Steri-Clean: Revolutionizing Extreme Cleaning with Compassion and Innovation

Steri-Clean, a leader in biohazard remediation since 1995, specializes in crime scene, trauma, and hoarding cleanup services across the United States. With a commitment to restoring safety and peace of mind, Steri-Clean ensures that environments affected by biohazards are meticulously cleaned, sanitized, and restored to their original state. Their certified technicians are trained to handle sensitive situations with care, confidentiality, and professionalism, providing support to families, businesses, and communities during challenging times. By using state-of-the-art equipment and adhering to industry standards, Steri-Clean not only addresses immediate health risks but also offers compassionate guidance throughout the process. Their mission extends beyond cleanup—aiming to help clients reclaim their spaces and their sense of security. Whether dealing with an unexpected tragedy or overwhelming clutter, Steri-Clean stands ready to help restore order and provide relief.

Can you provide an overview of Steri-Clean and its founding story? What inspired the creation of the company, and what are its core values?

Steri-Clean is a specialized cleaning company that focuses on extreme cleaning situations, including crime scenes, fentanyl overdoses, meth labs, hoarding homes, homeless encampments, and areas impacted by rodent and bird infestations. The company was founded in 1995 by Mr. Chalmers, who, while working as a firefighter and paramedic in Southern California, recognized a significant gap in the cleaning industry. He saw a need for services that not only handled these challenging cleanups but also approached them with the necessary training in compassion and understanding of the emotional aspects involved.

Steri-Clean’s core values are integrity, compassion, and honesty, which guide the company in ensuring they do what is right for every client.

How does Steri-Clean ensure safety, compliance, and effectiveness in its cleaning and decontamination processes? Can you talk about the protocols and standards you follow?

Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Effectiveness in Cleaning and Decontamination

Steri-Clean is a pioneer in the extreme cleaning and biohazard remediation industry, an industry that has been historically underregulated. When Steri-Clean was founded 29 years ago, there were no established standards, certification programs, or training specific to this type of work. Recognizing this gap, our founder, Mr Chalmers, took the initiative to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a comprehensive training program that ensures every employee and franchisee is equipped with the highest quality training available. This commitment to safety, compliance, and effectiveness is evident in the protocols and standards we follow, which prioritize thorough training, innovation, and the use of specialized tools, equipment, and chemicals.

Protocols and Standards

Steri-Clean’s training program is designed to cover every aspect of biohazard and extreme cleaning, from technical skills to compassionate client interaction. Employees are trained to adhere to strict safety and decontamination protocols to ensure that all work is performed to the highest standards. These protocols are continually updated as the company evolves and new challenges arise, ensuring that Steri-Clean remains a leader in its field.

To guarantee safety and compliance, Steri-Clean uses EPA-registered cleaning agents and follows OSHA regulations to protect both our technicians and clients. Additionally, our staff undergoes rigorous training on using personal protective equipment (PPE), handling hazardous materials, and disposing of biohazard waste safely and effectively. The company’s proprietary methods and materials are designed to tackle the most challenging scenarios while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring community safety.

Innovative Tools and Equipment

Over the years, Mr.Chalmers has developed several innovative tools and equipment to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Steri-Clean’s operations. Some of these innovations have revolutionized the way biohazard cleaning is performed:

Hoarders TV Show Collaboration: In 2009, Mr. Chalmers collaborated with a production company that initially wanted to create a show on crime scene cleanup. However, after demonstrating the complexities of hoarding disorder and its cleanups, the production team shifted focus. This led to the creation of the Emmy-nominated TV show “Hoarders” on A&E, which is now in its 15th season. This collaboration not only raised awareness about hoarding but also positioned Steri-Clean as an expert in this field, showcasing the company’s unique approach to cleaning.
Steri-Clean Roadway Truck: Recognizing the need for efficient cleanup of biohazardous materials on public roads and highways, Mr. Chalmers designed and built the Steri-Clean Roadway Truck in 2003. This custom truck features a 200-gallon freshwater tank, a 200-gallon recovery tank, and a pressure washer that operates at 3,000 psi while simultaneously vacuuming the water from the surface. This innovation allows for the exclusion of solid biohazard waste, significantly reducing disposal costs for both Steri-Clean and its customers.

3. Extending/Bending Vacuum Pole: When a large national pet supply chain required specialized cleaning after rodent activity in hard-to-reach areas, Steri-Clean developed an innovative vacuum pole. The pole starts at 5 feet and can extend up to 15 feet, with a light attached to help technicians see in unlit spaces. Additionally, an adapter was created to allow the pole to bend 3 feet for cleaning under store shelving while the technician remains upright. This innovative tool won Steri-Clean the contract with the client and exemplifies the company’s ability to create customized solutions.

Commitment to Innovation and Excellence

Steri-Clean’s commitment to innovation, safety, and compliance has solidified its reputation as a leader in the extreme cleaning industry. By continuously developing new tools, protocols, and training programs, Steri-Clean ensures it remains at the forefront of the industry, providing clients with the highest standards of service, safety, and care.

How has Steri-Clean evolved over the years?

Steri-Clean has grown significantly since its humble beginnings as a garage-run business, where founder Mr. Chalmers used his family’s Ford Aerostar van to clean death scenes. Today, Steri-Clean offers over 12 specialized extreme cleaning services across more than 60 locations nationwide, supported by a large fleet of vehicles and hundreds of employees. This expansion was made possible by Mr. Chalmers’ decision to franchise the business, enabling more communities to access compassionate and highly trained Steri-Clean professionals who provide essential cleaning services with a focus on safety and empathy.

Looking ahead, what are the future plans for Steri-Clean?

Steri-Clean plans to expand its presence across more states by opening additional franchises. With territories currently covering populations of 1 to 2 million people, there are still over 100 available territories, including key geographic areas, providing significant growth opportunities. The company is committed to continuing its focus on innovation to maintain its competitive edge and uphold its position as an industry leader. By combining strategic expansion with ongoing advancements, Steri-Clean aims to reach more communities and provide essential extreme cleaning services with the highest standards of quality and care.

Can you talk about Steri-Clean’s training programs for its staff?

Steri-Clean offers a comprehensive training program for all employees and franchise owners to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the complexities of extreme cleaning. The training lasts over two weeks and takes place at our busiest office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, where the company was founded nearly 30 years ago. The first week focuses on classroom instruction, covering essential topics such as understanding the psychology of our customers, handling biohazards, using specialized tools and equipment, wearing personal protective gear, marketing strategies, and operating our proprietary software, CleanNet.

The second week of training is hands-on, beginning with meth lab and fentanyl decontamination training led by the creators of the equipment and products used in the field. Trainees then accompany experienced staff on actual jobs, applying their classroom knowledge in real-life situations. They learn everything from interacting with customers and setting up safe zones to performing the actual cleaning and ensuring proper, legal disposal. With guidance from corporate trainers, this approach ensures that nothing is staged, and trainees gain valuable, practical experience, preparing them to handle all aspects of the job with confidence and professionalism. This combination of theoretical knowledge and real-world application makes Steri-Clean’s training program one of the most comprehensive in the industry, emphasizing both safety and compassion.

Can you please share information about the founder and the team with our audience?

Our Founder Mr. Chalmers relocated from the fast-paced environment of Southern California to the serene Sun Valley, Idaho area, where he enjoys a quieter life on a small farm. He has established a spacious two-story office there, which serves as the hub for Steri-Clean’s marketing and call center teams. True to his leadership style, Mr. Chalmers is actively involved with his team, choosing to work in the middle of an open office space alongside his call center staff, fostering a collaborative and accessible work environment.

The rest of Steri-Clean’s corporate team operates from the original office in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The team is dynamic, composed of professionals from diverse backgrounds who have been instrumental in developing the company’s systems and processes. Their collective efforts have driven Steri-Clean’s growth from a single office to a nationwide brand, continually expanding its reach while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and compassionate service.

“Steri-Clean’s training program is designed to cover every aspect of biohazard and extreme cleaning, from technical skills to compassionate client interaction.”

“Steri-Clean offers over 12 specialized extreme cleaning services across more than 60 locations nationwide.”

“The company is committed to continuing its focus on innovation to maintain its competitive edge and uphold its position as an industry leader.”