Blood Spill Cleanup: When to Call a Professional
When a blood spill occurs—whether due to an accident, trauma, or death—it’s never just a simple cleaning task. Blood is a biohazard that poses serious health risks and requires specialized handling to ensure safety, sanitation, and legal compliance. Attempting to clean up blood without professional help can lead to exposure to infectious diseases and improper biohazard disposal, potentially putting others at risk.
At PDQ Restoration, we are certified specialists in blood spill cleanup, trauma clean-up, and infectious disease decontamination. Our trained teams are available 24/7 to respond quickly and compassionately, helping homeowners, landlords, and business owners restore safety to their properties after a traumatic event.
Why Blood Spills Are Considered Biohazards
Blood and bodily fluids are classified as biohazardous materials due to the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Even small amounts of blood can carry these dangerous viruses, which remain active on surfaces for extended periods.
Beyond the health concerns, blood spills also present challenges in cross-contamination, especially when fluids come into contact with porous materials like carpets, upholstery, or wood. Federal and state guidelines, including OSHA blood cleanup standards, mandate strict protocols for handling, disinfecting, and disposing of biohazardous waste.
When to Call a Professional Blood Cleanup Team
While minor cuts or nosebleeds can often be managed with household precautions, there are many situations where professional blood cleanup services are essential:
- Significant blood loss from an accident, injury, or trauma
- Suicide cleanup or the aftermath of an unattended death
- Blood present in commercial spaces or rental properties, which may require legal documentation
- Blood that has seeped into porous surfaces like carpets, mattresses, or subfloors
- When the emotional impact of the incident makes it unsafe or overwhelming for family, staff, or witnesses to handle
In these scenarios, attempting DIY cleanup can not only be ineffective—it can also be dangerous and emotionally damaging.
The Professional Blood Cleanup Process
At PDQ Restoration, our trauma cleanup teams follow a comprehensive, OSHA-compliant protocol to ensure complete and safe restoration:
- On-Site Assessment – We begin with a detailed evaluation of the scene to identify risks and create a containment plan.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Our technicians wear specialized PPE to prevent exposure to harmful pathogens.
- Cleaning & Infectious Disease Decontamination – Using EPA-registered disinfectants, we clean and sanitize all affected areas.
- Biohazard Disposal & Hazardous Waste Removal – All contaminated materials are safely removed and disposed of in accordance with biohazard disposal
- Odor Control & Restoration – We neutralize odors and, if necessary, provide demolition and restoration services to return the property to pre-incident condition.
Why DIY Cleanup Is Risky and Often Insufficient
Homeowners and property managers often underestimate the complexity of blood spill cleanup. Standard cleaners are not effective against pathogens like HIV or Hepatitis, and improper biohazard disposal can result in health code violations or legal consequences.
There is also the emotional toll of attempting to clean a space associated with trauma or death—especially for grieving families or staff members. Moreover, many insurance providers require that biohazard clean-up be performed by licensed professionals in order to cover property damage.
Call PDQ Restoration for Emergency Biohazard Cleaning
If you’re facing the aftermath of a traumatic incident, don’t put yourself or others at risk. Call PDQ Restoration for professional blood cleanup services, available 24/7. We respond with compassion, discretion, and the highest safety standards to restore your property and peace of mind.
