Inside the Life of a Crime Scene Cleaner: A Gripping Account

The Haunting Experience of a Crime Scene Cleaner

Lauren Baker, a crime scene cleaner, shares her harrowing experiences from her first day on the job. After cleaning a crime scene, she returned home overwhelmed by the lingering scent of death that clung to her. Despite her efforts, including multiple showers with disinfectant, the smell persisted, haunting her thoughts.

Her role involves removing all traces of crime, facing numerous dangers along the way. Blood, filth, and hazardous materials are just part of the job, and Lauren recounts the emotional toll it takes on her. The memories of certain scenes can linger for days, making her work even more challenging.

The Most Challenging Scenes

Lauren reveals that the toughest crime scenes are often those involving suicides. She recalls a particularly distressing incident where a man left a note on his door instructing others not to enter and to call emergency services, indicating a body inside. He had also left behind envelopes filled with money and letters for his family.

In addition to the physical challenges, Lauren is tasked with notifying the deceased's family, a responsibility that weighs heavily on her. To cope with the emotional strain, she listens to music and sometimes finds herself crying in the shower, though she has grown accustomed to the harsh realities of her job.

Describing 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 difficult to forget. Although she wears strong masks to mitigate the smell, she often applies Vicks under her nose for extra protection.

On her first day, the overwhelming scent of death lingered in her mind, making it impossible for her to shake off the experience, despite her attempts to cleanse herself.

Safety Measures and Precautions

Safety is paramount in Lauren's line of work. She dons full personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable suits, masks, and gloves, to shield herself from blood and other hazardous substances. Vaccinations are also a requirement for her job, and she must be cautious of needles that may be found at crime scenes.

Beyond Crime Scenes

Lauren's responsibilities extend beyond crime scenes; she also cleans homes affected by hoarding and those where individuals struggle with mental health issues. She has encountered homes filled with boxes of food and others where individuals resort to using bottles due to non-functional toilets.

Known for her ritual of symbolically freeing the spirit of the deceased, Lauren opens windows in the homes she cleans. Although her job is challenging, she finds fulfillment in it. Before becoming a crime scene cleaner, she worked in a pub and as a caregiver. A documentary about her life was released on June 30.