What biohazard cleaning covers
Biohazard or trauma cleaning is the specialist cleaning of areas contaminated with blood, bodily fluids or other potentially infectious material. It's typically needed after an unattended death, a suicide, a serious injury or assault, or where a property has been contaminated with needles, drug paraphernalia or human or animal waste.
It's very different from ordinary cleaning. Contamination can soak into flooring, underlay, furniture and even subfloors and walls, and the risks of blood-borne viruses and bacteria mean the work must be done with proper protective equipment, procedures and waste disposal.
Why it needs specialists
Specialist companies train their technicians in handling biological hazards, use protective clothing and respiratory protection, and dispose of contaminated materials as clinical or hazardous waste through licensed carriers. They also have the equipment to find and remove contamination that isn't visible, and to deal with odours safely.
Just as importantly, they do this work so that family members don't have to. Seeing or cleaning the scene of a loved one's death can be deeply traumatic. It's entirely reasonable to hand it over.
What the process usually involves
Every situation is different, but most jobs follow similar steps:
- An initial conversation, often by phone, to understand the situation and access
- A site assessment, including what must be removed and what can be cleaned
- Removal of contaminated soft furnishings, flooring and materials
- Cleaning and disinfection of hard surfaces with appropriate products
- Odour treatment, which may include specialist equipment
- Safe disposal of contaminated waste as clinical or hazardous waste
- Confirmation that the area is clean, sometimes with testing
Unattended deaths
When someone dies alone and isn't found for some time, the property often needs extensive work. The police or coroner's officers will normally release the property first. Specialist cleaners can then remove affected materials, sanitise the area and deal with odours, which can otherwise linger for months.
If a property needs clearing as well, many biohazard firms also offer house clearance and cleaning or can work alongside a clearance company.
Get quotes from local cleaners
Insurance and costs
Biohazard cleaning is quoted individually because the scope varies so much. Home insurance policies sometimes cover trauma cleaning, particularly the removal and replacement of damaged flooring and furnishings. Contact the insurer before work starts if you can, and ask the cleaning company whether they can work directly with insurers.
In rented property, the landlord's insurance may be relevant. For local authority or housing association properties, the landlord usually arranges the cleaning.
Choosing a company
Look for a company that specialises in biohazard and trauma cleaning rather than a general cleaner who 'can do it'. Ask about their training, their protective equipment and procedures, their waste carrier registration and how clinical waste is disposed of, and their insurance. A good company will be calm, clear and compassionate on the phone and won't pressure you.
For less severe situations – such as cleaning after a sickness bug at home – ordinary cleaning and disinfecting is usually enough. See cleaning after a sickness bug and cleaning vs disinfecting.
Support for you
If you've been affected by a traumatic event or a sudden death, support is available. Your GP can help, and organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Support, Samaritans (116 123, free, 24 hours a day) and Support after Suicide offer support to those bereaved or affected.
