The awful smells and insurmountable piles of rubbish might too much for most – but a 21-year-old Aussie has revealed why cleaning hoarder homes is one of the ‘most rewarding’ jobs she’s ever had.

Charlotte Bosanquet started her own cleaning business is 2022 because she wanted to ‘help people reclaim their homes’, the Sydney woman told FEMAIL.

While she works with all levels of cleaning, Charlotte’s company, Care Cleaning Services, has completely transformed several hoarder homes in Australia.

Charlotte charges between $5,000 and $20,000 to clean the homes due to the huge amount of work involved to get the job done. 

‘The first time I cleaned one of the homes it was extremely tiring but the most rewarding thing I have ever accomplished. Being able to help people that feel there is no way out is the best feeling in the world. You just have to put your head down and go for it,’ Charlotte said. 

In all the years she’s worked with clients, Charlotte said the most shocking thing she found on the job was an Australian penny from 1930 worth almost $40,000. She then returned it to the homeowner.

‘It was under a mould-ridden carpet,’ she said. ‘It’s one of the rarest and most valuable copper coins ever minted. My heart was racing – imagine finding that beneath all the dust and grime – talk about a hidden treasure!’

A recent revamp saw Charlotte’s team completely clear out and deep clean a home with months of filth and rotting food accumulate around the space.

Charlotte Bosanquet, founder of Care Cleaning Services in Sydney, (pictured) cleans hoarder’s homes for a living 

A recent revamp saw Charlotte’s team completely clear out and deep clean a home with months of filth and rotting food accumulate around the space

The clean took 12 people eight hours to accomplish and was a mammoth of a job

The clean took 12 people eight hours to accomplish and was a mammoth of a job. 

When asked about why people’s homes fall into such a condition, the professional said there are a multitude of reasons.

‘It ranges from predominantly mental health issues such as depression and hoarding disorders, to deceased estates to single parents who simply find it difficult to stay on top of everything,’ she said.

‘Often, this can build up over a number of months or even years and by the time the client realises they need to reach out for help, they are too ashamed and do not realise that they aren’t alone in this.

Charlotte focuses on small areas at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed when she cleans

‘Clients with hoarding disorders also don’t understand the severity of the issue at hand as often they do not leave the home environment.’

What are Charlotte Bosanquet’s top 5 cleaning tips?

One step at a time: Focus on one small area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Decluttering is a marathon, not a sprint!

Sort and sift: Create three categories – keep, donate, trash. Be decisive and stick to your choices.

Go vertical: Use wall-mounted storage or shelves to maximise space and keep floors clutter-free.

Deep clean, don’t just surface clean: Once the clutter is gone, get into the nooks and crannies with a good vacuum and a trusty disinfectant.

Celebrate the small wins: Every cleared corner is a victory! Reward yourself with a break or a treat after each zone is done.

When it comes to cleaning, Charlotte revealed she swears by the Shark Hydrovac

When it comes to cleaning, Charlotte revealed there’s one tool she absolutely cannot live without.

‘The right tools can make all the difference,’ she said. ‘The Shark HydroVac has been an absolute game-changer for me – it’s like having a cleaning superhero by your side as it’s a 3-in-1 floor cleaning system.’

The $399.99 gadget vacuums, mops, and cleans itself, so you’re not just moving dirt around, you’re actually getting rid of it.

Charlotte claimed it was ‘perfect’ for tackling stubborn layers of grime and spills that have built up over time.

‘The vacuum works on hardwood, tile, marble, and area rugs. Plus, the self-cleaning brush roll means you’re not constantly stopping to untangle messes, which is a huge time-saver when you’ve got a whole house to transform,’ she said.