How Much Does After Death Cleaning Cost in the UK? Pricing, Factors and What to Expect

How Much ?

After death cleaning (also known as trauma or biohazard cleaning) is a specialist service. Because each situation differs, most UK providers price work based on contamination risk, time on site, and whether removal of materials is required.

This guide explains what typically affects cost, what you may be quoted for, and how to compare providers fairly.

Typical Cost Ranges in the UK

Costs vary significantly. As a general guide, many jobs fall into one of these broad bands:

Light cleaning and sanitisation: from a few hundred pounds
Moderate biohazard cleaning and odour treatment: often four figures
Severe cases involving decomposition, removal of contents, or strip-out work: higher four figures and beyond

Because circumstances are sensitive, many companies provide quotes after a short assessment or phone consultation.

What Drives the Cost?

The following factors are usually the biggest drivers of price.

1) Type and Level of Contamination

If there is bodily fluid contamination, providers must use specialist chemicals, procedures, and waste handling. Higher contamination generally means more labour and more disposal.

2) How Long the Person Was Undiscovered

Unattended deaths often require:

deeper decontamination
increased odour work
treatment of affected porous materials (carpets, underlay, flooring)

3) Size of the Affected Area

A single room is typically more straightforward than multiple rooms, shared corridors, stairwells, or a whole property.

4) Removal and Disposal Requirements

Costs increase if the clean involves:

removal of mattress, carpet, furniture, soft furnishings
bagging and transport of hazardous waste
licensed disposal routes

5) Odour Treatment Needed

Odour work varies from basic deodorisation to specialist treatment (fogging/ozone, targeted sealing). If odour has penetrated surfaces, additional work may be required.

6) Access and Working Conditions

Quotes may rise where:

access is difficult (top floors, tight staircases)
there is heavy clutter
pest activity is present
the property needs extensive preparation

7) Urgency and Out-of-Hours Attendance

Emergency attendance, evenings, weekends, and short-notice call-outs may attract higher rates.

What Should a Quote Include?

A reputable provider should clearly explain:

what areas are being cleaned
what will be removed (if anything)
what products/processes will be used
whether odour treatment is included
how waste will be handled and disposed of
expected time on site
what “completion” looks like (safe to occupy / ready for trades / ready for viewing)

If a company cannot explain these points, treat the quote cautiously.

Can Insurance Cover After Death Cleaning?

Sometimes, costs may be recoverable depending on the policy (for example, certain landlord policies or property-related cover). This is policy-specific and not guaranteed.

A practical approach:

ask the provider for an itemised invoice
keep photos/documentation if appropriate
speak to the insurer early before authorising major strip-out work

How To Compare Providers Properly

When comparing quotes, do not compare only the price. Compare:

scope of work (what’s included)
disposal method
whether odour treatment is included
experience with biohazard work
professionalism and discretion

The cheapest quote can become expensive if it leaves odour, contamination, or hidden issues unresolved.

Next Steps If You Need This Service

If you are arranging after death cleaning:

avoid DIY cleaning in affected areas
ventilate where possible without disturbing the scene
speak to a specialist provider and ask clear questions
request a written quote with scope and inclusions

Related Guide

If you have not already read it, start here: After Death Cleaning in the UK: What It Is, When It’s Needed, and What Happens Next