Quick answer
If you discover an unattended death at home, do not touch anything or attempt to clean. Leave the room, keep others out, ventilate only if it is safe to do so, and call the emergency services if the death has not been confirmed. Once the authorities have attended and the scene has been released, a professional biohazard cleaning team can safely decontaminate the property and remove affected materials in line with regulations.
What to do in the first 24 hours
1) Make sure you are safe first
- Do not enter if there is any immediate danger (gas smell, fire risk, structural damage, aggressive pets, needles, visible fluids).
- If you have already entered, leave the room calmly and avoid touching surfaces, door handles, or personal items where possible.
2) Call the right people straight away
- If the person is not confirmed deceased, call 999.
- If death is confirmed and there is no immediate danger, call 101 for police guidance (or follow the advice already provided by the attending authority).
- If you are in a managed building, inform the landlord or managing agent once you have spoken with the relevant authorities.
3) Prevent anyone else from entering
Unattended deaths can involve biohazards (bodily fluids, bacteria, airborne contaminants), especially if time has passed.
- Keep family, friends, neighbours, and pets away from the affected area.
- Close internal doors and, if available, place a clear note on the door so nobody enters accidentally.
4) Avoid “quick clean” actions that make things worse
In the first 24 hours, the safest approach is often to do less, not more.
Do not:
- Clean, wipe, mop, or use household disinfectants
- Use a vacuum cleaner (this can spread particles)
- Move bedding, clothing, carpets, or furniture
- Open windows wide if it could spread odours or airborne contamination into other parts of the property
- Use air fresheners to mask smells (they can make the environment harder to assess)
5) Ventilate only if it is safe and controlled
If you can do so without entering the affected room:
- Open a nearby window slightly to improve airflow
- Keep doors closed to reduce spread into the rest of the property
If you are unsure, wait for professional advice.
6) Note what you have seen, but do not disturb anything
Authorities and coronial processes may require information about the scene. If you can do so without re-entering:
- Make a short note of what you observed (time, location, any obvious hazards)
- Keep keys and access details available for police, coroners’ officers, or housing staff
7) Wait until the scene is officially released
A professional clean up should only begin once the relevant authority confirms the property can be accessed for cleaning. This is especially important where:
- The cause of death is unknown
- There are safeguarding concerns
- Police investigation is required
8) Arrange professional biohazard cleaning once released
A specialist unattended death clean up typically includes:
- Safe removal of affected soft furnishings and porous materials (where required)
- Deep clean and disinfection of impacted areas
- Odour control treatments where appropriate
- Compliant handling and disposal of contaminated waste
- Discreet attendance and documentation for landlords, housing, or insurers if needed
Common questions in the first 24 hours
Can I clean it myself if it looks “minor”?
It is strongly advised not to. Even where contamination looks small, it can travel into soft furnishings, floor edges, subfloors and hidden voids. Household products are not designed for biohazard remediation.
What if the smell is strong?
A strong odour can indicate that contamination has developed over time. Avoid masking sprays and keep the area isolated. Odour treatment is usually most effective after professional decontamination.
Do I need to throw everything away?
Not always. Some items can be cleaned or treated, while others may need disposal depending on contamination and material type. A professional team can advise once they assess the scene.
When to call Trauma Clean 24 Seven
If there has been an unattended death at home and the scene has been released, Trauma Clean 24 Seven can help you make the property safe again quickly, discreetly, and professionally.
Call now for advice and rapid response – 0203 6408 247
If you need help beyond the first 24 hours, Trauma Clean 24 Seven has dedicated guidance and support for what happens next. You can read more about our specialist Death Clean Up service, including how we make a property safe again with discreet, compliant biohazard cleaning, or explore our practical information on Clean Up After Death, After Death Cleaning, and Unattended Death Cleanup.