Crime Scene Cleanup: Why It’s Not a DIY Job

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When people hear the term “crime scene cleanup,” they often imagine something out of a TV show—neatly taped-off areas and professionals in hazmat suits working behind the scenes. The truth is far more complex, and far more critical to public health and safety.

At MSI, we’ve handled countless biohazard cleanup situations—from unattended deaths to trauma scenes—and we can tell you firsthand: this is not a job for amateurs or general cleaners.

What Falls Under Crime Scene and Biohazard Cleanup?

This specialized service includes:

  • Unattended deaths (including decomposition)
  • Homicides and suicides
  • Accidental injuries or industrial accidents
  • Drug lab decontamination
  • Blood and bodily fluid cleanup
  • Vehicle trauma scenes
  • Infectious disease exposure (such as COVID-19 or MRSA)

Each of these scenarios poses serious risks to health and requires legally compliant disposal of biohazardous waste.

Why You Should Never Attempt This Yourself

Here’s what most people don’t realize until it’s too late:

  • Exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and bacteria is a real and present danger.
  • Improper cleanup can lead to lingering odors, stains, or contamination, putting future occupants at risk.
  • Biohazard waste cannot be thrown in the trash. It must be packaged, labeled, and transported according to federal and state regulations.
  • Insurance can often cover the cleanup, but only if performed by a certified professional.

What Professional Cleanup Really Involves

A certified biohazard team follows strict protocols to ensure the property is truly safe:

  • Full PPE (including respirators, face shields, and suits)
  • ATP surface testing to confirm cleanliness
  • Use of hospital-grade disinfectants
  • Removal and safe disposal of contaminated materials
  • Deodorization and air purification
  • Documentation for insurance and legal purposes

This work is not just technical—it’s emotional. Families going through a traumatic event should never be left to clean up the aftermath themselves.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you know is dealing with a crime scene or biohazard situation, don’t make the mistake of calling a janitor or doing it yourself. This isn’t cleanup—it’s remediation.

MSI is certified in trauma and biohazard restoration and approaches every job with discretion, professionalism, and compassion. When lives are disrupted, we restore peace of mind—safely and legally.

How to Handle Your Property Following a Crime or Trauma Scene Investigation

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The aftermath of a crime or trauma on your property can be overwhelming, both emotionally and logistically. As you navigate this difficult time, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved in restoring your space to safety. This guide provides essential advice on handling the aftermath responsibly and with care.

Understanding the Process

When a crime or traumatic event occurs on your property, it becomes a scene of investigation. Authorities may need to keep the area secured for some time, which can delay cleaning and restoration efforts. Knowing what to expect during these investigations can help you prepare for the next steps.

Immediate Steps to Take Post-Investigation

Once the police have cleared your property, your first step should be to secure the space to prevent further damage or intrusion. Contacting a professional crime scene cleanup team like MSI is crucial, as they are trained to handle biohazards and other risks safely. If staying in your home is unsafe, consider arranging temporary accommodations.

The Role of Professional Cleanup Services

Crime and trauma scenes can contain biohazards such as bloodborne pathogens, which pose health risks. Professional cleanup teams are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to clean and disinfect the area thoroughly, ensuring it is safe for you and your family to return.

Dealing with Emotional Impacts

The emotional impact of a crime or trauma scene can be profound. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support. Professional counseling, community support groups, or talking to loved ones can be vital during this time.

Insurance and Legal Considerations

Handling insurance claims might be necessary after such incidents. Document all damages and correspondence carefully. Some policies cover crime scene cleanup, so it’s important to understand the specifics of your coverage. Additionally, keep all records in case of future legal needs.

Conclusion

The importance of professional cleanup services and emotional support cannot be overstated in times of such distress. Ensuring that your property is safely and thoroughly restored is as crucial as taking care of your psychological health.

Call to Action

If you’re facing the challenge of restoring your property after a crime or trauma scene, contact MSI. Our team offers expert and compassionate service, ensuring your space is safely returned to a peaceful state.

Why Blood Cleanup is Dangerous

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Many people find themselves in a horrid situation of discovering a loved one or even a tenant who may have committed suicide in a fashion where a room or multiple rooms are covered in blood. Exposure to blood may not seem to be a big deal, but on contrary, blood itself can be very hazardous to ones health and the risks involved in proper cleanup shouldn’t be overlooked. Human blood can expose individuals to MRSA, Hepatitis B and C, HIV and many other transmittable diseases. It is vital to understand not only the dangers involved in blood cleanup, but also why there are cleanup companies specifically trained to handle such situations. The proper cleanup and disposal of blood should and only be done by professionals certified, insured and also those who carry specific workers compensation packages in case an employee is exposed to blood. Hiring just anyone to handle a blood cleanup could result in a lawsuit costing you tens of thousands of dollars or more, so ensuring you do you due diligence will protect you and your home from potential lawsuits.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. In blood cleanup, an open wound or a function in the skin and then exposure to blood could result in an infection, so properly trained workers are aware and prepared to limit their exposure by using the proper personal protective equipment, PPE.

Consult the Professionals.

When you are faced with the terrible situation of having blood cleanup, there are companies who can help. Certified Crime & Trauma Scene Cleanup companies are specifically trained to help you get through the most difficult time with as little stress as possible, also while showing compassion and discretion. If you do need a cleanup from any type of loss which results in the spread of bodily fluid and thusly creating a potential risk of disease, you will be better suited to call a professional rather than trying to do the cleaning yourself. And most insurance carriers do have coverage for these types of losses, which can be costly depending on the scope of work needed.