Cleaning up meth labs is a very complex and intricate process. So it’s no surprise that folks often ask us what meth cleanup chemicals they should use. In fact, many people believe that scrubbing down the building and painting the walls will make the building safe for habitation again. Unfortunately, that is simply not the case.

The Complexities of Cleaning Up Meth Labs

Meth is a complex and unstable molecule with a long half-life. This means it changes states easily and can re-enter the environment for decades after initial contamination. Once smoked, its residual vapors spread out and cling to various services in your home. The remaining residue is colorless, odorless, and indiscernible to the human eye. Don’t let that confuse you, though. Meth residue can absolutely make you sick—in the right circumstances.

When an individual attempts to remove meth and does not follow appropriate procedures, it tends to lead to predictable problems. For example, if the right detergent isn’t used, ‘cleaning’ tends to simply move meth around. This also opens up questions of cross-contamination, as contaminated materials have the potential to distribute meth across the surfaces of your home. So please, make sure you’re following all the appropriate steps. (Learn more about Utah’s regulations here.)

Meth removal also requires treatment of the ventilation system, removal of porous materials, appropriate cleaning protocols (usually repeated multiple times,) and much more. Truth be told, we don’t see a lot of former meth labs pass final inspection when a homeowner attempts decontamination on their own. This is a real shame, too, since that level of cleanup often takes an individual owner months or even years due to the intensive labor required. (And yes, we can streamline this process into a couple of weeks in most cases. Check out our other blogs to learn more about the specifics there.)

All of this is to say that identifying the right detergent is only one step in properly decontaminating a home. And, in general, we recommend sticking with a professional Certified Decontamination Specialist when removing meth from your home. (This can save you time, money, and a whole lot of effort.)

Cleaning Products that Work

Household cleaners aren’t enough to handle meth removal. Actually, even commercial grade cleaners still require you to go over the area multiple times. Be prepared to buy the right amounts based on the square footage of your home. Furthermore, make sure you’re using meth cleanup chemicals that are specifically formulated to remove meth. Examples include Crystal Clean and Apple Meth Remover.

Since you should expect to use a lot of these products, we recommend shopping around and discussing options with a local specialist. Prices change and local demands can influence markets in your area. If you’re in Utah, give us a call and we can talk about your options, as well as direct you to the most cost-effective cleaning materials in your area. Call AEIDecon today at (801) 888-6698.