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Decomposition Odor Removal and Death Cleanup Services

Removing decomposition odors from a home

Any number of things can cause an odor in the home — trauma involving an unattended death, a crime scene, hoarding or even pets. Pungent and overwhelming odors can become toxic, especially if the source is decomposing biological material.

One of the most challenging situations we face as death cleanup and odor removal specialists is unattended death — when a person dies and is not found for days, weeks, or even months. For the family affected, dealing with the aftermath of a death cleanup can be a grim experience. Considering the difficult and disturbing nature of decomposition, as well as the associated health hazards, remediating the situation should be left to professional trauma scene cleaners like Aftermath Services.

If left untreated, even the smallest amount of bacteria can grow and cause serious physical damage within the home. Airborne bacteria may cause lingering odors which, in addition to being unpleasant, can impact both the safety and well-being of future occupants.

HOW LONG AFTER DEATH DOES A BODY SMELL?

Most people are shocked to realize that it doesn’t take very long for a decomposed body to smell. In some weather conditions, the odor can begin to impact a home’s livability within a few hours after death. Often within a few days, personal property such as furniture, books, clothes and carpeting are forever ruined.

DISINFECTING DECOMPOSITION AND RECOVERING PROPERTY

Aftermath’s local crews are experienced biohazard remediation and death cleaning specialists who wear personal protective equipment and follow approved safety and disinfection procedures to help return the scene to a safe, clean state. Whether you’re looking for death cleanup or odor removal in a home, business, or apartment, Aftermath Services is available 24/7/365 to come assist you.

If required, we will remove personal property and affected structural elements, such as flooring, and dispose of them according to local, state, and federal biohazard waste regulations.

A Certificate of Treatment is issued for full-scopes of work, which can be attached to any bill of sale for the property as a disinfection guarantee. After the death cleanup process is complete, we use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) fluorescence testing, the same technology used by hospitals, to verify a high disinfection level.

We provide unattended death cleanup and death odor removal services to individual families as well as property managers and commercial customers. Aftermath’s expert technicians are available to help you 24/7, so you never have to wait for service.

WHAT ODORS SHOULD I CALL A BIOHAZARD REMOVAL COMPANY FOR?

The gases and compounds produced in a decomposing body emit distinct odors. While not all compounds produce odors, several compounds do have recognizable stenches:

  • Cadaverine and putrescine smell like rotting flesh
  • Skatole has a strong feces odor
  • Indole has a mustier, mothball-like smell
  • Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs
  • Methanethiol smells of rotting cabbage
  • Dimethyl disulfide and trisulfide have a foul, garlic-like odor

Landlords and property owners that rent to tenants are more likely to experience an unattended death at some point. Knowing what a dead body smells like is crucial in maintaining the health and safety of not only tenants, but also the physical structure of the apartment unit or building.

If you are a tenant, alert your landlord or property manager of the smell so they can call a professional to remediate the situation.

Call us or contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with questions or to learn more about our odor removal services.

Testimonials

"Exemplary Communication, Care, Attention to detail. This team deployed quickly to a biohazard situation, provided excellent advice and counsel, performed their work with integrity, and were instrumental when helping us with the insurance claim. A+++"

Randy N. - October 11, 2022

"From my initial contact with Jeanine to the final walk through with Jason, Tristan, Marquel and Fritz Aftermath services has been tremendously upfront, kind and compassionate after the death of my sister. During such a difficult time I never would have thought that I would walk away with five new friends. I am forever grateful."

Megan M. - October 10, 2022

"Aftermath Services Manager Christopher and his Assistant Manager Trainee Gabriel took care of my tenants (who was family) apartment swiftly. It was disgusting in there. Will be going back to this company if a situation arises like this in the future. Drive home safe guys and thank you for your hard work."

John I. - October 12, 2022

"I can not thank Cecily and Fernando enough for all the hard work and dedication they exerted to resolve our family crisis. Thank you both very much. You truly care about the families that you serve and it shows. "

Joseph T. - September 19, 2022

"Lacey and her team are amazing. We never experienced anything like this they walked us through process explained everything upfront even cost and went above and beyond. They were professional, compassionate and informative from minute they showed up even on a holiday. Sorry to say this hope I never need their services again but if we did Aftermath will be our 1st call. Thank you so much."

Patti B. - September 12, 2022

"The Pasadena Aftermath team did an outstanding job. Not only are they a remarkable team, they are also exceptional individuals. Over the course of the week that they were here, we got to know and trust them. They handled this unthinkable situation with grace, compassion, and the utmost respect for the victims. Words will never be able to truly capture the appreciation we have for them. When our world felt like it was hit with a tsunami, your team threw us a life preserver and told us that we will be okay again.The world needs more “Kevins”, “Jamies”, and “Hassens”, who will help lift the burden off of strangers who are facing their darkest days."

Ashlyn B. - September 5, 2022

"Sterling and Aurelia did much more than clean the scene. They were patient, kind, and very compassionate. They took good care of the property as if it was there own. Sterling and Aurelia communicated with us every step of the way. Their presence alone did much to contribute to the healing process. On top of all that, they did a fantastic job cleaning the house. To be honest, we hated to see them leave. Our family thank them both to the highest degree!!"

Tim F. - August 22, 2022

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