The loss of a loved one is a difficult and emotional experience that can leave families and friends feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks, including cleaning.
To support individuals and families during this challenging time, we present a guide to help with the process of cleaning up the home after a loss. Our aim is to provide guidance and support toward a path of recovery and the ability to move forward.
Call The Local Police Department
In the aftermath of a tragic loss, the discovery of a loved one’s passing in their home can result in overwhelming emotions. The appropriate first step in such a situation is to contact the local law enforcement agency to report the incident and initiate an investigation.
After the investigation is complete, it is advisable to engage the services of a specialized trauma cleanup company to safely and effectively remove any potential biological hazards from the residence.
10 Cleaning Tips After The Loss Of A Loved One
In case you need to go through this process alone, here are some tips on how to clean your home after the police department finishes its investigation:
- Begin by gathering supplies: rubber gloves, garbage bags, cleaning agents (such as bleach and disinfectant), paper towels, rags, and buckets. Wear rubber gloves while you’re cleaning.
- Identify any hazardous materials present in the home, such as medications or chemicals, and dispose of them properly.
- Remove any visible debris or dirt from walls, floors, furniture, and other surfaces using a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner.
- Thoroughly clean all surfaces in the home with an appropriate cleaning agent and a rag or sponge. Pay special attention to high-touch areas, such as door knobs and light switches, which multiple people may have handled.
- Dispose of used paper towels after each use and wash rags/sponges thoroughly between uses in hot water with detergent, followed by a rinse cycle of bleach water (1 Tbsp per gallon).
- Open windows to air out rooms whenever possible.
- Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all organic matter (including blood, saliva, vomit, etc.). These cleaners break down proteins left behind by these substances so they can be removed without scrubbing excessively hard on the surface where they are located, which could cause further damage to furniture or walls.
- If carpets need to be cleaned, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner with experience with trauma scenes and who is trained to handle them safely and appropriately for best results. If this is not possible, it may be necessary to rent a steam cleaner.
- Launder all removable linens such as sheets, blankets, drapes, etc., separately in hot water with laundry detergent followed by a rinse cycle of bleach water (1 Tbsp per gallon). Consider replacing these items if they cannot be completely cleaned due to excessive staining or contamination.
- Sanitize all surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant before putting things back into place—this will help prevent any spread of germs from person-to-person contact and reduce the risk of disease transmission from “invisible” contaminants.
- Finally, once everything has been sanitized, allow it to dry before putting it back into place—this will help ensure no residual moisture remains on items that could cause mold growth over time.
While it is possible to undertake after-death cleanup on your own, it can be a physically and emotionally challenging task. To alleviate the burden, it is recommended to engage the services of a professional after-death cleanup company. With their expertise, specialized equipment, and compassion, they can efficiently restore your home to its pre-incident state and provide a stress-free experience during this difficult time.
Professional After-Death Cleanup Company In San Diego, CA
At Clean Earth Restorations, we understand the grief and difficulty associated with an unexpected death. We are here to help you through this challenging time by providing after-death cleanup services as well as crime scene cleanup services in San Diego, CA.
Clean Earth Restorations provides specialized after-death cleanup services, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to ensure thorough and efficient sanitization of your home. Our compassionate and discreet professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional service to families during this difficult time.
We are committed to being the leading provider of after-death cleanup services, ensuring a safe and rapid return to normalcy for our clients. For further information or to request a free estimate, please reach out to us promptly.