Strong odors after an unattended death, a trauma or long term hoarding come from bodily fluids and decay that have soaked into materials. Air fresheners and ordinary cleaning cannot remove them. Biohazard odor removal finds and removes the source first, then treats the air and surfaces.
Technicians combine removal of contaminated materials, enzyme cleaners, sealing of subfloors and walls, and air treatment such as hydroxyl generators or ozone in empty homes.
When you need biohazard odor removal
- Odor after an unattended death that was found late
- Lingering smell after trauma or crime scene cleanup
- Strong ammonia and decay smells after hoarding or animal waste
- Odor that returns on warm days
What the job involves
- Find and remove the source, including subfloor and drywall where needed.
- Clean and disinfect remaining surfaces.
- Seal surfaces with an odor blocking primer.
- Treat the air, with ozone only when the home is empty.
- Check that the odor is gone before rebuilding.
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 long the source was present
- How far fluids spread into flooring and walls
- Materials removed and rebuilt
- Air treatment time
- HVAC duct cleaning if odor entered the system
Insurance
Odor removal is usually part of the biohazard cleanup claim after an unattended death or trauma. Ask your insurer early, and ask the cleanup company to document each step.
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 training and insurance.
- California requires trauma scene waste management practitioners to register with the state.
Read our guide: how to help someone with hoarding disorder.
Local help for biohazard odor removal
- Biohazard cleanup in Atlanta, GA
- Biohazard cleanup in Dallas, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Philadelphia, PA
- Biohazard cleanup in Arlington, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Aurora, CO
- Biohazard cleanup in Charleston, SC
Quick answers: biohazard odor removal
Why does the smell come back?
The source remains in subfloors, drywall or ducts. Removing the source is the only lasting fix.
Is ozone safe?
Only in an empty home, used by professionals, with the home aired out afterwards.
Can family members remove the odor?
Not safely after a death or trauma. It involves bodily fluids and needs protective equipment.
Does insurance cover odor removal?
Often as part of covered biohazard cleanup.
Who removes biohazard odors?
A biohazard cleanup company. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Looking for biohazard odor removal? 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.
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- What happens after an unattended death at homeCall 911 first.
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