The short answer
Why You Should Not Clean It Yourself
Trauma scenes can contain bloodborne pathogens and other biohazards that pose serious health risks. Without proper training and equipment, you could expose yourself and your family to infections. Even if the visible mess seems small, microscopic contaminants can linger on surfaces and in porous materials.
Local water damage pros have the training and equipment to handle these situations. They use hospital-grade disinfectants and follow strict safety protocols. Their work is thorough, leaving your home safe for you and your loved ones to occupy again.
What to Do Immediately After the Event
Your first priority is your safety and the safety of others. Leave the area and do not touch anything. If someone is injured, call emergency services right away. If you feel unwell or have been exposed, see a doctor.
Once the scene is secured, contact your insurance company to report the incident. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Ask about coverage for cleanup and restoration. Also, check your policy to understand your responsibilities and any time limits for filing a claim.
- Do not enter the area until professionals say it is safe.
- Open windows only if you are sure no airborne hazards exist.
- Do not attempt to wipe or clean any surface yourself.
- Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
- Document the scene with photos if it is safe to do so.
- Write down everything you remember about the event for your records.
What the Pros Do During Cleanup
The pros begin by assessing the extent of the contamination. They identify all affected materials, including drywall, carpet, upholstery, and personal belongings. They then remove all biohazardous materials and dispose of them according to local regulations.
After removal, they thoroughly clean and disinfect every surface. They may use specialized equipment to clean air ducts and HVAC systems to prevent the spread of contaminants. Finally, they verify that the area is safe by testing for any remaining hazards.
Items You May Need to Replace
Some items cannot be safely cleaned and must be thrown away. Porous materials like mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture often absorb fluids and cannot be fully decontaminated. Carpet and padding usually need to be removed and replaced.
Hard surfaces like tile, glass, and metal can often be cleaned and reused. But if there is any doubt, the pros will recommend replacement to ensure your safety. They will also help you determine which of your belongings can be salvaged through professional cleaning methods.
- Mattresses and box springs
- Upholstered sofas and chairs
- Carpet and padding
- Drywall and insulation
- Clothing and linens that cannot be washed
- Cardboard boxes and paper items
How to Prepare Your Home for the Pros
You can help the pros by clearing the area of personal items that are not contaminated. Remove family photos, documents, and valuables that are not part of the affected zone. This gives the pros clear access to the contaminated areas.
Make sure your home is accessible, and provide any information you have about the event. If you live in Caldwell, keep your home layout and any floor plans handy. The pros will work efficiently, but you should not expect them to finish in a few hours. Deep cleaning after a trauma event takes time.
Need help right now?
Call (208) 729-2441 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (208) 729-2441Frequently asked questions
Can I clean a small blood spill myself?
No. Even a small spill can contain pathogens. Professional biohazard cleanup is the only safe option. You risk exposure to diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Always leave it to the pros.
Will my insurance cover the cleanup cost?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Some policies include biohazard cleanup, while others do not. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and ask about your coverage. Keep all receipts and documentation.
How long does the cleanup take?
The time depends on the size of the affected area and the extent of contamination. A small room might take a day, while a larger area could take several days. The pros will give you a timeline after they assess the scene.