Diogenes syndrome cleaning: risks, procedure & support
Life can tip over when a home becomes unsanitary: accumulated objects, poor hygiene, mental distress… Our professionals support the person and relatives with respect and dignity to restore a healthy environment at home.
Understanding the disorder & its consequences
Diogenes syndrome (also written “Diogenes”) is characterised by compulsive accumulation of objects, neglect of personal and domestic hygiene, and deterioration of the home environment. Symptoms often evolve with isolation, shame and loss of control over behaviour. A careful understanding of the context and factors (bereavement, death of a loved one, cognitive issues, mental disorders) is essential for proper assessment and care.
- ✔Visible signs: unsanitary housing, obstructed pathways, ingrained dirt, odours, presence of waste and pests.
- ✔Consequences: fire risk, falls, infections, psychological distress, social rupture, impossible evacuation in emergency.
- ✔Useful resources: extreme cleaning professionals, social services, psychologists, GPs.
Health, domestic & social risks
Health risks
Accumulation of waste, mould, germs and pests: indoor air becomes harmful, worsening distress and physical vulnerability. Without intervention, serious consequences (infections, respiratory issues) threaten daily life.
Domestic risks
Disorder makes the house or apartment dangerous: falls, fire outbreaks, impossible evacuation. Escape routes are blocked by objects and ingrained dirt.
Social & psychological risks
Isolation, loss of dignity, mental distress and break with relatives. The gaze of others and shame worsen the disorder, delaying the request for help.
6-step intervention procedure
Our method respects the person, protects their privacy and restores a healthy living environment at home (unsanitary housing, house or apartment).
| Step | Details & objectives |
|---|---|
| 1. Assessment & evaluation | On-site visit: objective signs, level of clutter, domestic/personal hygiene, emergency risks. Understanding of behaviour and factors. Free quote & action plan. |
| 2. Sorting & safeguarding | Selection of objects and documents to keep. Respect for dignity and wishes. Support for the person in distress. |
| 3. Clearance & decluttering | Removal of waste (skip), appropriate channels, traceability. Securing circulation (stairs, exits). |
| 4. Deep cleaning | Degreasing, washing, descaling of surfaces, bathrooms and kitchen. Removal of visible mould. |
| 5. Disinfection & decontamination | Virucidal/bactericidal/fungicidal biocides, pest treatment, deodorisation. Restoration of a healthy environment. |
| 6. Make-safe & reset | Advice (paint, floors, furniture), minimal rearrangement, relapse prevention. Coordination of useful resources and professionals (health, social). |
Symptoms & warning signs
- ✔Accumulation of objects, piles, blocked pathways.
- ✔Neglect of personal & domestic hygiene.
- ✔Refusal of help, withdrawal, social rupture, psychological distress.
- ✔Odours, mould, pests, emergency risk.
Factors & understanding
The assessment is based on an understanding of behaviour: bereavement and death, mental disorders, trauma, ageing. Sometimes referred to as “Diogenes”, the disorder requires gradual support centred on dignity and trust.
Resources & support
We coordinate useful resources: social services, psychologists, medical staff, local associations. Goal: reduce distress, protect daily life and prevent relapse.
Each person is unique; we move at their pace, confidentially and with respect for their dignity.
FAQ — Diogenes cleaning
How long does an intervention take?
From 1 to 3 days depending on size and level of clutter. In an emergency, we prioritise safety and reopening of pathways.
Do you work in houses and apartments?
Yes. We intervene at home, in houses as well as apartments, with suitable logistics (skips, protections, neighbours).
What happens to items and waste?
Items to keep are protected. Waste is routed to approved channels. Traceability available on request.
The person is ashamed and refuses. What can we do?
Understanding and relationship are central. We move step by step to reduce distress and restore dignity. A relative or trusted contact can help obtain consent.
Need an intervention?
Assessment, clearance, deep cleaning, disinfection & decontamination… We secure your daily life at home while preserving the dignity of the person.
Défi Clean promise
- Respect for the person & confidentiality
- Clear 6-step procedure
- Compliant products & PPE
Essential Resources
Main GuideHoarding Cleaning: Complete, Fast & Humane Intervention
Hoarding and Diogenes cleaning require professional expertise. Défi Clean provides clearance, disinfection, decontamination and restoration of unsanitary homes across France, with discretion and respect for people.
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UnderstandingCauses of Hoarding Disorder
A multifactorial disorder — psychology, isolation, mental health, and environment. Discover how it develops and the main causes.
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⚠️ Key InfoImpact of Hoarding on Daily Life
Health, safety, isolation and dignity — learn about the real-life consequences of hoarding and how to intervene with care.
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MethodCleaning Process & Procedure for Hoarding
From initial assessment to complete disinfection — discover the 6 key steps of Défi Clean’s professional cleaning process.
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