When a room has to be cleaned after blood or bodily fluids, one fear comes up again and again: that everything in it will be thrown away. That should not happen. A careful provider sorts contents, separates what can be cleaned from what cannot, and sets aside personal items for the family to decide about.
The deciding factor is mostly the material. Hard, nonporous surfaces such as metal, glass, glazed ceramic and sealed hard plastic can usually be cleaned and disinfected to a safe standard. Porous, absorbent materials such as foam, fabric, paper and unfinished wood hold contamination inside where disinfectants cannot reliably reach. Sentimental value does not change the material, but it can change how much effort is worth spending, and specialized restoration of documents or photographs is sometimes possible.
Sorting an item
Ask these in order for each item that matters to you.
- IfThe item was not touched by fluids and sat elsewhere in the roomThenIt can usually be wiped down and returned. Odor may need airing or treatment.
- IfThe item is hard and nonporous and had surface contactThenIt can usually be cleaned and disinfected. Ask that it be bagged separately and returned to you.
- IfThe item is porous with light surface contactThenIt may be salvageable with specialized cleaning. Ask the provider honestly whether it can be made safe.
- IfThe item is porous and soakedThenIt usually cannot be made safe. Ask for a photograph before disposal if that would help you or an insurer.
Typical outcomes by item type
- Item
- Jewelry, watches, metal keepsakes
- Usually saved?
- Usually
- Comment
- Cleaned and disinfected; delicate pieces may need a jeweler
- Item
- Glass, ceramic and dishes
- Usually saved?
- Usually
- Comment
- Cleaned and disinfected
- Item
- Hardcover books and photo albums
- Usually saved?
- Sometimes
- Comment
- Depends on contact; restoration specialists exist for valued items
- Item
- Loose photographs and documents
- Usually saved?
- Sometimes
- Comment
- Lightly affected originals may be copied or professionally restored
- Item
- Clothing and linens
- Usually saved?
- Sometimes
- Comment
- Light contact may be laundered; soaked items usually discarded
- Item
- Electronics
- Usually saved?
- Sometimes
- Comment
- Data may be recoverable even when the device is not
- Item
- Mattresses, upholstered furniture
- Usually saved?
- Rarely
- Comment
- Foam and padding absorb fluids deeply
- Item
- Rugs and carpet
- Usually saved?
- Rarely
- Comment
- Backing and pad hold contamination
General patterns only; condition and extent of contact matter.
Common questions
- Can I be present to choose what to keep?
- You can ask, but many families prefer not to be in the room. Photos of items, or a later review of set-aside items after cleaning, are common alternatives.
- Is a phone or laptop with fluids on it safe to use again?
- The exterior can often be cleaned. If fluid got inside, ask a repair shop or data recovery service, and tell them what happened so they can protect themselves.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.