Blood Spill Cleanup in North Beach / Blue Ridge, Seattle, WA

No single product is best for every surface. Blood is lifted first, then the area is disinfected with a product made for bloodborne pathogens. Porous materials such as carpet or drywall often have to be removed instead of cleaned.

Cleanup begins only after law enforcement releases the scene. A crime scene cleaning team then removes blood, bodily fluids and contaminated materials, disinfects the affected area and treats odor. Family members should not clean it themselves.

Bleach can disinfect some hard surfaces when it is used by the label, but it does not reach blood that has soaked into porous materials. It should never be mixed with other cleaners because the fumes can be dangerous. A cleanup team uses a full process.

Surface stains may lift, but blood that soaked through carpet and padding can sit in the subfloor and keep carrying germs and odor. In that case the soaked carpet and padding are cut out and disposed of as waste.

Employers have to protect workers who may be exposed, and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies. A small spill may be cleaned up by staff who have the right training and supplies on site. Larger spills or blood that soaked in call for a commercial blood cleanup team.

Many homeowners policies cover crime or death cleanup after the deductible, but an ordinary injury may not be covered. Renters policies often cover cleanup but not the building. Call the insurer before cleanup starts, take photos and keep every receipt.