Why You Should Never Clean a Crime Scene Yourself

After a crime, suicide, or traumatic death, the natural instinct for many families is to clean up as quickly as possible. The desire to restore normalcy is completely understandable. But cleaning a crime scene yourself is one of the most dangerous things you can do — for both your physical health and your emotional well-being.

As someone who spent over 20 years as a police officer and crime scene technician, I've seen the consequences of well-meaning family members attempting cleanup without proper training or equipment. Here's why it's so important to leave this work to professionals.

The Hidden Health Dangers

Blood and bodily fluids aren't just unpleasant — they're potentially deadly. Here are the specific health risks you face when handling biohazardous materials without proper protection:

Bloodborne Pathogens

Blood can carry HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. These viruses can survive outside the body for days — even in dried blood. A single accidental cut, splash, or contact with a mucous membrane can lead to infection.

Bacterial Infections

Decomposition creates an environment where dangerous bacteria thrive — including MRSA, E. coli, and C. difficile. These can enter your body through cuts, inhalation, or contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Chemical Exposure

The decomposition process releases gases and chemicals that are harmful when inhaled. In enclosed spaces, these can cause respiratory distress, nausea, and long-term lung damage.

Household Cleaning Products Aren't Enough

Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and store-bought disinfectants are designed for everyday messes — not biohazardous materials. Here's why they fall short:

Bleach doesn't penetrate porous materials like wood, carpet, or concrete where blood and fluids absorb
Standard cleaning can't reach biohazards that have seeped into subfloor, wall cavities, or HVAC systems
Without HEPA filtration, cleaning can release dangerous particles into the air you breathe
Improper disposal of biohazardous waste violates federal and state regulations
Residual contamination invisible to the naked eye can remain for months or years

The Emotional Toll

Beyond the physical dangers, cleaning a crime or trauma scene — especially one involving a loved one — can cause severe psychological trauma. PTSD, flashbacks, anxiety, and depression are common among people who attempt to clean these scenes themselves. The images and sensory experiences can be impossible to forget.

This is one of the most important reasons to call a professional. You've already been through enough. Let someone trained to handle these situations take this burden off your shoulders.

What Professional Cleanup Involves

Professional biohazard remediation is a systematic, thorough process that goes far beyond surface cleaning. Here's what we do that you simply can't replicate at home:

Full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) — 3M respirators, Tyvek suits, latex gloves, eye protection, and hard hats
HEPA air filtration — Our Abestorm Filteair HEPA 550 units filter airborne particles from 800 sq ft with triple filters
Professional-grade, human-safe chemicals — We use RMR brand products that are safe for humans and animals
Proper biohazard waste disposal — Through our Pureway Compliance system, meeting all federal and state regulations
Deep structural cleaning — We clean surfaces you can't see, including inside walls, under flooring, and in HVAC systems
Odor elimination — Professional deodorization that eliminates smells at the source, not just masks them
Full documentation — Photos, measurements, and reports for insurance claims

Legal Considerations

In New York State, biohazardous waste must be disposed of according to specific regulations set by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Labor. Improper disposal can result in fines and legal liability.

Professional cleanup companies like ours maintain all required certifications and follow strict protocols for waste handling and disposal. We're certified by the NYS Department of Labor, NYS DEC, and IICRC, and we recertify regularly to stay current with all regulations.

The Bottom Line

We understand the urge to take control and clean up after a traumatic event. But this is one situation where calling a professional isn't a luxury — it's a necessity. Your health, your family's health, and your emotional well-being are too important to risk.

At Post Trauma Scene Decon, we respond within hours, work with your insurance, and treat every family with the compassion and dignity they deserve. You don't have to face this alone.