Death scene blood cleanup will involve biohazards related to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). These infectious materials should be isolated until all cleaning, disinfecting, and removal is carried out. Extreme hygienic exaggeration should be used by the novice as well as the professional for death cleanup.  Always clean biohazardous environments as if cleaning for a toddler's use.

Never remove biohazardous material without wearing gloves. "For cleaning blood or bloody fluids from floors, bed, etc., you can use household rubber gloves." Wear protection over eyes, nose, and mouth. Have a safe means of exit and a place to decontaminate yourself and clothing.

Blood as a biohazard will consist of wet or moist blood, or dried flakey (scabbing) blood. Adding chemicals to blood, something like bleach, will either destroy the blood or destroy its source of food or both. Bleach will begin to break down once in contact with blood, or any other organic matter.

Dried blood that flakes may easily become aerosolized if mishandled. Contact with airborne blood places the cleaner at risk of infectious disease. 

Before removing, moisten flaking (scabbing) blood. Cause it not to become airborne. Cover flaked blood with paper towels and lightly mosten with a disinfectant (bleach) from afar. Use a spray bottle while making wide, misting applications to the paper towels' surface. Before removing blood, ensure that it is moist enough not to flake, but not dripping.

Dry paper towels may be used to contain wet blood. Allow towels to dwell until dry. Flush in small quantities, or gently place inside two thick plastic bags. Seal tightly with duct tape. Directly dispose of in a landfill.TOP

Dripping wet blood is considered biohazardous and universally considered infectious until proven otherwise. Contain blood from afar; disinfect it. Pour blood down the sanitary sewer if you are not going to seal it for transfer.

Thoroughly wash hands.

See Blood Cleanup 1, blood cleanup 2, and blood cleanup 3.

OSHA 1910.1030(d)(1)

General. Universal precautions shall be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. (return)

Useful disinfectants may be found here:

Blood Spills: see index at http://www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/epid/reports/CDManual_

Vinegar: http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/vinegar-as-a-disinfectant.html

The Center for Disease Control recommends using chemicals or autoclave to decontaminate. This recommendation is made in the context of laboratory work. In the home, on the crime scene, my philosophy is not to tolerate biowaste that may be biohazardous. I destroy and/or encapsulate any offending materials. I see no point in exposing anyone to needlessly exposing anyone to pathogens.