How to Become a Crime Scene Cleaner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a Crime Scene Cleaner

Crime scene cleaning is one of the most unique and rewarding careers in the biohazard remediation industry. Not only do crime scene cleaners help restore environments after traumatic events, but they also play a critical role in helping families and communities recover. If you're interested in a career in crime scene cleaning, here's a step-by-step guide to getting started.

1. Understand What Crime Scene Cleaners Do
Crime scene cleaners, also known as biohazard remediation specialists, are responsible for cleaning up after violent incidents such as homicides, suicides, accidents, and unattended deaths. These scenes often contain biohazardous materials like blood and bodily fluids, which require special handling and disposal. Crime scene cleaners decontaminate these environments, ensuring that they are safe for future use.
Common responsibilities include:

• Cleaning and sanitizing areas exposed to blood and bodily fluids
• Decontaminating surfaces and objects
• Proper disposal of biohazardous waste
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure
• Working in a variety of environments, from homes to public spaces

2. Get the Right Education and Training
While a college degree is not required to become a crime scene cleaner, certain training and certifications are essential. Here’s how to prepare:

• High School Diploma or GED: A basic educational foundation is typically required by most employers.
• Specialized Training: Many crime scene cleanup companies offer on-the-job training, but it’s beneficial to start with a certification in biohazard remediation. Training programs cover topics like bloodborne pathogens, handling hazardous materials, and the proper use of PPE.
• Certifications:
  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (1910.1030): This certification ensures that you understand the risks and safe handling of bloodborne pathogens.
  • ABRA Certification: The American BioRecovery Association offers certifications that focus on advanced biohazard cleanup training.
  • IICRC Certification: The Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is widely recognized in the industry.

3. Develop Essential Skills
Crime scene cleanup requires a mix of technical skills and soft skills. Here’s what you’ll need to succeed:

• Attention to Detail: Every trace of contamination needs to be removed for the area to be safe.
• Physical Stamina: The work can be physically demanding, requiring long hours of cleaning and decontaminating.
• Emotional Resilience: You’ll be exposed to traumatic and sensitive situations, so it's important to have the emotional strength to handle the job.
• Professionalism: Crime scene cleaners often interact with grieving families, law enforcement, or property owners. Being compassionate and respectful is essential.

4. Get the Necessary Equipment
Crime scene cleaners use specialized tools to safely remove biohazardous materials. As part of the job, you’ll need:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Full-body suits, masks, gloves, and goggles to protect from contamination.
• Cleaning Supplies: Professional-grade disinfectants, enzyme cleaners, and deodorizers.
• Biohazard Waste Containers: Special containers used to dispose of hazardous materials.
• Specialized Tools: High-powered vacuums, ozone generators, and odor-neutralizing equipment.

5. Consider Your Career Path: Company Employee or Business Owner?
Once you’re trained and certified, you can choose between working for a crime scene cleanup company or starting your own business.

• Working for a Company: Many cleaners begin their careers by working for an established biohazard remediation company. This provides the opportunity to gain experience while working in a team environment.
• Starting Your Own Business: If you’re entrepreneurial, starting a crime scene cleanup business can be a rewarding path. You’ll need to ensure your business is properly licensed, insured, and compliant with state and federal regulations. Marketing your services to local law enforcement, property managers, and funeral homes is also key to building a client base.

6. Understand the Challenges and Rewards
Crime scene cleaning is not a typical 9-to-5 job. The work can be unpredictable, emotionally intense, and physically demanding. However, the rewards are significant:

• Making a Difference: By restoring environments to safety, you help families and communities heal after traumatic events.
• Job Security: The demand for professional biohazard cleaners continues to grow, making it a stable career path.
• Financial Benefits: Crime scene cleaners can earn a competitive income, particularly if they run their own business.

Final Thoughts
​Becoming a crime scene cleaner isn’t for everyone, but for those with the emotional resilience and technical skills to handle the work, it can be a deeply rewarding career. Whether you’re looking to work for a company or start your own business, crime scene cleaning offers the opportunity to make a real difference while building a successful career.