Inside the Life of a Crime Scene Cleaner: Lauren Baker's Journey

Lauren Baker, a crime scene cleaner, shares her harrowing experiences in a profession that involves confronting death and its aftermath. From the haunting scent of death that lingers long after the job is done to the emotional challenges of cleaning up after suicides and hoarding situations, Lauren's story reveals the complexities of her work. She discusses the safety measures she takes, the rituals she performs to honor the deceased, and how she copes with the psychological impact of her job. This article offers a glimpse into a world few understand, highlighting the resilience required to navigate such a demanding profession.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 8, 2026, 12:11 IST

A Day in the Life of a Crime Scene Cleaner

Lauren Baker, a crime scene cleaner, recalls her first day on the job, returning home after cleaning a crime scene. The lingering scent of death haunted her throughout the day, making it impossible to escape its grip. Despite scrubbing herself four times with Dettol, the smell remained, a constant reminder of her work.

The Challenges of Crime Scene Cleaning

Lauren's role involves cleaning up after crimes, facing numerous dangers along the way. Blood, filth, and hazardous materials are just part of the job, and the emotional toll can be significant. She often finds it hard to shake off the memories of the scenes she cleans.

The Most Difficult Scenes

Among the toughest situations are those involving suicides. Lauren recalls one incident where a man left a note on his door stating, 'Do not enter. Call 999. There is a body inside.' He had also left envelopes filled with money and letters for his family.

Understanding the Scent of Death

When asked about the scent of death, Lauren struggles to articulate it. She describes it as a unique odor, one that is hard to forget. Although she wears strong masks to mitigate the smell, she often applies Vicks under her nose for extra protection.

Safety Measures in Crime Scene Cleaning

On her first day, Lauren was overwhelmed by the smell of death. To protect herself, she wears full PPE, including disposable suits, masks, and gloves. Vaccinations are also necessary for her safety, as she must be cautious of needles that can be found at crime scenes.

Beyond Crime Scenes

Lauren's work extends beyond crime scenes; she also cleans homes of hoarders and those struggling with mental health issues. She has encountered homes filled with boxes of food and others where individuals resort to using bottles for waste due to non-functional toilets.

A Ritual of Release

After cleaning, Lauren performs a ritual to symbolically release the spirit of the deceased by opening the windows of the home. Despite the challenges, she finds fulfillment in her work. Before becoming a crime scene cleaner, Lauren worked as a pub employee and a caregiver. A documentary about her life was released on June 30.