Cleaning up after a disaster or accident

Cleaning up after a disaster or accident

Cleaning Up After a Disaster or Accident

When a disaster or accident strikes, the mess is only part of the problem. Water can seep into floors and walls, smoke and soot can stain and linger, and broken materials may create sharp hazards. Our disaster and accident cleanup service is designed to restore safety quickly, protect your property from further damage, and help you get back to normal with as little stress as possible.

What We Clean and Restore

Every incident is different, so we tailor the cleanup plan to your space, the materials affected, and the level of contamination. We handle one time responses and follow up visits when drying or deodorising requires additional time.

  • Water damage cleanup after leaks, burst pipes, appliance failures, and minor flooding, including water extraction and moisture control.
  • Fire and smoke residue cleaning for soot, smoke staining, and odours on walls, ceilings, floors, and contents where appropriate.
  • Accident and impact cleanup following breakages, spills, or damage that leaves glass, debris, and unsafe surfaces.
  • Biohazard aware cleaning for areas with bodily fluid contamination, carried out with strict hygiene practices and suitable disinfectants.
  • After storm or weather events where dirt, water, and debris track through the property and require careful removal.

If you are unsure whether your situation fits, contact us and we will advise on the next safe step. For related options, you can also explore our cleaning services for homes and workplaces.

Our Process, From First Call to Final Check

1. Safety first and site assessment

We start by identifying hazards such as standing water, unstable materials, sharp debris, and contamination risks. We then agree access, priority areas, and any items that must be isolated. If specialist trades are required, we will tell you early so you can coordinate repairs without delays.

2. Containment and debris removal

Where needed, we contain the affected area to prevent spread of dust, soot, or contaminants into clean zones. We remove debris, damaged materials, and unsalvageable items in a controlled way, keeping walkways clear and reducing risk to occupants.

3. Deep cleaning and disinfection

Once the space is cleared, we carry out a thorough clean using appropriate methods for the surfaces involved. This can include scrubbing hard surfaces, detailed wipe downs, and targeted disinfection for high touch areas and contamination points. If your property needs broader deep cleaning after the immediate work is complete, we can schedule it as part of the recovery plan.

4. Drying support and odour control

Moisture left behind can lead to warping, mould growth, and persistent smells. We support drying with practical measures such as ventilation planning and moisture monitoring, and we address odours using safe deodorising techniques suited to the situation. We focus on the source of the smell, not just masking it.

5. Final walkthrough and documentation

Before we finish, we review the cleaned areas with you, confirm what was completed, and note any remaining concerns that may require repairs or follow up cleaning. If you need photos or basic notes for property managers or insurers, we can help provide clear information about what was affected and what actions were taken.

Residential and Commercial Disaster Cleanup

Disruption looks different in a home than it does in a workplace. We adapt our approach to protect your routine, privacy, and operations.

  • Homes and apartments We work carefully around personal belongings, focus on safe living areas first, and can prioritise kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms to restore daily comfort.
  • Offices and retail spaces We target workstations, washrooms, staff areas, and customer facing zones to reduce downtime and maintain hygiene standards.
  • Buildings and shared areas We coordinate access for corridors, stairwells, lifts, and entryways, helping keep common spaces safe and presentable.

For ongoing upkeep after the emergency phase, many clients continue with scheduled cleaning to keep standards consistent while repairs or refurbishments take place.

What to Do Right Now After an Incident

Quick decisions can limit damage and improve safety. If you are dealing with an emergency, follow local safety guidance first and contact the relevant services where needed. When it is safe to do so, these steps can help.

  1. Keep people and pets away from the affected area, especially where glass, water, or debris is present.
  2. Switch off electricity to the impacted zone if there is standing water or visible damage.
  3. Avoid sweeping dry soot or dust, as it can spread and embed into surfaces.
  4. Take photos before moving items if you may need evidence for a claim or property report.
  5. Call us to arrange a site visit and a clear plan of action.

We treat every call with urgency and care, and our goal is simple, to restore a safe, clean environment you can use again with confidence.

FAQ

How quickly can you attend after a flood or accident?

Availability depends on location and workload, but we prioritise urgent situations and can often arrange a prompt visit. Once we assess the site, we will outline immediate safety actions and the expected timeline.

Do you handle smoke and soot residue after a small fire?

Yes, we clean affected surfaces and address odours using methods suited to the level of residue and the materials involved. We also help prevent soot from spreading into unaffected rooms.

What should I do with damaged items before you arrive?

If it is safe, isolate wet or contaminated items and avoid moving soot covered belongings through clean areas. Take photos for records, then leave items in place so we can assess what can be cleaned and what should be removed.