Cleaning After Domestic Abuse

Introduction

Domestic abuse can leave behind more than just emotional scars. The physical remnants – damage to property, blood stains, broken objects – can serve as traumatic reminders and make it difficult for survivors to move on. Thoroughly cleaning a home after domestic abuse can be an important step in the healing process.

When cleaning, be sure to protect your personal safety and well-being. Do not push yourself beyond your emotional limits. It may help to have a supportive friend or family member assist you. Consider wearing gloves, mask, and eye protection to avoid contact with hazardous materials.

Assessing the Damage

Walk through each room and make notes about what needs to be cleaned or replaced. Pay special attention to:

Blood Stains

Blood stains may be absorbed into carpets, upholstery, mattresses, walls, and other porous surfaces. Identifying all stains is important for proper cleaning and/or replacement.

Damaged Walls and Furniture

Walls may have holes, dents, or cracks. Furniture may be chipped, scratched, orbroken. Assess whether these items can be repaired or need replacement.

Broken Glass and Debris

Note locations of broken glass, ceramics, destroyed property, and other hazardous debris. Be thorough – even small shards can cause injury.

Odors

Be aware of any unusual odors, which may indicate bodily fluids, decaying food, cigarette smoke residue, or unsanitary conditions. Identifying odor sources is key for deodorizing.

Making a detailed list gives you a clearer picture of the scope of work and allows you to budget and schedule efficiently.

Cleaning Surfaces

Cleaning surfaces removes contaminants and helps eliminate traumatic triggers from your home.

Walls and Floors

• Wash walls with an all-purpose cleaner and warm water. Scrub off any blood stains.
• Steam clean carpets and rugs to sanitize and remove odors and stains.
• Mop tile, vinyl, and sealed concrete floors with an antibacterial floor cleaner.

Furniture and Bedding

• Upholstered furniture with blood stains may need to be discarded. Check fill material for liquid absorption.
• Wash machine-washable soft furnishings and bedding in hot water with an enzymatic cleaner. This helps remove protein-based stains.
• Dry clean delicate fabrics and have mattresses professionally cleaned and sanitized. Be sure to inform the company about blood borne pathogen risks.

Bathrooms

• Clean all surfaces with a disinfectant or a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Wear protective eyewear, mask, and gloves when handling chemicals.
• Scrub grout and descale bathroom fixtures with a specialized bathroom cleaner.

Thorough cleaning removes contaminants from your home and creates a healthier environment.

Replacing Belongings

Some belongings may be too heavily damaged or contaminated to salvage. While this can be difficult emotionally, replacing certain items can be an empowering step in moving forward.

Mattresses

Mattresses saturated with blood or other fluids can harbor bacteria and odors even after professional cleaning. Replace for peace of mind.

Carpets

Professionally clean carpets if possible. For heavy stains that persist after multiple cleanings, new carpet may be the best option.

Furniture

Upholstered furniture with rips, holes, or cracks should be replaced. Also discard any furniture that repeatedly triggers upsetting memories.

Take time selecting replacement items that reflect your new start. Change the style, color, or layout to refresh your space.

Removing Odors

Eliminating odors requires removing the odor source and treating with a professional-grade deodorizer.

• First, clean any visible stains or spills that may be causing lingering odors.

• Steam clean and shampoo carpets, rugs, and upholstery. The heat helps release trapped odors.

• Using an enzyme-based cleaner, scrub areas like flooring, walls, and bathroom grout. Enzymes help break down odor molecules.

• Repaint walls and fill cracks and holes with an odor-blocking primer.

• Use an industrial air scrubber and replace HVAC air filters to remove particulates.

• Treat all soft surfaces with an enzymatic deodorizer. Follow product instructions closely.

• For extreme lingering odors, ozone shock treatments performed by professionals can help drastically reduce odor molecules in the air and fabrics.

Eliminating odors removes negative environmental cues and creates a fresh start.

Discarding Items

It can be difficult to part with belongings, even those with strongly negative associations. Here are some tips if you choose to discard:

• Designate items for donation, trash, or recycling to avoid wrestling with individual decisions.

• Take photos of items before discarding to preserve positive memories but not physical reminders.

• Don’t keep weapons or objects used to inflict harm. Prioritize your safety and healing.

• Get support. Ask a friend or family member to assist if emotions become overwhelming.

• Be resolute once decisions are made. Avoid looking through trash bags or donated items as this can undercut your progress.

Approach the process thoughtfully but be firm. Removing triggers aids recovery.

Aftermath of Cleaning

Completing deep cleaning after domestic abuse can be mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing. Be sure to practice self-care as you process this transition.

• Make time for grief, sadness, anger – your emotions are valid and need release. Cry, journal, or try art therapy to constructively express yourself.

• Speak with a counselor to talk through your emotions and begin healing trauma. Many organizations for domestic abuse survivors provide free services.

• Reward your efforts by redecorating with items just for you or creating a space that brings you joy and peace.

Cleaning can be hard work, but the benefits for your healing journey are well worth it. With time and support, you can reclaim your space and your life.