Blood Cleanup Safety Guide | Penobscot Cleaning
Blood Cleanup Safety Guide — When You Must Call Professionals
Blood is not a normal household spill. Even small amounts can carry harmful pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. When we respond to calls, the biggest problem we see is that someone already tried to clean it before realizing the risk.
We provide emergency biohazard cleanup throughout Brewer, Bangor, and surrounding communities — from downtown apartments to camp roads and seasonal properties. If you are unsure what to do, call us anytime: (207) 989-4697.
Why Blood Cleanup Is Different From Normal Cleaning
Blood is not just a stain. It behaves differently than dirt or food spills.
We regularly find contamination inside materials people thought were clean:
carpet padding and seams
wood flooring common in older Maine homes
upholstery foam and mattresses
drywall edges and trim
Once blood soaks in, wiping the surface does not make it safe. The goal is not appearance — it is removing biological risk.
During mud season and winter months, boots and plow sand can track contamination farther than expected. What started in one room often spreads.
Health Risks You Cannot See
Bloodborne illnesses spread through contact with:
broken skin
eyes
nose
mouth
They are not spread through normal breathing. However, scrubbing, spraying, or steam cleaning can create droplets that increase exposure risk. That is why we control the space before cleaning begins.
Many injuries happen when people try to help quickly without protective equipment, especially late at night or during storms when they don’t want to wait for help.
What We Do During Cleanup
We follow controlled safety procedures on every biohazard job.
Containment
We isolate the area so contamination is not tracked through the home.
Protective Equipment
We wear full PPE including respirators, gloves, eye protection, and suits.
Inspection
We use specialized lighting and testing to locate contamination not visible to the eye.
Removal
Porous materials that cannot be disinfected are removed and disposed of safely.
Disinfection
We apply hospital-grade disinfectants with proper dwell time.
Documentation
We provide documentation that may help with insurance and peace of mind.
What Can Be Saved — And What Cannot
Often restorable
tile
vinyl
metal
sealed wood (if fluids did not reach seams)
Usually removed
carpet and padding
mattresses and bedding
upholstered furniture
unfinished wood in camps and basements
drywall that absorbed fluids
Outside, soil, gravel, and leaves cannot be disinfected in place. We remove and replace affected material, especially near entryways.
When You Should Call Immediately
Call us right away if:
the amount is more than a few drops
the source is unknown
an injury or unattended medical situation occurred
blood reached porous materials
odor is present
you feel unsure what is safe
If you are questioning whether to clean it yourself, you shouldn’t.
Call (207) 989-4697 and we will tell you the next step.
Local 24/7 Help
We respond across the region for homes, apartments, and seasonal camps. Early cleanup reduces damage, lowers cost, and most importantly protects people.
If you need guidance, even before we arrive, call us anytime. We will walk you through what to do — and what not to do — until we get there.