1. Safety and containment
The crew puts on protective equipment and seals the work area so the smell does not travel to the rest of the property.
Colonial Acres, Memphis, TN · Shelby County
After an unattended death, the odor can outlast the cleaning. Call (877) 812-4220 in Colonial Acres to ask about decomposition cleanup, odor neutralization and sealing of porous surfaces.
If anyone is in danger, call 911 first. For a suicide crisis, call or text 988.
Odor neutralization after a death uses methods such as ozone, hydroxyl equipment, thermal fogging and air scrubbers. Which method fits depends on how far the smell has spread.
For your Colonial Acres property with a lingering death odor in Shelby County, call Colonial Acres Biohazard Cleanup Help to get source removal, deodorizing and air treatment. The result is checked before the space is handed back to you.
About 67% of homes in Memphis were built before 1980, and older carpet, subfloor and wood trim absorb fluids and odor deeply. About 55% of homes in Memphis are rented, so landlords and property managers often call because a smell is reaching hallways and other units.
A typical decomposition & death odor removal job includes:
The crew puts on protective equipment and seals the work area so the smell does not travel to the rest of the property.
Odor moves through vents, doors and gaps. Crews trace its path to find hidden spots.
Surfaces are disinfected and odor treatment equipment is run through the space.
Equipment treats the air and structure. The crew checks the result and tells the owner what repairs, if any, come next.
Decomposition & death odor removal in Colonial Acres, Memphis, TN typically costs $500 to $15,000, depending on the size of the affected area and the materials involved.
Insurance may help, depending on the policy. Many homeowners policies cover death cleanup after the deductible, while some exclude certain causes. Renters policies often cover belongings but not the building.
| Type of job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Odor removal service | $75 - $100 per hour |
| Mild odor | $500 - $1,500 |
| Moderate odor | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Severe odor | $3,500 - $6,000 |
Estimates only, not a quote. Sources: BioCleaners Directory, Fixr, Yelp Costs. Price drivers include how long the odor has been present, whether fluids reached the subfloor, size of the space, air system cleaning. Call (877) 812-4220 to talk through the job.
Crews work quietly and handle the job with discretion. Ask about arrival and parking details when you call. If a landlord needs to notify other tenants, that decision belongs to the landlord.
It is not recommended. Fluids can carry germs, and household cleaning often spreads contamination or pushes fluid deeper. Soaked materials also need regulated disposal. A team in protective gear can do the job safely.
It can if the source was not fully removed. Odor returns when fluids remain in padding, subfloor or walls. A team that removes soaked materials, treats the structure and runs air treatment is more likely to end it. Ask what happens if a smell remains.
Lease terms and local law decide. A landlord may handle it through the owner's insurance, or the tenant's estate or renters policy may apply. A landlord, an attorney or a tenant rights group can explain the details for a specific case.
Do not go in alone. Call 911 or ask for a welfare check. Wait for the authorities to enter first. Cleanup comes later, once the scene is released. If you are struggling with what you have seen, 988 offers support by call or text.
Similar steps apply. The team removes affected seats and carpet, disinfects surfaces and treats the air handling system. Cars hold odor in fabric and foam, so the work needs care.
See all biohazard cleanup services in Colonial Acres, Memphis, TN →
A calm conversation can explain what odor removal involves and what comes first.
Call (877) 812-4220