Do the police clean up afterwards?
No. Many people assume the police or emergency services will arrange it, but they don’t. Once their work is finished, they release the property, and the clean-up becomes the responsibility of whoever owns or manages it.
As one council’s support-after-a-death guide explains, it’s a common misconception that the emergency services take care of this. Cleaning can’t begin until the police have signed off the scene, so if you’re not sure whether they’ve finished, ask them before anything is moved or cleaned.
If you’ve found out that this falls to you, there’s no need to deal with it alone or straight away. Nothing has to be done until the property has been released and you’ve had time to think.
Who is responsible for the clean-up?
It depends on the property. These are the usual positions, but leases, tenancy agreements and insurance policies can change who pays.
| Where it happened | Who usually arranges it |
|---|---|
| A privately owned home | The property owner or, if the owner has died, their next of kin |
| A rented home | Usually the landlord or managing agent, but check the tenancy agreement and talk to them first |
| A shop, office, hotel or other business | The business or whoever controls the premises, who also has duties to staff and visitors |
| Social housing | The housing provider, so contact your housing officer first |
| A public place | The council or the body that manages the land |
Can you clean it yourself?
We wouldn’t recommend it. Blood and other bodily fluids can carry harmful germs, and they can reach further into soft furnishings, flooring and gaps in a room than can be seen. There’s also the waste to think about, as it may need specialist disposal.
There’s an emotional side, too. Nobody should feel they have to clean up after something like this, particularly when someone they knew or loved was involved. A friend or relative can make the call for you, and you don’t need to be at the property while the work is done.
Does insurance cover it?
Sometimes. Cover varies from one policy to another, so it isn’t guaranteed. Before you decide who to use:
- Check your buildings and contents policies, or ask your insurer directly.
- Ask whether the insurer needs to approve the work or the cost first.
- Keep any invoice, report and waste paperwork, as your insurer may ask to see them.
- Landlords and businesses should also check their commercial policies.
If you can’t reach your insurer yet, you can still ask for a quotation so that you have what they need when you speak to them.
What does a specialist clean involve?
We keep the work as discreet as we can, and we explain each step before we start. It usually goes like this:
- A conversation first: you tell us as much or as little as you want to. We just need to know where the property is and what needs to be done.
- Risk assessment: our trained operatives assess the affected area before cleaning begins.
- Removal: affected materials are carefully taken away, using full PPE.
- Cleaning and disinfection: surfaces are cleaned and treated with certified, approved disinfectants, and the area is treated to remove any smell.
- Paperwork: you get waste disposal documents, which you can pass to a landlord, insurer or solicitor.
You can stay at the property or leave while we work, whichever you prefer.
How do you choose a specialist cleaning company?
You’re likely to be choosing at a difficult time, so here’s a short list of what to ask:
- Are you registered as a waste carrier? You can check this on the public register.
- Are you insured, and can you send proof?
- Will I get a written quotation before the work starts?
- What paperwork will I get afterwards?
- Who will be coming to the property, and how will you keep it discreet?
A good company will take its time with you and won’t put you under pressure.
Where can you get support?
Cleaning is only one small part of what you may be dealing with. These organisations can help:
- Victim Support helps anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police. Call 08 08 16 89 111.
- Samaritans are there for anyone who needs to talk, at any time. Call 116 123.
- Your GP can help if you’re struggling with what’s happened.
Read more about our crime scene and trauma cleaning, or call us on 0800 634 2771 at any time to talk through what you need.
