The toughest job you’ve never heard of
Ever wonder what happens to a space after a violent incident or an unexpected death once the blue lights and forensic teams head home? It’s a reality that most of us don’t have to face, but for a group of specialized professionals, it’s a daily grind. Cleaning up after trauma isn't just about bleach and mops; it’s a deeply emotional, often dangerous task that is far too heavy for families to handle on their own.
Meet the women on the front lines
In a recent episode of The Conversation, host Ella Al-Shamahi spotlighted two women who have made it their mission to take on this work.
Alana Gillen, who operates in Northern Ireland, made a massive pivot in her career. She transitioned from cleaning the luxury mansions of the elite to launching the region’s only female-led and owned business specializing in biohazard and trauma scenes.
Down in South Africa, Charleen Archibald has spent the last decade working in the industry. She learned the ropes from the 'Blood Sisters'—a duo famous in the region for their work—and now runs her own operation alongside her wife, Sheridan.
Real talk: It’s not just cleaning
Charleen describes the work as a privilege, noting how humbling it is to be invited into someone’s sanctuary on arguably the worst day of their lives. It’s giving main character energy in the most selfless way possible—these women are often the very last point of contact for families dealing with unimaginable loss. It’s heavy, it’s real, and honestly, the emotional toll is highkey intense.
Why it matters
Trauma cleaning is the invisible bridge between a tragic event and a family’s ability to start healing. By taking on the dangerous, physically, and emotionally exhausting work of sanitizing these spaces, these professionals allow families a chance to focus on grieving rather than dealing with the aftermath of a disaster.
