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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.  

You can use the baking soda and vinegar mixture as described above, or you can use an oven cleaner you find at a hardware or big-box store. Just follow the label’s cleaning instructions and keep cleaners away from coils and other heating elements.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies can help cover the cost of biohazard cleanings for specific events. Biohazard events like unattended death, infectious disease, and medical emergency are generally covered, as are flooring and drywall repairs. It’s best to check with your insurance company to see what is specifically covered.

You can clean a bathroom in five minutes, but you won’t be able to do a deep or thorough cleaning. Five minutes is not enough time to properly clean and disinfect a bathroom, but can allow you to touch up the space before guests arrive. You can surface clean a bathroom in five minutes by wiping down the countertop, faucet, sink, and mirror, along with quickly scrubbing the toilet and wiping down the handle and toilet seat.