Blood Spill Cleanup in Cobblestone, Jacksonville, FL

Disposable absorbent towels are usually used so they can be bagged and thrown out as waste. Cloth towels that touch blood become contaminated laundry and need careful handling. Either way, wear gloves and never reuse a towel on another surface.

It depends on the germ and the conditions, and nobody can judge it by looking at a stain. Hepatitis B, for example, can survive on surfaces for a considerable time. That is why dried blood is treated as infectious until it has been properly disinfected.

Wash the skin with soap and water right away, and rinse the eyes or mouth with clean water if blood splashed there. Then talk with a doctor or the local health department about next steps. This is general information, not medical advice.

Many homeowners policies cover crime or death cleanup after the deductible, but an ordinary injury may not be covered. Renters policies often cover cleanup but not the building. Call the insurer before cleanup starts, take photos and keep every receipt.

A small spill on a hard surface can be cleaned with gloves, eye protection and an EPA-registered disinfectant. Do not do it if you have an open cut, or if blood has soaked into carpet, wood or grout. When in doubt, call a blood cleanup company.

No single product is best for every surface. Blood is lifted first, then the area is disinfected with a product made for bloodborne pathogens. Porous materials such as carpet or drywall often have to be removed instead of cleaned.