Dead Body Cleanup and Removal After an Unattended Death

Unattended deaths present a complex and hazardous situation that requires specialized handling. While the emotional toll of such a loss is immense, the subsequent cleanup process demands careful attention due to potential biohazards. Unlike standard cleaning, dead body cleanup and decomposition situations require certain techniques and equipment to ensure safety and thorough decontamination. This guide will outline the essential steps involved in cleaning up after an unattended death and what to do if you require dead body removal.

Who Cleans Up After A Death

When it comes to cleaning up after a body is removed, you need to be careful because there could be body fluids and decomposition matter left behind that can be hazardous to those living in the home. A team of bioremediation specialists provide decomposition cleanup services to help to restore the impacted site to a sanitary and livable condition. Aftermath Services works to alleviate the burden associated with decomposition cleanup to ensure that your property is thoroughly disinfected and restored.

Decomposition Cleanup Process

When a person dies, the natural process of decomposition begins relatively quickly, and potentially harmful bacteria are released into the affected area. Bacteria are responsible for the odor of body decomposition. It is also important to note that:

• Any porous material, including wood, carpet, drywall, or concrete, will absorb body fluids. As a result, you should never attempt to clean porous materials. A bioremediation company can properly dispose of these items for you.
• Depending on the deceased individual’s health condition, there is potential to come in contact with bloodborne pathogens.
• While decomposition is perfectly normal, traditional home cleaning solutions are not sufficient to safely clean, sanitize and disinfect areas affected by human decomposition.
• Even the smallest amount of biological material left untreated can make a residence unlivable.

After a dead body is removed, the next step is to ensure safety of current and future tenants. Several potentially dangerous aspects of a scene can affect functionality and safety, the most common being structural damage, and bloodborne pathogens.

Structural damage can occur to buildings in several ways. A crime scene may leave behind punctured drywall or shattered glass. Chemicals, blood, and other body fluids from a decomposing body can seep into the subflooring and other porous materials. Even if an area appears to be clean after a dead body is removed, it might not actually be clean. A dead body can affect a site within minutes of death.

Perhaps the most damaging component of a scene after a dead body is removed is the potential presence of bloodborne pathogens, which are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. Because bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and MRSA could be present, it’s best to call a professional bioremediation company to clean, disinfect, and restore the site.

Aftermath is a nationwide industry leader in decomposition cleanup and biohazard remediation, working with families, businesses and communities every day for nearly the last 20 years. We are fully insured, have more than 100 regional offices offering rapid emergency response, and use a proprietary disinfection process. Additionally, we provide a Certificate of Treatment, guaranteeing the area is completely disinfected and safe.