What’s the Difference Between Crime Scene Cleanup and Regular Cleaning Services?
Specialized Skills and Training Required
When most people think of cleaning services, they imagine mopping floors, wiping countertops, and vacuuming carpets. But when it comes to crime scenes, biohazard events, or traumatic incidents, a regular cleaning company simply isn’t equipped for the job. That’s where crime scene cleanup comes in—a highly specialized field that goes far beyond standard cleaning tasks.
So, what’s the difference between crime scene cleanup and regular cleaning services? Let’s break it down.
1. Type of Work Involved
Regular cleaning services focus on everyday upkeep and tidiness. These services include dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, sanitizing bathrooms, and general home or office cleaning.
In contrast, crime scene cleanup involves dealing with hazardous materials such as blood, bodily fluids, tissue, and other biohazards. This kind of work may follow homicides, suicides, unattended deaths, industrial accidents, or even hoarding situations.
This is not just about aesthetics—it’s about health and safety.
2. Training and Certifications
Regular cleaners don’t typically need formal certification—just experience, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic.
On the other hand, crime scene cleanup professionals require extensive training. They must comply with federal and state health regulations, including OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Most receive specialized certifications in:
• Biohazard remediation
• Hazardous waste handling
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols
• Disinfection and sterilization techniques
They’re also trained in how to properly dispose of regulated medical waste, a task that everyday cleaners are neither licensed nor qualified to perform.
3. Emotional Demands
Regular cleaners may encounter messes, but they rarely deal with emotionally charged environments.
Crime scene cleaners, however, often work in traumatic situations. They may be cleaning up after a violent crime, death, or serious injury. This job requires emotional resilience, discretion, and a strong sense of empathy. Professionals in this field are trained to support grieving families with compassion while performing their work with professionalism and sensitivity.
4. Tools and Equipment
Regular cleaning involves vacuums, mops, sprays, and basic sanitation supplies.
Crime scene cleanup involves medical-grade disinfectants, enzymatic cleaners, ozone machines, specialized waste containers, and PPE such as hazmat suits, gloves, and respirators. These tools are essential for completely eliminating biohazards and ensuring the area is safe for future occupancy.
5. Legal and Insurance Considerations
Standard cleaning services don’t typically involve legal documentation or insurance claims.
Crime scene cleanup, however, often intersects with law enforcement, insurance companies, and property managers. Cleaners must document their work, ensure chain-of-custody procedures for certain materials, and follow strict protocols to remain compliant with local and federal regulations.
Many crime scene cleanup services are also experienced in assisting families or property owners with insurance claims related to the cleanup, which can be a significant financial relief.
Final Thoughts
While both regular cleaners and crime scene cleanup professionals aim to create clean, safe environments, the scope, training, tools, and emotional challenges make these two services fundamentally different.
If you’re dealing with a traumatic event or biohazard situation, it’s critical to hire professionals trained in crime scene cleanup—not just for thoroughness, but for your safety and peace of mind.
If you or someone you know requires crime scene cleanup services in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Falcon, Peyton, Monument, Pueblo and nearby cities in Colorado, reach out to CrimeTech Services at 719-201-2726 and a certified biohazard cleanup agent will handle the situation with care and professionalism.
Need Immediate Assistance? Call CrimeTech Services Today!