When a home has been used for methamphetamine production or consumption, it’s not just a matter of tidying up. The contamination from meth can pose severe health risks, and cleaning such a house involves a meticulous, multi-step process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean a meth house, ensuring safety and thoroughness at every stage.
Identifying Meth Contamination
The Telltale Smells
One of the first indicators of a meth-contaminated house is the smell. Meth production often leaves behind a strong odor resembling ammonia, cat urine, or a metallic scent. These smells can permeate the house and serve as a red flag that the property might have been used for meth production.
Visible Signs
Apart from odors, there are several visual clues that might suggest meth contamination. Look for unusual stains on countertops and disconnected appliances. In recent years, meth producers have even started using dishwashers to cook meth, attempting to contain the smell. These unconventional methods can leave behind strange stains and residues.
Testing for Meth
The only definitive way to confirm meth contamination is through testing. Professional cleaning services will swab surfaces and send the samples to an independent lab for analysis. This step is crucial as it determines the level of contamination and guides the extent of the cleaning required.
The Cleaning Process
Step 1: Removing Contents
The first step in cleaning a meth house is to remove all contents from the property. Items within the house, especially those exposed to high levels of contamination, often need to be disposed of safely. This includes furniture, carpeting, and any personal belongings that cannot be effectively decontaminated.
Step 2: Vacuuming
Once the house is cleared of its contents, the next step is to vacuum every square inch of the structure using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum. This step helps to remove any loose contaminants and dust that may have settled on surfaces.
Step 3: Washing and Rinsing
After vacuuming, the entire house needs to be thoroughly washed. Professionals use a special peroxide-based cleaner that is effective in breaking down meth residues. This cleaner is applied to all surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, and even inside cabinets and appliances. After washing, the surfaces are rinsed to remove any remaining cleaning agents and contaminants.
Step 4: Multiple Rounds if Necessary
Depending on the contamination level, multiple rounds of cleaning may be required. If the lab results show high levels of meth residue, the house will undergo additional rounds of washing and rinsing until it meets safety standards.
Legal Implications and Safety Standards
Confirmed Meth Labs
If a property is confirmed to have been used as a meth lab, it typically falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities. The city or county will condemn and placard the home, and a detailed mitigation plan must be followed. This plan, often coordinated with health departments, ensures the house is decontaminated to a safe level.
Usage vs. Manufacturing
The approach to cleaning can vary based on whether the contamination resulted from meth use or production. While both scenarios require thorough cleaning, manufacturing sites generally pose a higher level of contamination and may involve stricter legal requirements and more extensive cleaning protocols.
Guidelines and Compliance
Cleaning a meth house involves adhering to specific guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulations. These guidelines define safe contamination levels and the necessary cleaning procedures to ensure the house is safe for future occupancy.
Conclusion
Cleaning a meth house is a complex, multi-step process that requires professional intervention to ensure safety and compliance with legal standards. From identifying contamination through odors and visible signs to thorough cleaning and legal coordination, each step is crucial in restoring the property to a safe state. Always rely on certified professionals for this task to avoid health risks and ensure thorough decontamination. If you suspect a property has been used for meth production or consumption, don’t hesitate to contact Scene Clean today. We are ready to guide you through the necessary steps to clean and decontaminate the house properly.
