Quick Answer: Routine surface cleaning after someone with COVID-19 lived in a space is typically DIY with EPA List N disinfectants. Professional remediation is required when blood or body fluids are present (hepatitis B/C, HIV), when surfaces are extensively contaminated, or when OSHA compliance is legally required (commercial properties).

In the biohazard remediation field, infectious disease cleanup is a distinct specialty. The pathogens have different survival times, transmission routes, and required disinfection protocols. Treating a hepatitis B surface contamination the same way you treat COVID-19 surface cleaning would be a serious mistake — the hazard levels are entirely different.

This guide covers the major infectious disease scenarios and what's actually required for proper decontamination.

COVID-19 Surface Decontamination

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is primarily transmitted through respiratory aerosols — not surface contact. Surface transmission risk is low, and standard disinfectants are highly effective. The virus does not survive long on surfaces.

For residential COVID cleaning: Standard cleaning products on EPA List N (COVID-specific disinfectants) are sufficient. Focus on high-touch surfaces — doorknobs, light switches, faucets, remote controls, phones. Follow product label contact time.

When professional COVID cleanup is appropriate:

  • Commercial properties with legal obligation to demonstrate documented decontamination
  • Healthcare or assisted living facilities
  • After a COVID-related death in a home (general cleaning and peace of mind)
  • Large spaces requiring ATP testing documentation

COVID-specific remediation by professional companies is largely a risk-management and documentation service for commercial clients, not a necessary safety measure for residential situations.

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B is among the most durable bloodborne pathogens. It can survive outside the body on surfaces at room temperature for 7 days or longer. Hepatitis C survives for days to weeks on surfaces depending on conditions.

Both are transmitted through blood-to-blood contact — through cuts, needle sticks, or mucous membrane contact with contaminated blood. The risk in a cleanup context is real.

Professional remediation is required for any surface contamination with blood from a person with known or suspected hepatitis B or C.

  • Standard household cleaners are not sufficient. EPA-registered disinfectants with specific hepatitis B efficacy claims are required.
  • PPE must include double gloves, eye protection, N95 respirator, and Tyvek suit at minimum
  • Porous materials (carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses) contaminated with HBV blood typically cannot be decontaminated and must be disposed of as regulated biohazardous waste

HIV

HIV is significantly less durable than hepatitis B — it survives outside the body for a short time (minutes to hours) under most conditions. However, this does not mean blood contaminated with HIV is safe for DIY cleanup.

The risk is meaningful if blood from an HIV-positive person contacts your open wounds or mucous membranes. Professional biohazard protocols apply to any scene with blood contamination, regardless of the specific pathogen status — because blood pathogen status is often unknown.

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

MRSA is increasingly common and can survive on surfaces for days to months. It's transmitted through skin contact with contaminated surfaces. Healthcare settings, gyms, and households with someone with active MRSA infections are the primary environments requiring decontamination.

Standard hospital-grade disinfectants with documented MRSA efficacy are effective. The challenge is ensuring adequate surface contact time and complete coverage of all contaminated surfaces. Professional remediation provides verification testing (ATP bioluminescence testing) that consumer cleaning cannot.

Tuberculosis (TB)

TB is an airborne pathogen — it's primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, not surface contact. Surface decontamination plays a limited role. For a home where someone had active TB:

  • Ventilation is more important than surface cleaning — airing the space thoroughly
  • Standard hospital-grade disinfectants on hard surfaces
  • Porous materials with significant respiratory secretion contamination may need replacement

Health department guidance is the primary authority for TB exposure situations. Contact your local health department.

Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioid Contamination

Fentanyl surface contamination presents a different kind of hazard — not infectious, but potentially fatal through skin absorption in sufficient concentration. This is primarily a risk after drug use scenes or illicit drug manufacturing locations. See our complete guide on fentanyl decontamination.

PPE Requirements for Infectious Disease Cleanup

For professional or careful DIY cleanup of any blood or body fluid contamination:

  • Gloves: Double nitrile — not latex (latex allergies; nitrile provides better chemical resistance)
  • Eye protection: Goggles or face shield — not just glasses (splash risk)
  • Respiratory protection: N95 minimum for any aerosolization risk; P100 for TB or heavily contaminated environments
  • Protective clothing: Tyvek suit or dedicated clothing that can be removed without contaminating skin
  • Boot covers

All contaminated materials — PPE, cleaning cloths, porous materials — must be bagged, sealed, and disposed of as biohazardous waste.

When to Call a Professional

Professional biohazard remediation is necessary when:

  • Blood or body fluid volume is significant (more than a small spot)
  • The pathogen status of the blood is unknown (always assume worst case)
  • Porous materials are contaminated and cannot be replaced yourself
  • OSHA compliance documentation is required (commercial properties)
  • Testing and certification of decontamination completeness is needed
  • You don't have or aren't comfortable wearing proper PPE

See our guide on finding a legitimate biohazard cleanup company and the costs involved. For insurance coverage, see does insurance cover biohazard cleanup.

Need a vetted infectious disease cleanup specialist? Our directory includes IICRC-certified, licensed professionals available 24/7. Call (855) 566-2405 for immediate help.