08/03/2026
One of the most common questions we hear is: "Why don't you just disinfect it?"
And truthfully, we get it. Needing biohazard cleanup is already overwhelming enough. Then you're told that part of the floor, drywall, or other materials have to be removed? That's definitely a punch to the gut. We promise it isn't about making the job bigger or recommending work that isn't necessary. The goal is to make sure all contamination has been safely captured and removed so the property can be fully restored.
The answer comes down to the type of material. Porous materials act like a sponge, absorbing contamination below the surface. Once contamination has soaked in, simply disinfecting the surface isn't enough. Some of the most common porous materials we remove during a biohazard cleanup include:
- carpet and carpet padding
- drywall
- particle board
- upholstered furniture
- insulation
- tile and vinyl plank flooring
- certain types of wood flooring
- baseboards
Every cleanup is different, so our recommendations are based on where the contamination has traveled, the materials affected, and industry standards for safe remediation.
Have a question you'd like Joe to answer? Drop it in the comments! It might be featured in a future Learning with Joe post. ๐