Cars, trucks and vans
Vehicle biohazard cleanup in Lexington
A vehicle is a small, closed space full of fabric and foam. Blood or other fluids get into seats, carpet and seams quickly, and the smell builds in warm weather.
Check before you clean
If the vehicle was involved in a crime or a death, police may need it first. Ask the officer in charge whether it is being held and when it will be released. Do not clean it in the meantime.
If it is insured, call the insurer before work starts. They may want to inspect it or have their own process for cleanup.
What a vehicle cleanup can include
- Removing and cleaning or replacing seat covers and foam.
- Cleaning carpet and the padding beneath, or removing it.
- Cleaning seat belts, seams, consoles and door panels.
- Disinfecting hard surfaces and treating the air system for odor.
Who pays
If the fluids are there because of a crime, Kentucky’s victim fund may apply. Its cleanup rule in KRS 49.370 is written for crimes at the victim’s residence or business, so ask the Crime Victims Compensation Board whether a vehicle qualifies. Otherwise, an auto policy may cover it depending on what happened. Ask your agent.