Decomposition Cleanup: What Homeowners Need to Know

When a loved one passes away and the death goes undiscovered for some time, the emotional toll is profound — but so are the physical risks. Decomposition begins within hours, leading to biological hazards, overwhelming odors, and serious damage to property. Attempting to clean a death scene without professional help is not only dangerous but can also worsen contamination.

At PDQ Restoration, we understand the trauma involved in these situations. Our experienced team provides discreet, certified decomposition cleanup and trauma clean-up services — helping families and property owners navigate this difficult time with compassion, care, and professionalism.

What Happens During Human Decomposition

The human decomposition process starts quickly. Within hours after death, the body begins to break down, releasing gases, blood, bodily fluids, and bacteria. These substances can soak into porous materials like flooring, subfloors, drywall, furniture, and even enter HVAC systems — spreading contaminants and odors throughout the home.

This isn’t just a cleaning task. It’s a serious biohazard clean-up situation requiring specialized training, equipment, and hazardous waste removal techniques to fully restore the scene and protect health.

Why Professional Cleanup Is Required

Cleaning up after an unattended death or severe decomposition is not something families should attempt on their own. Here’s why professional decomposition cleanup is essential:

• Health Risks: Decomposing remains release harmful pathogens, bacteria, and airborne toxins that pose infection risks.
• Proper Decontamination: Only trained technicians can effectively remove blood, bodily fluids, and waste while ensuring full biohazard disposal in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and state regulations.
• Psychological Burden: Exposure to a death scene can be deeply traumatic for loved ones. Allowing professionals to handle it spares families additional emotional distress.
• Odor and Structural Damage: Persistent odors and bacteria can linger without proper odor removal services and disinfection methods.

The PDQ Decomposition Cleanup Process

PDQ Restoration follows a meticulous, safe, and compassionate approach to every professional decomposition cleaning project:

1. Site Assessment & Containment
   We evaluate the affected area, secure the scene, and control contamination spread with protective barriers.
2. Protective Equipment & Air Filtration
   Our team wears full PPE and deploys HEPA air scrubbers to protect against airborne pathogens.
3. Blood and Bodily Fluid Cleanup
   All biological matter is removed, including fluids that may have seeped into furniture, carpets, or floors.
4. Biohazard Waste Removal & Disposal
   We ensure all contaminated items are properly handled and transported for certified biohazard disposal.
5. Deep Cleaning & Deodorization
   We perform extensive sanitization, deodorization, and infectious disease decontamination using industrial-grade cleaners and odor removal
6. Structural Remediation
   If necessary, we remove and restore affected materials like subflooring, drywall, and insulation.

Signs That Professional Cleanup Is Needed

Not sure if you need expert help? You should contact us immediately if:

• There’s a strong, persistent odor despite ventilation
• Stains are visible on floors, carpets, or walls
• You notice bodily fluids, pests, insects, or maggots
• The individual was deceased for multiple days or longer
• The scene is too emotionally difficult to manage

These signs indicate that death scene cleaning services and certified biohazard remediation are urgently needed.

Compassionate Support During a Difficult Time

PDQ Restoration prioritizes discretion and empathy throughout the cleanup process:

• Unmarked Vehicles Available Upon Request
• Coordination with Authorities: We work closely with law enforcement, coroners, or property managers when necessary.
• Insurance Claim Assistance: We help families handle documentation and claims to ease the financial burden.

Contact PDQ for Discreet Decomposition Cleanup Services

If you are facing the aftermath of an unattended death, don’t take on the cleanup alone. Trust PDQ Restoration’s certified trauma scene professionals for safe, thorough biohazard clean-up, blood and bodily fluid cleanup, and odor removal services — available 24/7.