Home › Services › Unattended Death Cleanup › Decomposition Cleanup
Crews on call 24/7 in NashvilleDecomposition Cleanup in Nashville
Decomposition affects far more than the spot where a person was found. Fluids travel through flooring and into the structure, and odor spreads through the whole home. We remove it all and restore the space.
- Fluid & tissue removal
- Subfloor sealing
- Insect treatment
- Odor elimination
What is decomposition cleanup?
Decomposition cleanup is the removal of bodily fluids, tissue, insects and contaminated building materials after a person has died and remained undiscovered. It includes removing flooring, subfloor, furniture and drywall as needed, disinfecting and sealing the structure, treating for insects, and eliminating decomposition odor throughout the property.
Following the contamination wherever it went
As a body decomposes, fluids are released that soak into mattresses, carpet, pad and subfloor, and can travel under walls or through to the ceiling below. Flies and beetles move through the home, and the odor gets into drywall, furniture, clothing and the HVAC system.
Cleaning the surface does not solve it. We trace the fluids with moisture meters and inspection, remove every affected material, clean and disinfect the structure, seal it, treat insects and eliminate the odor. When we finish, the home is safe to repair and live in again.
Signs of decomposition contamination
- A strong, sweet odor that fills the home
- Stains on flooring, bedding or furniture
- Flies, maggots or beetles
- Stains on the ceiling below
- Odor coming from vents
- Odor on clothing and fabrics
Hazards of decomposition
This is one of the most complex cleanups we perform.
Pathogens
Fluids can carry bacteria and bloodborne pathogens.
Structural spread
Fluids soak into subfloor, framing and neighboring rooms.
Insects
Flies and beetles spread contamination and must be treated.
Pervasive odor
Odor penetrates porous materials throughout the home.
Our decomposition cleanup process
Thorough removal, then restoration.
Assess
We map every affected area, including subfloor, walls and rooms below.
Contain
Affected areas are isolated with barriers and negative air where needed.
Remove
Mattresses, furniture, flooring and drywall are removed as required.
- Carpet, pad and tack strip
- Subfloor sections when saturated
- Baseboards and lower drywall
Clean & seal
The structure is cleaned, disinfected and sealed with odor-blocking primer.
Insects & odor
Insects are treated and odor is removed with enzyme and hydroxyl or ozone treatment.
Verify & document
We confirm the odor is gone and provide a photo report.
What we remediate
Homes, rentals and businesses across Middle Tennessee
Homeowners & families
Families get the home fully restored without having to see what happened.
Landlords & property managers
Landlords get units restored and odor-free, with documentation.
Executors & attorneys
Executors and attorneys get documentation and careful handling of the estate.
Subfloor remediation · Decomposition odor · Estate cleanouts
Decomposition cleanup in Nashville
Nashville's warm, humid months speed up decomposition and make the odor spread faster. Even a few days can affect a large part of a home. We respond quickly to limit the damage.
Our work is structural, not cosmetic. We remove materials until we reach clean structure, then seal and treat it. That is the only way to be sure the odor does not return.
For odor in the rest of the home, see our decomposition odor removal service.
Discreet, documented, done right the first time
24/7 local response
A Nashville-based crew answers day or night, including weekends and holidays, and can usually be on site the same day.
Unmarked vehicles
No logos, no sirens, no attention. Neighbors, tenants and guests do not need to know why we are there.
Full PPE & safety protocols
Technicians follow OSHA bloodborne pathogen and hazard communication standards on every job.
Licensed waste transport
We are licensed to transport regulated medical waste, so contaminated materials are removed and disposed of properly.
Insurance-friendly
Photo documentation and itemized scopes help with claims. See how insurance coverage works.
Clear pricing
You get a written scope before work begins. Learn what drives cleanup cost.
Decomposition Cleanup near you
We serve all of Nashville and Davidson County plus the six surrounding counties. See every location on our service areas page.
Decomposition Cleanup questions
Straight answers to what people ask us most. More in our biohazard cleanup FAQ.
Talk to a technicianCan the flooring be saved?
Usually not where fluids soaked in. Hard surfaces like tile sometimes can be, but grout and subfloor often need work.
How far do fluids spread?
Often farther than visible stains, including under walls and to the ceiling below.
What about the HVAC system?
We inspect and treat vents and replace filters. Ducts may need cleaning.
Can clothing be saved?
Some items can be cleaned and deodorized. Heavily contaminated items are discarded with your approval.
Is it covered by insurance?
Often, under homeowner's policies. We provide documentation.
How long does it take?
Usually one to three days, plus time for repairs.
More unattended death cleanup services
Often needed alongside decomposition cleanup
Need decomposition cleanup today?
Call any time, day or night. We will walk you through what to do right now, give you a clear plan, and get a crew moving.
