Human or animal waste in a home is a health hazard. Feces and urine cleanup removes waste, disinfects surfaces and gets rid of odor that soaks into floors and walls. It is common after tenant move outs, hoarding, illness, sewage problems or a home where many animals lived.
Waste can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites, and dried waste can become airborne when disturbed, so trained technicians use protective equipment and wet cleaning methods.
When you need feces and urine cleanup
- Waste on floors, walls or furniture after a tenant leaves
- Strong ammonia smell from urine
- Homes where many pets or animals lived
- Care situations where an elderly person could not keep up
- Sewage overflow from toilets
What the job involves
- Protect the area and the crew with equipment.
- Remove waste and soaked porous materials.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces.
- Treat urine in subfloors with enzyme cleaners and seal stains.
- Remove odor and dispose of 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 waste and how long it was there
- Carpet, pad or subfloor removal
- Odor treatment and sealing
- Number of rooms
Insurance
Homeowners insurance usually does not cover waste from neglect over time. Landlord policies sometimes cover tenant damage. Ask your insurer.
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, insurance and how they dispose of waste.
- California requires trauma scene waste management practitioners to register with the state.
- Florida regulates biomedical waste handling through the Department of Health.
Read our guide: animal waste and urine cleanup.
Local help for feces and urine cleanup
- Biohazard cleanup in Cleveland, OH
- Biohazard cleanup in Philadelphia, PA
- Biohazard cleanup in Pittsburgh, PA
- Biohazard cleanup in Arlington, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Atlanta, GA
- Biohazard cleanup in Aurora, CO
Quick answers: feces and urine cleanup
Is feces and urine cleanup dangerous?
Waste can carry germs and parasites, so wear protection or call professionals.
How do you remove urine odor from floors?
Enzyme cleaners, subfloor sealing and sometimes replacing pad and flooring.
Does insurance cover it?
Usually not for neglect, but landlord policies sometimes cover tenant damage.
How long does it take?
Often a day to a few days.
Who cleans up feces and urine?
A biohazard cleanup company. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Looking for feces and urine cleanup? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens guidance.
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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...