Corpse site cleaning: Professional help after a corpse has been found

A body discovery cleanup is the professional renovation of a place where a body has been lying undiscovered for a long time. This involves body fluids, corpse water and microbiological contamination that cannot be removed with normal cleaning agents. Only certified specialist companies with proof of expertise in accordance with TRBA 250 are allowed to carry out this cleaning.

What is a body discovery cleanup?

We work according to a clearly structured and certified 5-step process that meets the highest hygienic standards and ensures complete restoration of the affected rooms.

When is a body site cleanup necessary?

Cleaning up the body site is necessary if:

• a body has remained undiscovered for more than 24-48 hours
• Body fluids have penetrated into floor coverings, mattresses or furniture
• An intense smell of decay is noticeable in the apartment
• There is a risk of infection (hepatitis B/C, tuberculosis, MRSA)
• the police or the undertaker has released the location

The process of cleaning up a corpse site at Akut SOS Clean

Step 1: Initial inspection & risk assessment

To begin with, there will be a free and non-binding on-site inspection by our trained specialists. We analyze the extent of the contamination, assess possible health risks and take structural conditions into account. On this basis, we create a detailed risk assessment as well as a transparent and binding cost estimate.

Step 2: Disposal of body fluids

In the next step, all contaminated materials are professionally removed. These include, among other things, mattresses, carpets, furniture or floor coverings that are contaminated with body fluids. These substances are disposed of as hazardous medical waste (AS 18 01 03*) in accordance with legal regulations.

Step 3: Disinfection according to RKI standard

After the rough cleaning, all affected surfaces are intensively disinfected. Only RKI-listed disinfectants that are effective against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens are used. Using a multi-stage process, we ensure that even hard-to-reach areas are treated reliably.

Step 4: Odor neutralization (ozone/cold misting)

Persistent odors that have penetrated deeply into materials such as walls, ceilings or textiles are completely neutralized using special processes. Depending on the situation, we use ozone treatments or cold fogging to permanently break down odor molecules.

Step 5: Documentation & handover

After all work has been completed, comprehensive documentation is carried out. You will receive complete photo and performance documentation that can be used by insurance companies, landlords or authorities if necessary. Finally, we hand over the cleaned rooms to you in a hygienically perfect and usable condition.

Difference between crime scene cleaning and corpse discovery site cleaning

OneCrime scene cleaning basically includes all types of contamination that arise from human influence. These include, for example, accidents, suicides or acts of violence. In these cases, the primary aim is to remove visible residues such as blood or other biological materials and to clean the affected areas hygienically.

The cleaning of corpse sites, on the other hand, represents a special and much more complex area. It is always used when a deceased person has remained undiscovered for a longer period of time. In such situations, additional challenges arise, particularly due to intense smells of decomposition and the so-called corpse water, which can penetrate deep into floors, walls and furniture.

The effort is usually significantly higher than with classic crime scene cleaning, as in-depth measures are often necessary in addition to superficial cleaning.

Costs of cleaning up a corpse site

The cost of cleaning up a corpse site is usually between €1,800 and €8,500. However, the exact amount depends heavily on various factors. The most important factors are the time until the deceased person is discovered (laying time), the size of the rooms affected and the type of materials present such as floor coverings, furniture or wall coverings.

It becomes particularly costly when body fluids have penetrated deeply into porous materials such as wood, screed or upholstery. In such cases, these materials often need to be removed and disposed of properly.

Since every case is individual, we recommend a personal on-site inspection to obtain a realistic assessment.

You can also find a detailed and transparent list of costs in our Cost guide.

Who pays for the body site cleanup?

The question of reimbursement of costs is particularly important for many of those affected. Depending on the situation, different cost bearers come into consideration:

Household contents or building insurance

In many cases, household contents insurance covers the costs of damaged inventory, while building insurance is responsible for damage to the building structure.

Social welfare office according to §74 SGB XII

If relatives or survivors are not financially able to cover the costs, the social welfare office can step in under certain conditions.

Heirs

In principle, the heirs are responsible for the costs if they have accepted the inheritance. The obligation arises from legal succession.

Landlord

It is rare for the landlord to cover costs and only occurs in exceptional cases or if there are clear contractual provisions. In practice, this is checked individually.

That's why relatives are not allowed to clean themselves

Private individuals are not allowed to clean up the corpse site themselves for the following reasons:

• Risk of infection from hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, MRSA
• Administrative offense for improper disposal (fine of up to €25,000)
• Psychological stress caused by the sight
• Lack of expertise according to TRBA 250 and GefStoffV
• No complete success without professional equipment - smell returns

Frequently asked questions about body discovery cleanup

How long does a body site cleanup take?

Cleaning up a corpse site usually takes 1-3 days. If the smell of putrefaction is strong, add 24-48 hours of ozone treatment. We will determine the exact schedule after the on-site visit.

Can the smell of decay be completely removed?

In 95% of cases, yes – with ozone treatment or cold fogging. If there is strong penetration into wooden floors or plaster, material replacement may be necessary.

Who reports the body discovery?

Usually relatives, neighbors or the landlord. The police will release the site for cleaning after the investigation has been completed. Only then can we take action.

Is it the job of the police to clean up corpses?

No. The police simply secure traces and release the location. The actual cleaning is a private service that must be commissioned by relatives, landlords or insurance companies.

Which insurance pays for body discovery cleanup?

Household contents insurance pays out if there is contamination inside the apartment. Building insurance covers permanently installed components such as flooring or wallpaper. In the case of needy survivors, the social welfare office will cover the costs in accordance with Section 74 SGB XII.