If you’re in a situation where a suicide or homicide cleanup is necessary, you’re facing something none of us plan for. You want a company that does the job right, protects your health, and treats your situation with respect. These kinds of cleanups involve blood, bodily fluids, and other materials that can carry serious health risks. That’s why picking the right company matters.
Below are seven things you should think about when you’re choosing a cleanup provider.
1. Proper Training and Safety Standards
First, you want to make sure the company follows real safety standards. Cleaning up after a traumatic event isn’t the same as regular house cleaning. Technicians need training in how to handle bloodborne pathogens and other hazards safely. In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets rules for this kind of work, including training standards and protective equipment requirements under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Companies that follow OSHA guidance know how to protect themselves and your space from unseen contamination. Ask if their technicians are trained under these standards before you hire them.
2. Experience With Suicide and Homicide Cleanup
Not every cleaning or restoration business has experience with trauma scenes. The work is very different, both technically and emotionally. You want a team that knows how to handle every kind of biohazardous material and understands how to restore the space completely.
Experience means they’re less likely to miss hidden contamination or make mistakes that could leave health hazards behind. It also means they’ve likely seen a range of situations and know what to expect.
3. Compassion and Respect for Your Privacy
These situations are emotionally heavy. You don’t want a team that treats it like any other job without sensitivity. A good cleanup company will communicate with you clearly and respectfully. They’ll explain what needs to be done, answer your questions, and respect your privacy throughout the process. If they seem rushed, dismissive, or overly sales-focused when you first talk to them, that’s not a good sign.
4. Clear Scope of Work and Pricing
A reputable company should give you a clear explanation of what they will do and what it will cost. Cleanup after a suicide or homicide can vary widely in scope depending on the damage, how much remediation is needed, and whether materials like flooring or walls need to be removed.
Ask for a written estimate. A broken‑down scope helps you compare services and protects you from surprise charges later. If pricing seems “too good to be true,” it probably is — thorough cleanup takes time, training, and equipment.
5. Insurance Experience
Cleanup after a traumatic scene often qualifies for coverage under homeowners insurance or other policies. A company that has experience working with insurance can make things easier for you. They can help with documentation and claims so you don’t have to do it all on your own.
It’s okay if the company doesn’t handle insurance for you, but they should be willing to explain how to manage it.
6. Licensing, Certifications, and Compliance
Let’s clear one thing up: there isn’t a single universal federal license that all biohazard cleanup companies must have. But reputable teams will have relevant certifications and follow recognized industry standards.
Ask about:
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen training
- Any industry certifications related to trauma, crime scene, or biohazard remediation
- Whether they follow recognized cleanup standards like the S540 trauma and crime scene cleanup guidelines.
These show they take safety and quality seriously.
7. Availability and Response Time
Timing matters. Blood and bodily fluids can soak into flooring, walls, and furniture quickly. Waiting too long can increase health risks and make cleanup more difficult. You want a company that can respond quickly and is available when you need them.
A provider that offers 24/7 emergency service is ideal. They should be able to tell you how soon they can be on site and what to do in the meantime.
Where to Look for Help
When you’re ready to start the cleanup process, you can look at local specialists like T.A.C.T. Fort Worth that offer trained and experienced trauma and biohazard cleanup services, including suicide and homicide remediation. Their team handles the technical and practical cleanup so you can focus on what matters most.
A Final Word
Choosing the right cleanup company won’t fix what you’re going through, but it can protect your health and give you one thing less to worry about. You don’t have to know every technical detail — just ask the right questions. Focus on safety, training, respect, and clear communication. That way, you can feel confident that the job will be done thoroughly and professionally.
If you ever feel unsure, take a moment to get a second opinion from another provider before you decide.
