Who Cleans Up After a Homicide (And Suicide)?

Cleaning up after a homicide is one of those tasks that nobody wants to talk about. It's understandable - it's a gruesome, arduous job with no reward or recognition. But someone has to do it – and that's where professional cleaners like us come in!

In this blog post, we'll explore the uncomfortable and often forgotten reality of cleaning up after a homicide, delving into all the nitty-gritty details without forgetting our signature witty banter and touches of humor. We'll answer questions like who bears the responsibility for this task, what are some of the mental and emotional challenges of such a line of work, and more.

The Grim Reality of Homicides

The US has a shocking number of homicides every year, with an average of about 16,000 cases per year. That's more than one murder every hour! Some of the causes of these homicides include domestic violence, drug-related crimes, gang violence, and mental health issues. But let's not forget the most tragic and heartbreaking of all - suicides.

Now, you may be thinking, "Why do I need to know about this?" Well, my dear friend, it's important to understand the impact that these crimes have on our communities and the importance of cleaning up crime scenes. Why, you ask? For starters, cleaning up crime scenes helps prevent the spread of diseases and removes evidence of the crime. It's also a way to respect and honor the memory of the victim and show dignity and compassion to their loved ones.

But cleaning up crime scenes is not as easy as it sounds. It requires a special kind of person - someone with a strong stomach, a good heart, and a whole lot of bravery. Crime scene cleaners have to deal with body fluids, hazardous materials, and the emotional toll of seeing the aftermath of such violent acts. It's a challenging job, but someone has to do it.

Now, when it comes to suicide cleanup, the challenges are even greater. The scene of a suicide can be devastating, not just to the victim's loved ones but to the cleaners as well. They must handle the situation with sensitivity and professionalism while removing any hazardous materials and sanitizing the area to make it safe for others.

The Cleaning Process

The cleaning process after a homicide (or suicide) is a complex and multi-step process.

First, the scene must be secured. This means that any potential evidence must be preserved, and the cleaners must not disturb the scene in any way. So, before you grab your trusty cleaning supplies, make sure you put on those blue booties and latex gloves, and don't touch anything!

Next up, we have the removal of the body. This is not for the faint of heart, folks. Crime scene cleaners must have the stomach of a steel-hearted soldier to handle this task. But don't worry, they have all the right tools and techniques to make this process as humane as possible.

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: sanitizing the scene. This is where the real magic happens. Crime scene cleaners use high-powered vacuums to remove blood and body fluids. It's like a heavy-duty version of your home vacuum, but with the power to suck up even the tiniest of hairs and particles.

Did you know that crime scene cleaners use specialized cleaning products that are specifically designed to remove blood and other bodily fluids? It's like a science experiment gone right! And, to make sure that the scene is thoroughly sanitized, crime scene cleaners will often use ozone generators to neutralize any unpleasant odors.

And finally, the cleaning process is complete. The crime scene cleaners have a secret motto: If it's not clean, it's not done. But if it's too clean, it's not funny. So, they always make sure to leave a little bit of mystery behind.

The Emotional Toll of the Job

When we think of crime scene cleaners, we often focus on the physical aspects of the job - cleaning up blood, removing biohazards, and restoring the site to its pre-incident condition. However, the emotional toll of cleaning up after homicides can be just as challenging, if not more so.

Dealing with the trauma of a crime scene can be incredibly difficult for cleaners. They may be exposed to the sights and smells of violence, and it's not uncommon for them to experience nightmares or difficulty sleeping. Furthermore, cleaners may feel a sense of guilt for "cleaning up" the aftermath of a tragedy, even though their work is crucial to the healing process.

To support crime scene cleaners, counseling and support groups can be incredibly helpful. Talking to someone who understands the unique challenges of the job can make all the difference. Some companies also provide workshops on stress management and resiliency, helping cleaners to develop tools to cope with the emotional toll of the job.

There are also many touching stories about how cleaners have helped families in their grieving process. John recalls the time he cleaned up after a murder-suicide and found a letter from the husband to his wife. He left it on the nightstand and gave the family closure. For many families, seeing that their loved one's home is restored to its pre-incident condition can be incredibly comforting.

As for "how much does suicide cleanup cost", it can vary depending on the size of the crime scene and the type of services needed. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost of cleaning up after a tragedy is much less important than the emotional toll it takes on those involved.

By providing support for cleaners and valuing their work, we can help them navigate the challenges of their job and ensure that they are able to continue providing an invaluable service to families in need.

Wrap Up!

Homicide (and suicide) cleanup is a job that not many of us would want. But it's a job that has to be done, and it's a job that's done with compassion and care.

So the next time you see a crime scene on TV, just remember that there's a real-life hero out there cleaning it up and making it right.