Remove corpse smell – professional help 24/7

If a person dies in their apartment and the death is only discovered after days or weeks, there is an intense smell of corpses that spreads throughout the entire apartment. This smell is not only extremely unpleasant, but also dangerous to your health. We at Akut SOS Clean specialize in removing corpse odors professionally and permanently – quickly, discreetly and around the clock.

How does the smell of corpses arise?

After a person dies, natural degradation processes begin immediately. Enzymes and bacteria break down the tissue and release a variety of chemical compounds. The substances cadaverine and putrescine are particularly responsible for the characteristic, sweet, putrid smell. There are also hydrogen sulfide, methane and other volatile organic compounds. After just a few days at room temperature, the smell can be so intense that it penetrates through closed doors and even through walls into neighboring apartments. The odor molecules settle in all porous surfaces - wooden floors, plaster, upholstered furniture, textiles and even plastics.

Why isn't self-cleaning enough?

Many affected people first try to eliminate the smell of corpses with home remedies or commercially available cleaners. However, vinegar, baking soda, scented candles or chemical room sprays can only mask the smell for a short time. As soon as the scents disappear, the smell of corpses returns. The reason lies in the depth of the contamination: the odor molecules have penetrated the material structure - sometimes several centimeters deep into the screed or masonry. Superficial cleaning does not reach these layers. In addition, cleaning without professional protective equipment poses significant health risks due to bacteria, viruses and fungal spores.

Our process for removing corpse odor

Our certified specialists use a proven, multi-step process to remove corpse odors:

Initial on-site assessment

During the initial assessment, we determine the extent of the contamination. The pollution in the room air is analyzed using special measuring devices. We identify all affected areas and create a detailed action plan. This initial assessment is free of charge and non-binding for you.

Professional clearance of contaminated materials

Materials that have absorbed the smell of corpses and can no longer be cleaned must be disposed of properly. These often include carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses and curtains. In severe cases, floor coverings, wallpaper or parts of the screed can also be affected. Disposal takes place in accordance with the applicable hygiene regulations.

Deep disinfection of all surfaces

All remaining surfaces are treated with industrial disinfectants specifically designed to eliminate corpse odors. These agents penetrate deep into the materials and neutralize the odor-causing compounds.

Ozone treatment and ionization

After disinfection, we use professional ozone generators. The ozone (O₃) oxidizes the remaining odor molecules and breaks them down into odorless compounds. Depending on the size of the room and the level of contamination, the ozone treatment takes between 24 and 72 hours. We also use ionization devices that remove the finest particles from the air.

Quality control and approval

After completing all measures, we carry out a final odor control. We will only release the premises when the smell of corpses has been completely and demonstrably eliminated. You will receive written confirmation from us about the measures taken.

Remove the smell of corpses – costs and reimbursement of costs

The costs for professional corpse odor removal vary depending on the extent of the necessary measures. For a one-room apartment the costs start at around €1,500, for larger apartments with severe contamination they can be between €5,000 and €8,000. The good news: In most cases, the deceased's household contents insurance, the owner's building insurance or liability insurance will cover all or part of the costs. We support you in dealing with your insurance company and create all the necessary documentation.

Difference between the smell of corpses and the smell of decomposition

The terms corpse smell and decomposition smell are often used interchangeably, but strictly speaking they describe different phases. The smell of corpses appears shortly after death, when the first decomposition processes begin. The smell of decay develops in the advanced phase of decomposition and is significantly more intense. However, this distinction plays a minor role for professional cleaning: the same procedures are used in both cases. You can find out more about the topic in our article Remove the smell of decay.

Frequently asked questions about removing corpse smell

How quickly can you be there?

We offer a 24/7 emergency service. We are usually on site within 2 to 4 hours of your call - even on weekends and public holidays.

How long does corpse odor removal take?

The duration depends on the extent of the contamination. Mild cases can be completed within 2 to 3 days, severe cases require up to 2 weeks including ozone treatment and drying time.

Do I have to move out while cleaning?

The rooms must not be entered during ozone treatment as the ozone concentration is harmful to health. In most cases, however, you can continue to use adjacent rooms as long as they are not also contaminated.

Is the smell really completely gone after the treatment?

Yes. Our multi-step process completely eliminates the corpse smell. We only release the rooms when there is no longer any detectable odor pollution. We give you our guarantee on this.