Post-death cleaning and Diogenes syndrome: prices and companies
Introduction
After a death, certain situations require specialised cleaning that goes far beyond the scope of standard housekeeping. Whether it involves a natural death discovered late, a traumatic accident or accommodation affected by Diogenes syndrome, post-death cleaning requires precise technical and sanitary skills.
These interventions involve complete disinfection of the premises, elimination of biological waste and sometimes ozone treatment to neutralise odours. Specialised companies follow strict protocols to restore the accommodation to sanitary and dignified conditions.
In Switzerland, prices vary considerably depending on the nature of the intervention, the surface area to be treated and the extent of contamination. Some household insurance policies may cover all or part of the costs, but the conditions remain unknown to many families.
This guide details the different types of specialised cleaning, the protocols used, the price ranges charged and the steps to find a qualified company. After managing the administrative procedures related to the death, this information will help you approach this delicate stage with clarity.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
Post-death cleaning requires specialised intervention with bio-sanitary disinfection, ozone treatment and biological waste elimination. In Switzerland, prices vary from 500 to 15,000 CHF depending on the type of intervention and the surface area concerned. Household insurance may cover part of the costs in certain cases. It is essential to call upon qualified companies that comply with strict sanitary protocols.
📚 Table of contents
What is post-death cleaning?
Post-death cleaning is a specialised intervention that goes well beyond simple housekeeping. It involves a complete bio-sanitary disinfection of the place where a person died.
This service becomes necessary when the body was not discovered immediately, in case of the presence of bodily fluids, or when the accommodation presents biological contamination. Specialised companies comply with strict sanitary standards and use appropriate protective equipment.
Standard housekeeping is never sufficient in these situations. Only trained professionals can guarantee total and secure decontamination. If you are faced with a death at home, this type of intervention may prove essential.
The different types of specialised cleaning
Not all post-death cleaning is the same. Three main categories are distinguished according to the situation.
Cleaning after natural death concerns deaths that occurred without violence, but requiring thorough disinfection. Crime scene cleaning intervenes after a traumatic death with the presence of blood and dangerous biological waste.
Finally, cleaning related to Diogenes syndrome combines massive clearance and deep disinfection of an unsanitary dwelling. Each situation requires a specific protocol and appropriate skills.
Cleaning after natural death
Even during a natural death, professional intervention may be necessary. If the body is not discovered quickly, bodily fluids can escape and contaminate surfaces.
Professionals then proceed with complete disinfection of the affected areas: floor, walls, furniture. They eliminate persistent odours through specific treatments and disinfect the ambient air.
This intervention guarantees that the accommodation becomes perfectly healthy and habitable again. It also protects relatives from any sanitary risk when sorting through personal belongings.
Crime scene and traumatic death cleaning
A traumatic death (accident, suicide, homicide) requires an even stricter cleaning protocol. Blood and biological tissues present significant infectious risks.
Only certified companies can intervene at these scenes. They use complete personal protective equipment and professional disinfectant products. All biological waste is eliminated according to precise legal standards.
These interventions are often coordinated with the police or judicial authorities. Respect for the dignity of the place remains an absolute priority for specialised teams.
Diogenes syndrome cleaning
Diogenes syndrome is characterised by compulsive accumulation of objects and total abandonment of dwelling hygiene. The result: extreme unsanitary conditions, organic waste, presence of pests.
Cleaning after the death of a person affected by this syndrome represents a major challenge. First, tonnes of accumulated objects must be cleared, then deep disinfection of all surfaces must be carried out.
These interventions often last several days and require numerous teams. The cost can be very high due to the complexity and volume of work.
The bio-sanitary cleaning protocol
Post-death cleaning follows a precise protocol in several stages. Everything begins with an initial assessment to identify contaminated areas and present risks.
The team then secures the site and equips itself with appropriate protection. It proceeds with the elimination of biological waste in special containers, then with thorough disinfection of all affected surfaces.
Next comes ozone treatment to neutralise persistent odours. The intervention ends with prolonged ventilation and a final air quality check. Each stage is documented to guarantee traceability.
Ozone treatment and disinfection
Ozone treatment is a powerful technique for eliminating the most stubborn odours. Ozone is a gas that penetrates everywhere: fabrics, walls, ceilings, ventilation ducts.
It neutralises the molecules responsible for bad odours and destroys bacteria present in the air. The treatment generally lasts several hours, during which the accommodation must remain completely closed and unoccupied.
After complete ventilation, the air becomes perfectly breathable again. This method offers deep disinfection impossible to obtain with simple surface cleaning.
Biological waste elimination
Biological waste cannot be thrown in household rubbish. It must be collected in special sealed containers and labelled according to sanitary standards.
This waste then follows an approved elimination channel, often by high-temperature incineration. Specialised companies have the necessary authorisations for this type of transport and elimination.
Strict compliance with these protocols protects the workers, the environment and public health. Each stage is traced and documented to guarantee legal compliance.
Post-death cleaning prices in Switzerland
Rates vary considerably depending on the complexity of the intervention. For simple post-death cleaning with localised disinfection, expect between 800 and 2,000 CHF.
Complex cleaning with extensive decontamination costs between 2,000 and 5,000 CHF. For Diogenes syndrome requiring complete clearance, prices start at 3,000 CHF and can exceed 10,000 CHF.
These amounts depend on numerous factors: dwelling surface area, degree of contamination, intervention deadline, accessibility. Always request several detailed quotes before choosing a company.
Factors influencing the cost
Several elements increase the bill. The size of the dwelling is obviously determining: a studio costs less than a five-room house.
The level of contamination also plays a major role. The longer the time elapsed since death, the more complex and costly the intervention will be. The presence of pests requires additional pest control.
The urgency of the intervention can also increase rates. Finally, if renovation work is necessary after cleaning (replacement of coverings), the total budget can explode.
Who pays for post-death cleaning?
The question of payment depends on the situation. In principle, the costs are borne by the deceased's estate. If the deceased was a tenant, the landlord can turn to the estate.
Good news: household insurance (private liability) may cover all or part of the costs. This depends on the contract clauses and the type of incident.
Contact your insurer quickly to verify coverage. Provide them with a detailed quote from the cleaning company. Responsiveness can make the difference between total or partial reimbursement.
Coverage by household insurance
Some household insurance policies include a specific section for post-death cleaning. Conditions vary: reimbursement ceilings, excesses, types of covered incidents.
The standard procedure: declare the incident quickly, obtain quotes from specialised companies, send them to your insurer for validation. The insurer may appoint their own company or accept your choice.
Be careful of declaration deadlines, often limited to a few days. Read your contract carefully or contact your broker to know your precise rights.
Finding a specialised cleaning company in Switzerland
Choosing the right company is crucial. Favour companies with recognised certifications and proven experience in bio-sanitary cleaning.
Verify that they offer 24/7 availability and guarantee absolute discretion. Request a detailed quote that specifies all stages of the intervention. Compare at least three proposals.
Do not hesitate to ask for references or consult customer reviews. Some funeral homes can also direct you to reliable partners. Specialised companies exist in each Swiss canton.
Frequently asked questions about post-death cleaning
How long does the intervention last?
Between a few hours for simple cleaning and several days for Diogenes syndrome. Everything depends on the surface area and contamination.
Can one remain in the dwelling during?
No, for your safety. The products used and biological waste present risks. Access is forbidden during the entire duration of the work.
Must the flat be emptied beforehand?
Not necessarily. Professionals can sort and pack personal effects to be kept. Discuss this during the quote.
Is the dwelling habitable immediately after?
Yes, after complete ventilation. Serious companies carry out a final check before returning the keys to you.
Post-death cleaning is an often unknown but essential stage for restoring a place to optimal sanitary conditions. Whether it involves a natural death, a crime scene or Diogenes syndrome, specialised companies intervene with a rigorous protocol: bio-sanitary disinfection, ozone treatment and biological waste elimination.
Costs vary considerably depending on the complexity of the intervention, but know that household insurance may cover part of the costs. Comparing several quotes and verifying company certifications will allow you to make the right choice.
Once the practical procedures are completed, you can honour your loved one's memory by publishing an online obituary. Wolky accompanies you to create a memorial space accessible to all, 24 hours a day, at a transparent rate of 180 CHF.
