Professional virus and bacteria disinfection cleans and disinfects a home after an infectious illness, a sewage problem, an unattended death or before a vulnerable person moves in. Technicians use disinfectants registered with the EPA and follow the label directions for contact time.
It goes further than regular cleaning by targeting high touch surfaces, soft furnishings and air systems.
When you need virus and bacteria disinfection
- After a serious infectious illness in the home
- After sewage, blood or bodily fluid contamination
- Before a newborn or someone with a weak immune system moves in
- After a hoarding or animal waste cleanup
What the job involves
- Clean surfaces first to remove dirt and residue.
- Apply EPA registered disinfectants with the right contact time.
- Treat high touch surfaces and soft furnishings.
- Replace HVAC filters and treat air systems where needed.
- Document the work.
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:
- Size of the home
- Level of contamination
- Soft furnishings and contents
- Air system treatment
Insurance
Insurance usually does not cover routine disinfection, but it may be part of a covered claim after sewage backup, an unattended death or trauma.
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 references.
- California requires trauma scene waste management practitioners to register with the state.
- Florida regulates biomedical waste handling through the Department of Health.
Local help for virus and bacteria disinfection
- Biohazard cleanup in Atlanta, GA
- Biohazard cleanup in Los Angeles, CA
- Biohazard cleanup in Philadelphia, PA
- Biohazard cleanup in Arlington, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Aurora, CO
- Biohazard cleanup in Charleston, SC
Quick answers: virus and bacteria disinfection
What disinfectants do professionals use?
Products registered with the EPA for the germs involved, used as the label directs.
Is fogging enough?
Fogging alone is not enough. Surfaces must be cleaned first and disinfectant left on for the right time.
Does insurance cover disinfection?
Usually only as part of a covered claim.
How long does disinfection take?
Often a few hours to a day for a typical home.
Who does home disinfection?
A biohazard cleanup company. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Looking for virus and bacteria disinfection? 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...