- Alexander Rodriguez
Crime Scene Cleanup: How Professionals Handle the Job
Table of Contents
Brought to you by ERX – Emergency Restoration Xperts
If you’ve ever watched a true crime show or seen a movie about a crime scene, chances are you’ve watched police walk through a house, detectives scribbling notes, and maybe even someone placing little yellow evidence markers on the floor. What they usually don’t show you? The people who come in after the police leave. The ones who have to deal with the mess that’s left behind.
Yep. That’s the job of crime scene cleanup professionals. And believe it or not, it’s a job that requires more than just strong stomachs. It takes compassion, training, and a very specific process.
Let’s walk through what crime scene cleanup actually looks like… and why you shouldn’t ever try to do it yourself.
First Things First: What Is a Crime Scene Cleanup?
A crime scene isn’t just about violent incidents like homicides (although those are part of it). Cleanup professionals also respond to situations like:
- Suicides or unattended deaths
- Blood or bodily fluids left at the scene
- Industrial or workplace accidents
- Drug-related situations (like meth lab contamination)
All of these situations can leave behind dangerous biological materials like bloodborne pathogens, bacteria, or harmful chemicals. That’s where people like us at ERX come in.
Step 1: Securing and Assessing the Scene
Before anything else happens, we make sure the scene is safe to enter. That includes checking with local authorities, making sure there are no ongoing investigations, and confirming that all required documentation has been cleared.
Then we assess the level of damage and what equipment we’ll need. Every job is different. A small blood spill requires different gear than a full-scale contamination from a violent event.
Step 2: Wearing the Right Protective Gear
This job is no joke. We’re talking hazard suits, respirators, gloves, goggles, and boots. Our team is trained to protect ourselves from harmful materials like:
- HIV or Hepatitis B/C
- Bacteria from decomposition
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Chemicals used in drug labs
We don’t take chances. And neither should you.
Step 3: Biohazard Removal and Disposal
Here’s where things get real. Our team carefully removes:
- Blood, tissue, and other biohazardous materials
- Porous items like carpet or bedding that can’t be cleaned
- Contaminated furniture or drywall
We use special cleaning agents, enzyme solutions, and equipment designed for biohazard cleanup. Everything that can’t be safely cleaned gets double-bagged and disposed of following local, state, and federal regulations. You can’t just toss this stuff in a dumpster.
Step 4: Deep Cleaning and Sanitizing
Once the biohazards are removed, we don’t stop there. We deep clean the area with medical-grade disinfectants and sometimes even fogging machines or ozone treatments to neutralize odors and bacteria.
We’re not just cleaning for appearances—we’re sanitizing to prevent future contamination, illness, and long-term damage.
Step 5: Odor Removal and Deodorizing
Even after everything looks clean, the smell can linger. Decomposition odors, blood, and chemical residue leave behind a stench that doesn’t just go away with Febreze.
That’s why we use industrial-strength odor removal techniques like:
- Ozone generators
- HEPA air scrubbers
- Thermal fogging
By the time we’re done, you’d never know anything happened there.
Step 6: Final Safety Inspection and Clearance
After the job is complete, we do a final walkthrough and safety check. We make sure:
- No harmful contaminants remain
- No trace of odor or staining is left
- The space is safe for reentry
Our goal is always to return the space to a clean, livable, and respectful condition. We handle everything with care because we know that someone’s life was affected here.
Why You Should Never DIY a Crime Scene Cleanup
We get it—sometimes people want to save money or keep things private. But crime scene cleanup is not a DIY job. Here’s why:
❌ It’s emotionally traumatic. Trying to clean up after a loved one’s death can cause serious psychological harm.
❌ It’s dangerous. Exposure to blood and bodily fluids without proper gear and training puts you at risk.
❌ It could violate legal regulations. Improper disposal of biohazards is illegal in many states.
❌ You probably won’t get it all. Even a missed drop of blood can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
This is one of those moments where calling in trained professionals isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
When to Call ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts)
We hope you never need our crime scene cleanup services. But if you do, know that ERX is here 24/7. Our team handles these jobs with discretion, care, and total professionalism.
We’re trained in biohazard cleanup, trauma scene response, and OSHA regulations. More importantly, we treat your situation with respect and compassion.
📞 Call ERX anytime at (866) 217-7903
🌐 Visit us at ERX247.com
FAQs About Crime Scene Cleanup
Q: Do police or fire departments handle the cleanup?
Nope. Once the investigation is done, cleanup is the responsibility of the property owner. That’s why companies like ERX exist.
Q: Does insurance cover crime scene cleanup?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover biohazard cleanup. We’ll work directly with your provider to file the claim and reduce your stress.
Q: How long does crime scene cleanup take?
It depends on the situation. Some jobs take a few hours. Others, especially those involving decomposition or large-scale damage, can take a few days.
Q: Will there be any trace left afterward?
No. Our job is to completely sanitize and deodorize the area. You won’t see or smell anything once we’re done.
Q: What if I’m not sure it’s a crime scene but there’s blood or bodily fluids?
If there are bodily fluids present, it’s a biohazard, and you should still call us. Better to be safe and protected.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning up after a traumatic event isn’t just about scrubbing away a mess. It’s about restoring a space with dignity and care. At ERX, we’re more than cleaners. We’re trained professionals who understand the emotional weight of what you’re going through.
You don’t have to handle this alone. Let us take care of the cleanup, so you can begin the process of healing.
📞 Need help right away? Call ERX at (866) 217-7903. We’re here 24/7.
