Being a crime scene cleaner isn’t a job most people think about until they need one. But for my team and me at BioTechs, it’s a job that requires a combination of skill, compassion, and professionalism. Every day brings something new, and while our work can be emotionally and physically challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding to help families and communities in their time of need.
Let me take you behind the scenes of what a typical day looks like for a crime scene cleaner in San Antonio. From responding to urgent calls to making sure we’re following every health and safety regulation, our days are anything but ordinary.
The Morning Call
My day usually starts early, and often with a call about an emergency. We might be needed for a cleanup in the heart of San Antonio, near the bustling River Walk, or perhaps in a quiet neighborhood in Boerne or New Braunfels. Each call is different—sometimes it’s a crime scene, other times it’s an unattended death or an accident. No matter the situation, we approach each one with the same level of care and professionalism.
Once I get the details, I gather my team. We’re all certified in IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup (TCST), which means we’re trained to handle biohazardous materials like blood and bodily fluids. Before heading out, we ensure our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and specialized cleaning supplies are packed and ready. These include everything from disinfectants approved by the EPA to high-grade extraction tools for deep cleaning.
Arriving at the Scene
When we arrive at a scene, the first thing we do is assess the situation. We’re often stepping into a space where something traumatic has occurred, and the emotions in the air are palpable. Whether it’s a home in Alamo Heights or a commercial property downtown, I always remind my team that we’re not just cleaning up a space—we’re helping people start the healing process.
One of our most important tasks is containing the area. Blood and bodily fluids can carry pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, which is why following OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) is critical. We use caution tape to block off contaminated areas and build full containment barriers to ensure we keep the hazardous materials contained and thus, protect surrounding individuals and our environment. Our technicians then suit up in PPE, which includes gloves, masks, and full-body suits. This not only protects us but also ensures no one else is exposed to harmful materials.
The Cleanup Process
The actual cleanup process varies depending on the situation. For crime scenes, there’s often blood or bodily fluids to clean, which can seep into porous materials like carpets, upholstery, or wood flooring. In San Antonio’s hot climate, especially in the summer, blood can dry quickly or seep deep into materials, making the cleanup more challenging.
Our first task is to remove all visible contaminants. OSHA requires that we remove fibrous items like carpet because fluids seep into the carpet, wick the fluids underneath, and soak into the carpet pad and subfloor. Therefore, OSHA requires that we remove fibrous items as they cannot be deemed cleaned due to their fibrous nature. Our team follows these strict protocols to ensure that every step is done safely and in compliance with health regulations.
After removing the visible materials, we apply powerful disinfectants to decontaminate the area. These chemicals are designed to kill any remaining pathogens and make the space safe for future use. We take extra care with air vents and HVAC systems to ensure no contaminants are circulating through the home or building. Although we do take extra care, we build containment barriers to ensure the contaminants remain inside the “hot zone” or area of contamination. Some companies simply cover the AC vents. We do that as added protection after building our containment chambers.
One of the more challenging aspects of cleanup is odor removal, particularly when dealing with unattended deaths. In these cases, the biological processes that occur after death can leave behind strong malodors that permeate a space. Our IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) certification ensures we have the knowledge and tools to neutralize these odors, using techniques like ozone treatment to completely eliminate any lingering smells.
Compassionate Support for Families
While the technical aspects of our job are critical, what’s just as important is how we interact with the families or property owners we serve. Every situation we encounter is sensitive, and we make sure to handle it with empathy and respect. Families are often dealing with overwhelming grief and shock, and the last thing they need is to worry about cleaning up the aftermath.
I always take the time to speak with family members when appropriate, offering not just reassurance about the cleanup process but also information on local mental health resources if needed. NAMI San Antonio (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Alliance of Hope are two excellent resources for families coping with the emotional toll of trauma. Letting people know that they are not alone and have access to support is just as important as our physical work on-site.
The Final Steps
Once the cleanup is complete, we do a final walkthrough of the area. I check for any missed spots or areas that may need additional treatment, especially if blood or fluids have seeped into hard-to-reach places like baseboards or cracks in the floor. We also provide odor treatment that tremendously expedites the time it takes for the odor to dissipate.
The final part of our job is disposing of any biohazardous materials. Blood and other biological materials are classified as biohazards and must be disposed of according to OSHA and DOT guidelines. We package everything securely, label it properly, and transport via a licensed medical waste carrier and incinerate it. Following these procedures ensures that there’s no risk of contamination after we leave the scene.
Why We Do What We Do
Being a crime scene cleaner is not an easy job, but it’s one that my team and I take great pride in. The work we do is essential for ensuring public health and safety, but it’s also about helping families and communities begin the healing process after traumatic events. Whether it’s cleaning a home in San Antonio’s King William District or responding to an emergency in Canyon Lake, we bring the same level of care and professionalism to every job.
Each day is different, and while the work is challenging, I’m reminded of the positive impact we make. At BioTechs, we’re not just cleaners—we’re part of the support system that helps people move forward after tragedy strikes.
If you ever find yourself in need of our services, whether due to a crime, accident, or unattended death, know that we’re here to help. We respond quickly, work with compassion, and ensure that your space is restored with the highest standards of safety and care.
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