How To Clean Up After A Death In A Home

According to Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC.
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Cleaning up after a death requires a sensitive and methodical approach such as that provided by Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC. The most important first step, especially if bodily fluids are involved, is to prioritize safety. 

 

Important Safety Note For scenes involving significant blood or bodily fluids, professional biohazard cleaners are strongly recommended.

 

Bodily fluids can carry bloodborne pathogens and require specific personal protective equipment (PPE), hospital-grade disinfectants, and legal disposal methods that the average person may not have access to. Most jobs are covered by insurance policies, so it is best to check with your provider. 

 

If you choose to handle a minor cleanup yourself (e.g., a small spill), follow strict safety protocols.  General Estate Clean Up (No Biohazards)

 

If the cleanup is related to clearing out the deceased's belongings, but does not involve biohazards, you can follow these steps:

• Secure Important Documents Before anything else, locate and secure important documents such as the will, insurance policies, and financial records.
• Plan and Set a Timeline Break the task into manageable steps and set a realistic timeline, as this process can be emotionally and physically demanding. Consider starting with the least sentimental rooms (e.g., bathroom or kitchen) to build momentum.
• Sort Items into Categories Go room by room and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or dispose.
  • Keep items of sentimental or significant value.
  • Donate usable items to charity.
  • Sell high-value items through an appraiser or estate liquidator if desired.
  • Dispose of unusable goods or trash (e.g., expired food, broken items). Consider renting a dumpster for large amounts of junk.
• Ask for Help Don't be afraid to ask family members or friends for help. This also allows others to share memories and select items they may want to keep.
• Clean the Property Once items are removed, thoroughly clean the space. Disinfect surfaces, wash fabrics in the hottest water possible, and use air purifiers for any lingering odors.
• Seek Professional Help if Overwhelmed If the task is too large or emotionally difficult, professional estate cleanout services are available to help manage the process with respect. 

 

Biohazard or Trauma Scene Clean Up If the situation involves blood, bodily fluids, or an unattended death, you must take specific precautions or hire a professional: 

• Stop and Assess The first step is to assess the scene and identify all biohazards.
• Wear Proper PPE If proceeding, you must wear appropriate personal protective equipment: at minimum, disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection (goggles or a face shield).
• Contain and Absorb Isolate the area and use disposable paper towels or an absorbent material to soak up as much of the fluid as possible. Place all contaminated materials into properly labeled red biohazard bags or puncture-resistant containers for sharps.
• Clean and Disinfect Wash the area with detergent and water. Then, disinfect the contaminated surface using a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water (or a hospital-grade disinfectant), ensuring it stays wet for the required contact time (usually 10 minutes).
• Dispose of Waste Legally It is illegal to throw away most body fluids and contaminated materials in regular trash. You must dispose of them according to local, state, and federal regulations. Contact your local health department or garbage collection office for instructions, or rely on a professional service which will handle this for you.
• Deodorize and Ventilate Ensure the area is well-ventilated during and after the process. Use professional deodorizers if needed.
• Contact a Professional Due to the risks, it is best to contact a professional, discreet, and certified biohazard cleaning service, such as Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC, to ensure the space is fully sanitized and safe.