If you're reading this after a death or a serious incident at home, we're sorry. This guide explains what a specialist cleaning firm does, what it should cost and the questions worth asking. You don't need to do anything today that can wait.
When cleaning can start
If the police or a coroner are involved they will tell you when the property is released. Until then nothing should be cleaned or moved. Once it is released, responsibility for the property passes back to the owner, the family or the landlord. The police don't clean scenes and won't usually recommend a particular firm, although some forces and coroners' officers can give you a list.
A good firm will be happy to talk on the phone first. Many will visit the same day or the next day in urgent cases.
Why it shouldn't be a DIY job
Blood and other bodily fluids can carry infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Fluids also soak into flooring, underlay and even floorboards so a room can look clean while contamination remains underneath. Specialist firms wear protective equipment, use hospital-grade disinfectants and remove contaminated materials safely. It also means you don't have to see or deal with something that could stay with you.
What the firm will do
- Assess. They'll ask what happened, look at the affected area (or ask for photos) and explain what needs removing.
- Quote. You should get a written quote before work starts, including waste disposal and any extra charges.
- Protect and remove. They'll seal off the area, remove contaminated items such as carpet or a mattress and bag them as clinical waste.
- Clean and disinfect. Hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected, sometimes several times. Odour treatment such as ozone or fogging may follow.
- Dispose of waste legally. Contaminated material must go to a licensed facility. Ask for a waste transfer or consignment note as proof.
- Hand back. The area should be safe to use. Some firms provide a decontamination certificate, which can help with insurers and landlords.
Most firms will set aside personal items, photos and documents for you rather than throw them away. Tell them about anything important before they start.
How much it costs
Prices vary a lot with the size of the area, how long it went unnoticed and how much has to be removed. A small, contained job may cost a few hundred pounds. An unattended death where fluids have reached the floor structure can run to several thousand once flooring, odour treatment and waste are included. Treat any price given before the firm has seen the scene or photos as a guide only.
Our guide to who pays for cleaning after a death explains when insurance or the estate may cover it.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you a registered waste carrier? (You can check the public register: the Environment Agency in England, SEPA in Scotland, Natural Resources Wales or DAERA in Northern Ireland.)
- Do you have public liability insurance and can you send the certificate?
- What training do your staff have in biohazard and bloodborne pathogen cleaning?
- Is the quote fixed and does it include waste disposal and odour treatment?
- Will you work with my insurer directly?
- Can you arrive in an unmarked van? Many firms do this as standard to protect your privacy.
Warning signs
Be cautious of anyone who turns up uninvited, pushes you to sign that day, won't put a price in writing or can't show a waste carrier registration. A respectful firm will give you time and won't make you feel rushed.
Looking after yourself
Arranging this is hard. If a friend or relative can make the calls for you, let them. Cruse Bereavement Support (0808 808 1677) offers free support after any death. If a crime was involved, Victim Support (0808 168 9111) can help whether or not it was reported. If you're struggling to cope, the Samaritans are available any time on 116 123.
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