When it comes to blood cleanup, the process involves more than simple stain removal—it
requires meticulous sanitization to ensure health, safety, and compliance. Blood is
biohazardous, potentially carrying pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B, and MRSA. Small spills
require careful handling, while larger or difficult-to-clean spills are best managed by certified
biohazard professionals. Here’s an essential guide to understanding the blood cleaning
process, tips for minor spills, and why professionals are often needed.

Why Professional Blood Cleaning is Professional

Blood spills, even small ones, require careful and compliant handling. Professional biohazard
cleanup companies are licensed and trained to adhere to OSHA standards and CDC
protocols, using specialized equipment and industry-grade disinfectants to ensure thorough
sanitization. Attempting to clean up large spills or porous surfaces without professional help
can increase health risks and liability, as well as lead to incomplete sanitization.

Understand Biohazardous Blood Waste

Blood is classified as biohazard due to the risk of exposure to pathogens and infections.
Proper handling, cleanup, and disposal of blood waste is essential for public health, which is
why biohazard cleanup companies follow strict procedures, such as OSHA’s Bloodborne
Pathogens Standard, to contain and dispose of blood safely.
How to Remove Dried Blood Stains
If a blood spill is minor, follow these safety measures:

• Protective Gear: Always wear latex gloves, masks, and, if possible, eye protection.
• Isolate the Area: Block off access to prevent cross-contamination.
• Use the Right Disinfectant: Select a registered disinfectant with a broad-spectrum kill
  claim (bleach is often ineffective for complete sanitization).
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Double-bag disposable items and label them as
  biohazardous waste where possible.

However, if the blood spill is larger than a dinner plate or has seeped into porous materials
(e.g., carpet, upholstery), it is best to seek professional help. Professional companies use
specialized tools and methods that ensure deep and safe cleaning across all surfaces

The Professional Blood Cleanup Process 

1. Initial Site Assessment: Professionals assess the site to understand the size and
scope of contamination, including the type of surfaces affected. This ensures an
efficient approach and targeted use of resources.
2. Containment and PPE Application: The area is secured to prevent any accidental
exposure, with technicians equipped in personal protective equipment (PPE) such as
gloves, masks, and biohazard suits.
3. Comprehensive Blood Removal: Using EPA-registered cleaning agents and
advanced tools, the team removes all visible blood, including embedded traces.
Specialized equipment like HEPA vacuums may be used on porous materials to contain
and remove pathogens.
4. Intensive Disinfection and Disposal: Professional-grade disinfectants eliminate any
remaining pathogens. Blood-soaked items or surfaces that cannot be sanitized are
removed, double-bagged, and disposed of in certified biohazard disposal bags.
5. Final Checks and Restoration: Before completing the job, technicians thoroughly
inspect the area to ensure it’s fully sanitized and safe for reentry. They may also
conduct air quality testing and provide necessary replacements for materials that were
removed.

Health and Legal Risks of Improper Disposal

Improper blood disposal or incomplete sanitization poses serious health risks and potential
legal consequences. Employers and property owners are responsible for ensuring safe
environments for occupants and visitors, particularly in public or shared spaces. Bloodborne
pathogens can linger in areas thought to be “cleaned,” leading to potential health risks,
additional claims, or fines. Certified biohazard cleanup companies like ServiceMaster BioClean not only follow strict protocols but also document every step of the cleaning process for
legal compliance and peace of mind.

Why Hiring Professionals Supports Emotional and Financial Recovery

For families or businesses affected by a traumatic event, choosing a professional cleanup
service extends benefits beyond just health and safety. Proper cleanup helps preserve a
property’s value and structural integrity by addressing issues like blood saturation in carpets,
wood floors, and upholstery, which can lead to mold or odors if left untreated.
Beyond the physical, a thorough and professional cleanup allows families and individuals to
begin the emotional recovery process sooner. Returning to a safe, sanitized space free of
reminders of the traumatic event can be essential for healing. At Service Master Bio Clean we
understand these sensitivities, providing discreet, respectful service to ensure that the focus
can remain on recovery, not on the cleanup itself.