How residue gets into a home
Most contaminated homes were never drug labs. Smoking methamphetamine indoors leaves residue on walls, ceilings, carpets, curtains and air-conditioning, and it stays long after the people who caused it have gone. Manufacture leaves far heavier contamination, but it is much rarer.
The residue can’t be seen or smelled at the levels that matter, so testing is the only way to know.
How testing works
Swabs are taken from set areas of hard surfaces in each room and sent for laboratory analysis. The results are compared with the Australian remediation guideline for homes, 0.5 micrograms per 100 square centimetres. Below that, no decontamination is needed. Above it, the results show which rooms are affected and by how much.
How decontamination runs
- The laboratory results set the scope: which rooms, which surfaces, which items.
- Porous items that hold residue, such as carpet, underlay, curtains and soft furnishings, are removed and disposed of.
- Walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures and joinery are washed with specialist cleaning agents.
- Air-conditioning and ducting are cleaned, since they spread residue around the home.
- The property is tested again after the clean to confirm the results are below the guideline.
Many people prefer the clearance test after decontamination to be done by a different company from the one that cleaned. We are happy to work alongside one.
Who you are dealing with
Elite Restoration is an IICRC Certified Firm (70100265), part of the Elite brand, operating since 1984, and carries $20 million in public and products liability cover. Insurance claims are handled with direct insurer liaison from the first call to final sign-off.
Meth testing questions
Can I clean meth residue myself?
Household cleaning doesn’t reliably bring residue below the guideline, and porous items usually need to go. Test first, then decide.
Is meth residue only from manufacture?
No. Smoking is the most common source, and it is enough to put a property over the guideline.
Is it covered by insurance?
Some landlord policies cover it. We liaise with your insurer on the claim.
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