Attic decontamination costs $5 to $30 per square foot, depending on the extent of damage, type, and amount of material requiring removal and disposal. Attics are a common area for moisture issues and mold growth. Address the contamination's cause to prevent future recurrences.
Attic mold removal and sanitizing costs $1,500 to $6,000 on average. However, costs range from $6,000 to $15,000 if there is extensive damage, the attic has limited access, or the insulation needs replacing.
Asbestos insulation removal costs $1,000 to $11,000, depending on the attic size and the insulation amount.
Some contractors charge a minimum $1,500 to $3,000 job fee for attic sanitation services.
Homeowners may be eligible for up to 55% reimbursement by the Zonolite Attic Insulation (ZAI) Trust to remove and replace Zonolite vermiculite insulation, which may contain asbestos.
Rodent feces or infestation cleanup
Rodent infestation cleanup costs $150 to $600, depending on the rodent type, amount, debris, and damage. Costs increase if the space needs structural repairs after cleanup. Hire a pro to clean rodent feces and biowaste immediately to eliminate dangerous infectious diseases.
Rodent-proofing costs $100 to $800 and includes sealing the space after extermination to prevent future infestation.
Birds, mice, roof rats, raccoons, and squirrels are common attic pests. Raccoons and squirrels typically cost the most to remove.
Attic junk and debris removal
Attic junk removal costs $100 to $420 on average for a professional junk removal service, depending on the amount and type of debris. DIY dumping at a landfill costs $15 to $70 on average for non-hazardous waste.
Attic air sealing and ventilation
Adding attic ventilation costs $150 to $700 for passive vents or $300 to $900 on average for a motorized fan to facilitate proper airflow. Attic ventilation helps regulate the attic's temperature and humidity levels, preventing condensation and moisture buildup.
Air sealing an attic costs $350 to $3,000, depending on the size and number of gaps. Air sealing the floor in a vented attic is essential for effective home insulation.
Attic cleaning and insulation cost
Attic cleaning and insulation costs $2,200 to $6,200 on average for cleanup, old insulation removal, and new insulation installation. Attic size, condition, and insulation type impact the cost. New attic insulation costs $1,000 to $2,700 installed on its own.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Basic cleaning | $100 – $500 |
| Old insulation removal | $1,100 – $3,000 |
| New insulation installation | $1,000 – $2,700 |
Attic insulation removal cost
Attic insulation removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot or $1,100 to $3,000, depending on the type and amount. The removal price typically includes labor and disposal. Renting an insulation removal vacuum costs $200 to $350 per day to remove blown-in or loose-fill insulation DIY.
Cost factors to clean an attic
Attic cleaning costs vary widely due to these factors:
Size – Large attics require more time and materials to clean and disinfect.
Accessibility – Cleanup projects in hard-to-reach areas require more time to complete.
Damage extent – Resolving significant structural damage from water, fire, mold, or pest infestation costs more than a simple attic cleanup job involving only dust and dirt.
Debris – The amount of insulation or debris requiring removal and disposal affects the labor and dumpster size needed. Removing hazardous materials like asbestos typically incurs extra fees.
Renting a dumpster costs $300 to $500 per week on average. Disposal fees vary by location and debris type.
Roof repairs cost $150 to $6,000, depending on the damage. Repair all roof leaks before cleaning the attic or installing new insulation.
A/C water leak repairs cost $75 to $600.
Attic cleaning FAQs
When should you get your attic cleaned?
Get your attic cleaned professionally every 2 years unless you regularly clean the attic yourself and know how to identify potential problems. Cleaning the attic every 6 months or once per season is ideal for catching issues before they become severe or dangerous.
Signs you need a professional attic cleanup include:
Holes, cracks, or damaged walls creating drafts
Rodent problems; scratching or screeching sounds in the walls or ceiling
Storage boxes too heavy to lift
Increased utility bills / damaged insulation
Increase in allergy or respiratory symptoms
Is an attic clean-out worth it?
An attic clean-out is worth it to ensure a healthy home and indoor air quality. Cleaning out an attic includes checking for structural damage, mold, and pest issues that pose serious health risks if left unresolved.
Who cleans attics?
Some cleaning companies specialize in attic cleaning and restoration. Many pest control and extermination companies, home cleaning services, and attic insulation installers offer attic cleaning services.
How long does attic cleaning take?
Basic attic cleaning takes 4 to 6 hours on average, depending on the size and condition. Total  decontamination involving mold, asbestos removal, or pest infestation takes 1 to 2 days for a small attic and up to a week or more for large or complex jobs.
How much does attic and crawl space cleaning cost?
Attic cleaning costs $100 to $500 on average on its own. Crawl space cleaning costs $500 to $2,000 for a basic job or up to $5,000 when the cleanup involves mold, fungus, sewer water, or pest infestation.
Finding and hiring attic cleaning services
Before hiring an attic cleaning service:
Inspect your attic to assess whether you need a basic cleaning or a more complex decontamination service.
Look for professionals experienced in attic cleaning.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select insured and bonded companies that have been in business for more than five years.
Get at least three quotes to compare.
Ask for references.
Get a detailed estimate and contract in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been in business?
What experience do you have with attic cleaning?
What is and is not included in your attic cleaning estimate?
If you find mold, asbestos, or pests, do you have the materials and expertise to resolve these issues, and what additional costs should I expect?
Does the estimate include removing old or damaged insulation?
Can I be in the house during the cleaning process?
How long will it take to clean my attic?
How often should I clean the attic?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?