1. Tracing the odor
Technicians walk the home, find where fluids reached and note how far the smell has spread through rooms and vents.
Lakeland, MN · Washington County
Landlords, buyers and family members in Lakeland often meet the same problem: a smell that lingers after a death. Call (877) 812-4220 for odor removal, air treatment and a clear explanation of the work.
If anyone is in danger, call 911 first. For a suicide crisis, call or text 988.
Decomposition odor control is the final stage of death cleanup, once contaminated materials are gone. It uses sealing, deodorizing and air treatment to remove what is left in the structure.
When a smell remains after a death has been discovered, you can get help in Lakeland and the rest of Washington County. Call Lakeland Biohazard Cleanup Help. The cleanup begins once authorities have released the property.
About 62% of homes in Lakeland were built before 1980, and older carpet, subfloor and wood trim absorb fluids and odor deeply. Only about 19% of homes in Washington County are rented, so most calls come from owners and families who need a house ready to sell or restore.
What decomposition & death odor removal covers:
Technicians walk the home, find where fluids reached and note how far the smell has spread through rooms and vents.
Porous materials that absorbed fluids are cut out. These items cannot be made odor-free by washing.
Subfloor, walls and trim that remain are cleaned and treated, then sealed where it will help.
The crew checks the air and surfaces, then explains whether more treatment or repairs are needed.
Decomposition & death odor removal in Lakeland, MN typically costs $500 to $15,000, depending on the size of the affected area and the materials involved.
Waiting can increase the work, because odor settles deeper into materials over time. A team can tell you whether the situation is likely to change the price.
| Type of job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Moderate odor | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Mild odor | $500 - $1,500 |
| Odor removal service | $80 - $100 per hour |
| Extreme odor, structural work needed | $6,000 - $15,000+ |
These ranges come from published cost guides (BioCleaners Directory, Fixr, Yelp Costs) and are not a quote for Lakeland. Price drivers include how long the odor has been present, whether fluids reached the subfloor, size of the space, air system cleaning. For a real number, call (877) 812-4220.
Crews work quietly and handle the job with discretion. Ask about arrival and parking details when you call. If a landlord needs to notify other tenants, that decision belongs to the landlord.
Many homeowners policies cover death cleanup after the deductible, though some exclude certain causes. Renters policies often cover belongings but not the building. Call your insurer before cleanup starts, take photos if you can and keep every receipt.
It is not recommended. Fluids can carry germs, and household cleaning often spreads contamination or pushes fluid deeper. Soaked materials also need regulated disposal. A team in protective gear can do the job safely.
Similar steps apply. The team removes affected seats and carpet, disinfects surfaces and treats the air handling system. Cars hold odor in fabric and foam, so the work needs care.
Do not go in alone. Call 911 or ask for a welfare check. Wait for the authorities to enter first. Cleanup comes later, once the scene is released. If you are struggling with what you have seen, 988 offers support by call or text.
The price depends on how long the person was in the home, how far fluids spread and how much carpet, padding and subfloor must be treated. A team can give a price range after hearing the details. Insurance may cover part of it.
A calm conversation can explain what odor removal involves and what comes first.
Call (877) 812-4220