Meet Leicester’s Biohazard cleaning duo, Laura and Debbie. They restore homes after trauma, from crime to unattended deaths.
Laura says their job is to erase the tragedy and make the home normal for the family. They clean, repaint, and redo floors. Cases with dead children are the hardest. Debbie says they must detach themselves emotionally, which is important to help the child’s family.
Laura feels sad that children lost their lives but believes it’s right to feel something. Natural deaths at home are also part of their work. Laura hopes those people died peacefully in sleep, adding that dying alone like that is very sad.
They are respectful to the deceased because relatives come to the home later. The cleaners ensure nothing upsets them. Debbie focuses more on family because of the job; it makes her think about her own relatives.
Hoarding cases test their emotions too, as many people live in hoarding situations now. Families find it upsetting to see the conditions. Laura used to scan pregnant women as a sonographer, and Debbie installed disability lifts before.
Both are not easily fazed by difficult jobs. They cared for sick relatives before. They gained biohazard skills and started the business, which operates from Leicester Forest East. The training prepares them for harsh scenes.
They are Leicester’s only all-female team, which helps assault victims feel comfortable. Domestic violence spiked during COVID-19 lockdowns, and suicide rates also went up sadly, Laura shared.
Laura says they help people on their worst day and do their best to ease the situation. People compare the job to “The Cleaner” sitcom. Laura says shows add drama that isn’t always real, although she finds it funny but nitpicks details.