The short answer
What It Actually Involves
Crime scene cleanup goes far beyond wiping down surfaces. It means removing all biological materials, including blood, tissue, and other fluids, from walls, floors, carpets, and personal belongings. The goal is to leave the space safe for anyone who enters afterward.
The process requires professional-grade disinfectants, protective gear, and special equipment. Pros also handle the proper disposal of biohazardous waste, which is regulated by law. Without this level of care, serious health risks can remain even after visible stains are gone.
- Blood and fluid removal from all surfaces
- Disinfecting with hospital-grade chemicals
- Safe disposal of contaminated items
- Deodorizing to remove lingering odors
- Checking hidden areas like under flooring
- Documentation for insurance purposes
Why You Should Not Do It Yourself
Attempting to clean a crime scene yourself is dangerous. Blood and bodily fluids can carry viruses and bacteria that cause serious illness. Even small amounts of dried blood can pose a risk if you touch it without proper protection.
Pros have the right training, equipment, and knowledge to handle these hazards safely. They know how to contain contamination, use the right chemicals, and dispose of waste according to regulations. Trying to save money by doing it yourself can put your health at risk.
When You Might Need This Service
You may need crime scene cleanup after a violent incident, an unattended death, or a serious accident in your home. It can also be necessary after a suicide, a homicide, or a traumatic injury that left blood behind. Sometimes it is required after a police investigation has finished.
If you are facing this situation, the property may be unsafe to enter until cleanup is complete. You should not touch anything or try to clean up while waiting for help. Contact the pros as soon as possible to begin the process and make the area safe again.
What the Pros Do Step by Step
The first step is assessing the scene to understand the extent of contamination. Pros then set up containment to prevent spreading biohazards to other areas. They remove all contaminated materials, including porous items like carpet and drywall that cannot be fully cleaned.
After removal, they thoroughly clean and disinfect every affected surface, often using specialized equipment like HEPA vacuums and foggers. Finally, they deodorize the area and verify that it is safe. The work is done carefully and methodically, but the exact time depends on the size and severity of the scene.
How to Handle Insurance and Costs
The cost of crime scene cleanup can vary widely, often ranging from hundreds to several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the contamination, the size of the area, and the materials involved. Your homeowner's policy or other insurance may cover some or all of the expense, but coverage depends on your specific policy and the details of the incident.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to ask about your coverage. Keep any documentation the pros provide, as that may help with your claim. If you live in Mesa, keep those documents in a safe place for easy access.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesa and nearby communities.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
Is crime scene cleanup the same as regular cleaning?
No. Regular cleaning removes dirt and clutter, but crime scene cleanup deals with biohazards that can cause disease. It requires special training, protective gear, and disposal methods that standard cleaners do not have.
How long does crime scene cleanup take?
The time depends on the size of the scene and how much contamination there is. A small room might take a few hours, while a larger area could take a full day or more. The pros will assess the situation and give you a sense of the timeline.
Can I stay in my home during the cleanup?
It is usually not safe to stay in the home while cleanup is happening. The pros need to contain the area and use strong chemicals. You should plan to be elsewhere until the work is complete and the space is declared safe.