Blood cleanup is a biohazard job. Blood can carry bloodborne pathogens, and it soaks into carpet, subfloors, mattresses and porous surfaces far deeper than it appears. Professional cleaners remove what cannot be disinfected and disinfect what can, so the home is safe again.
Families should not clean up significant amounts of blood themselves. Trained technicians wear protective equipment, follow OSHA bloodborne pathogen practices and dispose of contaminated materials as regulated waste.
When you need blood cleanup
- After an accident or injury at home
- After an unattended death or a suicide
- After a crime, once police release the scene
- Blood on vehicles, furniture or mattresses
What the job involves
- Assess where blood has spread, including under flooring.
- Set up containment and protective equipment.
- Remove contaminated porous materials such as carpet, pad and drywall.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces, and test for remaining contamination.
- Deodorize and dispose of regulated waste properly.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- How much area is affected and how long before cleanup
- Porous materials that must be removed
- Subfloor and structural cleaning
- Regulated waste disposal
- Repairs after cleanup
Insurance
Homeowners insurance often helps with cleanup after an unattended death, suicide or violent crime in the home. Crime victim compensation programs in many states may help eligible victims with cleanup costs after a crime.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Most states do not license biohazard cleanup companies, so ask about bloodborne pathogen training and insurance.
- California requires trauma scene waste management practitioners to register with the state.
- Florida regulates biomedical waste handling through the Department of Health.
Read our guides: what happens after an unattended death and who pays for biohazard cleanup.
Local help for blood cleanup
- Biohazard cleanup in Dallas, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Houston, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Los Angeles, CA
- Biohazard cleanup in Washington, DC
- Biohazard cleanup in Arlington, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Atlanta, GA
Quick answers: blood cleanup
Who cleans up blood after a death or injury?
A trained biohazard cleanup company. Police and medical examiners do not clean up.
Is it safe to clean up blood myself?
Small amounts with gloves and disinfectant may be fine. Larger amounts need professionals because of bloodborne pathogens.
Does insurance cover blood cleanup?
Often after sudden events such as an unattended death or crime. Ask your insurer.
How long does blood cleanup take?
Often one to a few days, depending on how far it spread.
Is biohazard cleanup available 24 hours?
Calls to the number on this page are answered 24 hours a day.
Looking for blood cleanup? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens guidance.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
Helpful guides
- Animal waste and urine cleanup in homesSmall pet accidents can be cleaned with enzyme cleaners.
- Toilet overflow: how to stop it and clean up safelyStop the water first: lift the float or take off the tank lid and push the flapper down,...
- How to help someone with hoarding disorderStart with patience and respect, not a surprise cleanout.
- How to clean up rodent droppings safelyDo not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, which can put virus particles into the air.
- What happens after an unattended death at homeCall 911 first.
- Who pays for biohazard cleanup?Usually the property owner is responsible, but homeowners or renters insurance often pays when the cleanup follows a...