Inside the Life of a Crime Scene Cleaner: A Unique Perspective
The Challenges of Crime Scene Cleaning
Lauren Baker, a crime scene cleaner, shares her harrowing experiences of cleaning up after tragedies. After a long day at a crime scene, she recalls the overwhelming scent of death that lingers in her mind, making it difficult to shake off even after multiple showers. Her job begins where the police and forensic teams leave off, and it comes with its own set of dangers and emotional challenges.
Lauren faces numerous obstacles as she cleans up blood, debris, and hazardous materials. The emotional toll is significant, especially when dealing with scenes of suicide, which she finds particularly challenging. One incident involved a man who left a note on his door warning others not to enter, indicating the presence of a body inside.
Cleaning such scenes often requires notifying the deceased's family, a task that weighs heavily on her. To cope with the mental strain, Lauren listens to music and sometimes finds herself crying in the shower, though she has grown accustomed to the emotional burden.
The Distinct Smell of Death
When asked about the smell of death, Lauren struggles to articulate it. She describes it as a unique odor that is difficult to compare to anything else. While she wears strong masks to mitigate the scent, she still applies Vicks under her nose for extra protection.
On her first day, the smell was so pervasive that it haunted her thoughts, leading her to scrub herself with Dettol multiple times in an attempt to rid herself of the lingering odor.
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. Additionally, she must stay up-to-date with vaccinations and 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 home after cleaning. Despite the challenges, she finds fulfillment in her work. 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.