While a biohazard cleanup sounds like a scary process, knowing what to expect can help ease your concerns and set you up for success. It’s good to note that more than one professional might be needed depending on your situation, but that will be determined during the assessment. What you can expect during a home biohazard cleanup is the following:

• Assessment: The first step in this process is for a biohazard cleanup professional to assess the damage. They create a report that includes the biohazard safety level, the needed damage cleanup, and the time it should take to complete the project. 

• Setup: The cleanup professional prepares the site to prevent cross-contamination and reduce toxicity risk. This process can include tarping and creating decontamination zones. 

• Removal of surface contamination: Any contaminated materials are removed from the area, starting with large materials followed by small ones. The professional can assess any floor-related damage once everything is removed from the site. 

• Salvaging items: The biohazard cleanup professionals assess which items can be saved and which are contaminated beyond the point of saving. Those deemed unsafe will be disposed of immediately. 

• Waste disposal: The next step is carefully disposing of the hazardous waste. Your professional will place the contaminated items in specific containers to keep the contamination from spreading.   

• Disinfection: The house will be disinfected and odor-neutralized. Even more minor details, like light switches and bulbs, will be disinfected so that they do not recontaminate the area in the future. 

• Restoration: Once the decontamination is complete, the last step is to restore the home. This includes repairing the damage to flooring, walls, or even the home's foundation.  

Ensure there’s a way to flush out excess water from the generator. There will either be a bin you can pull to dump water down the drain or a simple button if your generator is hooked up to a drainage pipe. 

 Ideally, you’ll want to drain after every shower, but there will be a mark on the generator that shows how much water it can hold. Failing to drain the generator can lead to automatic shut-offs or damage.

If you don’t want to remove the sink stopper, pour ½ cup of baking soda and 2 cups of boiling water down the drain. Start by pouring 1 cup of boiling water, then the baking soda, followed by the remaining cup of boiling water. Use caution as boiling water can damage PVC or other plastic piping. Using a scrub brush or slightly abrasive sponge, clean the top of the stopper, and run the faucet to ensure the drain is clear and the stopper is clean. 

Cleaning services typically offer a range of options. Some of the most common cleaning tasks include:

• Windows: $4–$10 per window

• Refrigerator cleaning: $10–$40

• Carpet cleaning: $75–$200

• Baseboard cleaning: $25–$75

• Laundry: $5–$20 per load

• Cabinets: $20–$50

• Polishing or waxing floors: $25–$50

• Dusting: $10–$30

• Oven cleaning: $20–$40