What Is Biohazard Cleaning?

Biohazard cleaning is the professional process of removing, disinfecting, and safely disposing of biological materials that can pose serious health risks.

These materials can include:

• Blood and bodily fluids
• Urine, feces, and vomit
• Decomposition and tissue remnants
• Animal waste, carcasses, and rodent contamination

Biohazard cleanup is most often needed after situations like a trauma or crime scene, an unattended death, a serious accident, hoarding conditions, or a property impacted by hazardous biological contamination.

Because these materials can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, biohazard cleanup requires specialized training, proper containment procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hospital-grade disinfectants—not household cleaners.

What Are the Steps for Biohazard Cleaning?

Every scene is different, but professional biohazard cleaning typically follows a structured process designed to protect people and prevent cross-contamination.

1) Identify the hazard

Technicians assess the affected areas, determine what materials are present, and identify what must be removed or treated.

2) Contain the area

The cleanup zone is secured to prevent contamination from spreading to other rooms, HVAC systems, or people entering the space.

3) Remove contaminated materials

Depending on what was impacted, this can include removing porous or unsalvageable materials such as carpet, padding, furniture, mattresses, drywall, baseboards, or draperies.

4) Package and dispose of waste properly

Contaminated items are sealed, labeled, transported, and disposed of according to applicable state and federal guidelines.

5) Clean and disinfect thoroughly

All impacted surfaces are cleaned and treated with professional disinfectants designed to neutralize bacteria and pathogens.

6) Repair and restore (when needed)

If flooring or drywall removal is required, restoration work may be completed so the property can be safely returned to use.

7) Odor removal and air quality measures

When contamination has soaked into materials or affected airflow, deodorization and air filtration may be necessary to fully remove lingering odors and reduce airborne particles.

Why Professional Biohazard Cleanup Matters

When biological materials are involved, professional cleanup isn’t about “being fancy”—it’s about safety.

Health risks are real

Blood and bodily fluids can contain dangerous pathogens. Improper cleanup can expose you to infectious risks or allow bacteria to remain in porous materials and microscopic surface crevices.

Professional biohazard technicians are trained to:

• Handle biological materials safely
• Use correct PPE (respirators, protective suits, gloves, eye protection)
• Disinfect properly (not just “wipe down”)
• Prevent contamination from spreading to other parts of the property

Emotional stress is also a factor

After a traumatic event, trying to clean it yourself can add a heavy emotional burden and can intensify distress. Many families and property owners choose professional cleanup so they can focus on what matters most—people, not cleanup.

What Are the Risks of Improper Biohazard Cleanup?

When cleanup isn’t performed correctly, the consequences can include:

• Ongoing exposure to bacteria and pathogens
• Cross-contamination to clean areas of the home (especially through shoes, rags, and HVAC systems)
• Permanent staining or damage to flooring and subflooring
• Lingering odors that keep returning because contamination remains underneath surfaces
• Increased restoration costs later if contamination spreads or sets in that may not be covered by insurance

In short: incomplete cleanup can turn a bad situation into a longer, more expensive, and more hazardous one.

Is Biohazard Cleanup Covered by Insurance?

Sometimes, yes—biohazard cleanup may be covered depending on your insurance policy and what caused the damage.

Coverage often depends on factors like:

• Whether the incident is considered a covered event (for example, certain accidents or property damage scenarios)
• The type of policy (homeowners, renters, commercial)
• The location and extent of contamination
• Documentation requirements from the carrier

A professional biohazard cleanup company can often provide the documentation an insurance carrier needs (photos, scope of work, itemization, and proper disposal records), which can make the process smoother.

Biohazard Cleanup in North Atlanta: Call T.A.C.T. for Help

T.A.C.T. North Atlanta provides professional, discreet biohazard cleanup services for homes, businesses, and vehicles. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Bo and Terry Martin, the company is known for being compassionate in difficult moments while maintaining professionalism, privacy, and respect for the situation.

If you’re facing a biohazard situation, you don’t have to handle it alone. T.A.C.T. North Atlanta is here to help you restore safety and peace of mind—quickly and respectfully.

Call T.A.C.T. North Atlanta at (404) 985-5461 today for 24/7 help and a confidential consultation.

T.A.C.T. North Atlanta provides 24/7 emergency biohazard decontamination services for residents and businesses in the local communities that we serve. We specialize in clean up from suicides, homicides, crime scenes, trauma scenes, undiscovered death, blood spills, bodily fluids, vehicle decontamination, odor removal, dangerous pathogens, decontamination, sanitizing, tear gas, drug labs, mold remediation, hoarding, rodent droppings, and specialized cleaning services that vary by location*. 

We work with all insurance providers, are licensed, bonded, and insured. We handle your situation discreetly and empathetically. When you call T.A.C.T. for help, your call will be answered by an owner or manager, never a call center or answering service. Our technicians are certified and highly trained in the latest methods. If you are in need of emergency assistance to clean up following a traumatic event, call T.A.C.T. North Atlanta.

*Services offered vary by location