Cleaning and Sanitization After Property Damage

Scope and process

Different losses require different cleaning decisions

• Clean-water losses: focus on extraction, drying and cleaning materials that can be safely retained.
• Sewage or contaminated water: control access, remove unsuitable porous materials, clean and disinfect salvageable surfaces, then dry and document.
• Mold: address the moisture source, contain disturbance, use suitable filtration and remove or clean materials according to condition.
• Fire and smoke: identify soot and residue type before cleaning so it is not spread or driven deeper into surfaces.

Practical guidance

Typical restoration cleaning steps

Depending on the loss, work may include containment, HEPA vacuuming, controlled surface cleaning, application of suitable cleaning or disinfecting products, removal of unsalvageable materials, air filtration, drying and post-work review.

Product choice and dwell time should follow the actual surface, residue, manufacturer directions and occupant considerations.

Practical guidance

Important scope exclusions

This page does not advertise crime-scene cleanup, trauma cleanup, medical-waste handling, chemical-spill response, asbestos abatement or other regulated hazardous-material services. Those conditions require separate qualification, controls and confirmation.

If an assessment identifies a hazard outside the available scope, work should pause until the appropriate specialist is involved.

Practical guidance

What clients should avoid

• Do not mix cleaning chemicals.
• Do not use household fans to spread air from contaminated rooms.
• Do not enter where electrical, structural or respiratory hazards may exist.
• Do not discard important items before documenting them when insurance may be involved.