Why Cleaning Services Strictly Won’t Clean Homes with Animal Feces

When it comes to professional cleaning, there are certain health and safety standards that companies must uphold—not only to protect the cleaning team but also to maintain a sanitary environment for clients. One such policy is the strict refusal to clean homes with animal feces present. While some may see this as just part of the job, the reality is far more serious. Here are five important reasons why cleaning services enforce this rule:

Hazardous Waste is harmful to Humans

1. Health Hazards & Disease Risks

Animal feces can carry harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses such as E. coli, salmonella, roundworms, and toxoplasmosis. Exposure to these can lead to severe illness, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Cleaning technicians must avoid direct contact to prevent the spread of disease.

2. Occupational Safety Regulations

Many countries and states have occupational health guidelines that prohibit workers from handling hazardous biological waste without specialized training and protective equipment. Cleaning animal feces falls under this category, meaning it requires specialized remediation services—not standard home cleaning.

3. Risk of Cross-Contamination

Even with gloves and cleaning supplies, animal feces can easily spread contaminants to other areas of the home or even to the cleaner’s equipment, making it unsafe for future use. Strict “no feces” policies ensure that no harmful bacteria are unintentionally carried into other homes.

4. Specialized Equipment & Training Required

Proper cleanup of animal waste isn’t as simple as mopping or scrubbing. It requires industrial-grade disinfectants, PPE (personal protective equipment), and biohazard protocols to ensure safe removal and sanitization. Most regular cleaning teams are not trained for this type of biohazard remediation.

5. Liability & Insurance Restrictions

Many cleaning companies’ insurance policies explicitly exclude services that involve hazardous waste. Attempting to clean animal feces without proper coverage can put both the client and the business at financial and legal risk.

✅ The Bottom Line: Animal feces cleanup is a biohazard task, and it’s always best handled by a certified biohazard cleaning service. Standard cleaning services are designed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, not to handle hazardous waste. If you have this issue in your home, addressing it through specialized removal first will allow your regular cleaning team to step in safely afterward.