How To Choose the Right Crime Scene Cleanup Company 

The emotional toll of dealing with a crime scene goes beyond the visible challenges, it’s an overwhelming experience that requires care, expertise, and sensitivity. 

It’s not just about cleaning, it’s about restoring safety, rebuilding security, and helping those who have been impacted after an exceptionally difficult time with compassion and professionalism. 

In this guide, we’re going to cover what crime scene cleanup includes, why professional cleaning services are a necessity, and what criteria you need to analyze to choose the best company for this job. 

What Is Crime Scene Cleanup? 

Crime scene cleanup is a specialized service designed to clean and restore areas affected by traumatic events, such as accidents, crimes, or unattended deaths, to a safe and livable condition.  

This process often includes cleaning up blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials, which are unsafe to handle without proper protection and precautions. 
Crime scene cleanup is a delicate and technical process that goes well beyond basic cleaning. It requires specialized equipment, strict adherence to health and safety regulations, and expertise to handle any type of issue that happens during the process. 

Crime scene cleaning professionals don’t just clean visible areas; they tend to microscopic risks, too.

Chemicals like luminol may have been used by first responders to detect hidden traces of blood, which also need to be removed and decontaminated. 

Why You Need a Professional Crime Scene Cleanup Company 

Once a crime scene has been cleared by authorities, a certified cleanup company ensures the space is safely and thoroughly restored according to biohazard standards 

Here’s why you need a professional cleanup crew: 

1. Biohazard Contamination and Health Risks 

If you’re exposed to residues such as blood that can cause cross-contamination in crime scenes, there’s a risk of contracting diseases . 
Pro tip: Pathogens can stay on surfaces for an extended period after a spill, so make sure you use specialized cleaning services. 

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance 

Crime scene cleanup isn’t just about cleaning, it’s about adhering to local, state, and federal regulations.  

Handling biohazard crime scenes without proper knowledge or equipment can result in penalties and legal liabilities.  

Compliance with regulatory standards from OSHA and EPA in this type of work is extremely important. 

Pro tip: Check if a company is certified and insured to handle biohazard cleaning services in compliance with regulatory standards before hiring. 

3. Top-Tier Equipment and Expertise 

In most cases, crime scene cleanup requires more than household cleaning supplies.  

Professional cleanup companies use equipment such as: 

• Industrial-grade disinfectants for proper sanitization

• Air scrubbers 

• Personal protective gear 

• Ozone generators 

• Thermal foggers 

• Biohazard waste containers 

• Specialized tools for structural repairs 

Pro tip: Find a company that is certified in biohazard cleanup with commercial-grade equipment, as some companies lack the proper tools or training for the job. 

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Crime Scene Cleanup Company 

When selecting a crime scene cleanup company, you’re entrusting professionals to handle a sensitive and potentially hazardous situation.  

When choosing a company for this job, check: 

1. Experience and Certifications 

Companies with less experience in this field might not be adapted to the various situations this job entails. 

This is why the risks and complexity of these jobs need to be handled by a professional who is used to diverse situations such as trauma scenes, structural repairs and biohazard remediation. 

Check for certifications like OSHA compliance, IICRC accreditation, or local health department approvals. These credentials ensure the team follows proper safety protocols and meets regulatory standards. 

2. Response Time and Availability 

After a traumatic event, no emergency should wait. Search for a company that is available for you at all times and guarantees quick response to scene. 

If a company can get to a scene fast, it ensures the affected area is secured, reduces the possibility of cross-contamination and prevents further damage to your property. 

A quick response time can also reduce cleanup costs, as immediate action reduces the chances of mold growth, structural damage and mold remediation. 

3. Services Offered 

Crime scene cleaning goes beyond cleaning residues and removing infectious materials.

Look for a company that provides structural repairs, odor neutralization, and assistance navigating the restoration process with clarity and care. 

A full-service company ensures you won’t need to hire multiple vendors to restore your property. 

4. Insurance Assistance and Crime Scene Cleanup Cost 

Financial documentation and insurance assistance is sometimes what cleanup companies lack.  
Try to find a company that assists with insurance claims, providing clear documentation to simplify the process. 

Also, always request a detailed estimate upfront.

Transparent pricing helps you avoid surprises and ensures you’re prepared for costs related to materials and labor. 

5. Customer Reviews and Reputation 

Word of mouth and online reviews are essential tools for evaluating a company’s reliability and professionalism. They can provide much-needed clarity and confidence during a stressful time. 

Focus on reviews that highlight timely response, meticulous attention to detail, and compassionate support.

Choosing a company known for empathy and professionalism ensures you’re working with experts who prioritize both the technical and emotional aspects of crime scene cleanup. 

Crime Scene Cleanup Services Process Explained 

Crime scene cleanup is a delicate process that puts safety, restoration and compassion as number one priority. 

Here’s how it’s done step by step: 

• Analysis and containment: Professionals evaluate the scene which includes hazard identification and securing the area. 

• Biohazard removal: If there is any residue that can cause cross-contamination such as blood or bodily fluids, they are safely removed. 

• Cleaning and sanitization: Using EPA-approved disinfectants, every surface is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate pathogens. 

• Odor neutralization: Advanced techniques, such as ozone treatments or thermal fogging, are employed to remove lingering odors completely. 

• Structural repair and restoration: Damaged areas are repaired or replaced to restore the property to its original condition. 

• Final inspection and documentation: A comprehensive review ensures the area is fully restored, and detailed reports are provided for insurance or legal purposes. 

Professional Crime Scene Cleanup Service With BELFOR 

At BELFOR, we strive for immediate action and support if you’re in need of crime scene cleanup services. 

We’re a highly trained team focused on restoring your property safely and in compliance with all biohazard protocols, so you can focus on what matters most. 

When you choose us, you can expect: 

• Expert biohazard remediation: Our trained technicians safely remove contaminants and thoroughly sanitize affected areas, adhering to all OSHA and EPA guidelines. 

• Rapid response: One call to our 24-hour hotline activates our emergency response team, ensuring we’re on-site quickly to minimize risks and damage. 

• Comprehensive restoration: From cleaning and deodorizing to structural repairs, we restore your property to a safe and livable condition. 

• Discreet and compassionate care: We handle every situation with the utmost sensitivity and respect, prioritizing your privacy and peace of mind. 

• Trusted industry leadership: With over 70 years of experience, BELFOR is the name you can rely on for unparalleled expertise in challenging cleanup scenarios. 
   

We also provide cleanup services such as:

• Water removal
• Smoke damage removal
• Flood damage cleanup

Schedule your professional crime scene cleanup with BELFOR today. We’re here, ready to help when you need us most.