Quick answer
A biohazard cleaning van is set up to safely handle specialist cleaning jobs that go beyond normal deep cleaning — including trauma/after-death cleaning, needlestick/sharps risk, severe hoarding situations, and contaminated waste removal.
At Sparrow Cleaning Limited, our van is stocked so we can work safely, reduce cross-contamination, control odours, and leave the property ready for restoration where required. We’re based in Sussex & Surrey, and for specialist jobs we can also travel nationwide depending on the job and availability.
If you need urgent help, see After Death, Undiscovered Death & Trauma Cleaning or Biohazard & Needlestick Cleanup.
Why “what’s inside the van” matters
People often ask what we bring because they want reassurance that:
- the clean will be handled safely (not just “made to look clean”)
- odour control will be done properly (not masked)
- the team will be discreet and professional
- waste will be handled via the correct route
PPE (personal protective equipment)
PPE is selected based on risk. For example, hoarding and heavy-duty clearance work can require different protection to trauma/fluids risk work.
- Tyvek suits (white) – commonly used for heavy-duty cleaning and hoarding-style jobs
- Tychem suits – used when there’s a higher risk of contact with bodily fluids/contaminated liquids (for example when kneeling is required)
- Nitrile gloves (multiple sizes)
- Respiratory protection (used where appropriate)
- Boot covers and other barrier protection (used where appropriate)
Cleaning, disinfection, and application kit
Specialist cleaning is a mix of physical cleaning (removing residues) and disinfection (decontamination). The exact products and method depend on the job.
- Chemical mixing station for controlled dilution and safe handling
- Spray bottles and applicators
- Mops and general cleaning tools
- Mobile blue roll dispensing station with bin (for controlled wipe-down and disposal)
Steam cleaning (where appropriate)
Where suitable for the surface and the job, we may use steam cleaning as part of a deep clean. We’ll always choose the safest method for the materials involved.
- Steamers (used where appropriate)
Odour control equipment (where appropriate)
Odour can absorb into porous materials (carpet, underlay, soft furnishings, wood, plasterboard). Where appropriate, we may use targeted odour control methods alongside cleaning and removal work.
- Ozone machine (used where appropriate, with safe re-entry guidance)
- Ozone analyser (to support safe use and monitoring)
- Fogging machine (used where appropriate as part of an odour control plan)
- Enzyme treatments (where appropriate for odour-related contamination in materials)
Extraction and recovery equipment
For heavy contamination, liquids, or deep cleaning where extraction is required, we may use:
- Wet and dry vacuum (40 litre)
- Pressure washer (used where appropriate and safe for the environment)
- Hose pipes (for setup and controlled wash-down where appropriate)
Power tools and restoration support
Some specialist jobs require controlled removal of affected materials (for example carpet/underlay, damaged fixtures, or sections of flooring) before restoration can happen.
- Carpet cutters
- Drills and tool kits
- Saws (where appropriate)
- Socket sets and general tool kits
- Machine polishers (where appropriate)
Heavy-duty clearance and site setup
- Heavy-duty shovels
- Brooms, dustpans, and brushes
- Work lights
- 50 metre extension lead
- Cordon tape (used where appropriate to help keep areas controlled and safe)
Safety, documentation, and job setup
Specialist jobs are planned to reduce risk and keep the site controlled. Depending on the job size, we may also attend with additional support equipment.
- Amber hazard lights (used where appropriate — for example for visibility when attending public-facing incidents or working near access routes, including rail-side environments when required)
- 360 cameras (used where appropriate for documentation and quality control)
- Welfare unit/van (available depending on the size of the job and requirements)
What we need from you to quote quickly
If you’re contacting us for a specialist clean, these details help us quote accurately and plan safely:
- postcode/town and whether there are any access issues (stairs, parking, keys)
- which rooms are affected and what materials are involved (carpet, mattress, wood floor)
- whether there is strong odour and how widespread it is
- any known sharps risk (needles) or other hazards
- photos (only if appropriate) to help assess scope
FAQ
Is a biohazard cleaning van different to a normal cleaning van?
Yes. A specialist van is stocked for safe working, controlled decontamination, and odour control. It’s designed for jobs that go beyond normal domestic or commercial cleaning.
Do you always use ozone treatment or fogging?
No. These methods are used where appropriate as part of an odour control plan, alongside cleaning and removal work. We’ll advise on safe re-entry times and ventilation.
Is your service discreet?
Yes. We understand these situations are sensitive. We aim to be professional and discreet, and we’ll talk you through what to expect before we attend.
Do you cover areas outside Sussex and Surrey?
Yes. Sussex and Surrey are our core service area, but for specialist jobs we can also travel nationwide depending on the job and availability.
Get urgent help
Call our 24/7 response line on 01293 217504 or email our in-hours team at [email protected].
For specialist services, see After Death, Undiscovered Death & Trauma Cleaning and Biohazard & Needlestick Cleanup.