Discovering an unattended death creates unique challenges beyond typical cleaning. At North West Clean Team, we've handled many unattended death scenes across the UK, and we want to help you understand this difficult process.
An unattended death occurs when someone passes away alone and isn't found immediately. When a person dies, their body starts changing right away. Within 24-48 hours, the human body releases bodily fluids as decomposition begins. These fluids can seep into carpets, floorboards, and walls, creating serious health hazards.
The physical aftermath of an unattended death scene includes bodily fluids that may contain up to 30 bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B and other harmful bacteria. The longer a body is left unattended, the more complex the cleanup process becomes.
Cleaning up after an unattended death isn't just unpleasant—it's dangerous without proper training and equipment. Here's why this task requires special care:
When our cleanup team arrives, we first assess the extent of contamination. Our technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, suits, and gloves to protect against health hazards.
The trauma cleanup process begins with securing the affected areas to prevent cross-contamination. This involved process requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of how bodily fluids travel through different materials.
Next, we remove all contaminated materials:
All hazardous materials must be properly bagged, sealed, and disposed of according to regulations. This isn't ordinary waste—it requires special handling following strict protocols.
Once affected materials are removed, we begin thorough cleaning:
This proper cleanup requires professional equipment and knowledge. Our cleaning service uses products specifically designed for biohazard situations that ordinary cleaning supplies can't match.
One of the most challenging aspects of an unattended death is eliminating unpleasant odours. When a body decomposes, it releases compounds that penetrate deeply into building materials.
We use specialized techniques to eliminate odours:
Before completing the job, we verify that the affected areas are properly sanitized. This includes:
While minor cleaning issues can be handled personally, an unattended death requires professional intervention. Many people often wonder, who cleans up after a death in North West UK? Signs that you need professional cleanup include:
In these situations, contact emergency services first, then reach out to a professional cleaning service like North West Clean Team.
Property owners have specific responsibilities when an unattended death occurs on their premises:
Responsible management of an unattended death cleanup involves understanding these obligations and ensuring they're properly met.
Beyond physical cleaning, there's a significant emotional toll associated with handling an unattended death scene. Family members who attempt cleanup themselves often face trauma that can lead to lasting psychological effects.
Professional cleaners provide not just technical expertise but also emotional support by:
When selecting a cleaning company to handle unattended death cleanup, consider:
Professional cleanup for an unattended death typically costs between £300-£2,500 in the UK, depending on:
While this represents a significant expense, most property insurance policies cover biohazard cleanup. More importantly, professional remediation ensures safety and complete restoration of the space.
The cleanup process varies somewhat depending on whether the unattended death resulted from natural causes or involved trauma:
Natural Causes:
Traumatic Death:
Each situation requires a tailored approach based on the specific circumstances.
At North West Clean Team, we understand that dealing with an unattended death is one of the most challenging situations a property owner can face. Our experienced professionals provide:
We handle the cleanup process so you can focus on emotional recovery during this difficult time.
For professional, compassionate unattended death cleanup services, contact North West Clean Team today for a free quote.
