What does decomposition cleanup mean?
Decomposition cleanup is the remediation of a property after a death has remained undiscovered and biological fluids, odor or contaminated materials have affected the surrounding area. It is a specialized cleanup problem because contamination can extend beyond what is immediately visible.
Why ordinary household cleaning may not be enough
Household cleaning focuses on visible dirt and routine sanitation. Decomposition remediation requires a different assessment: what material was affected, how deeply contamination traveled, what can be cleaned, and what may need to be removed.
What materials may be affected?
- Carpet and carpet padding
- Flooring and subflooring
- Drywall or other porous building materials
- Furniture and personal property
- Non-porous surfaces that require cleaning and disinfection
What happens during a professional cleanup?
- Assessment: identify the affected area and likely contamination pathway.
- Containment: control access and limit unnecessary spread into unaffected areas.
- Removal: remove materials that cannot be appropriately restored.
- Cleaning: clean and disinfect salvageable surfaces using appropriate products and procedures.
- Odor remediation: address residual odor after the source has been handled.
- Handoff: document the completed scope and identify any repair/restoration work that remains.
What should you do after discovering a death?
If the death has not already been handled by the appropriate authorities, contact emergency services and follow their instructions. Once the property has been released for cleanup, keep unnecessary people and pets away from the affected area and avoid disturbing contaminated materials until the scope is assessed.
When should you call a decomposition cleanup company?
Call when the property has biological contamination, persistent decomposition odor, affected porous materials or a scope that you cannot safely manage. Early assessment can clarify the work before additional materials are disturbed.