The Challenge of Cleaning Up Tear Gas

Tear gas might seem like it disappears once the air clears, but it actually leaves behind a pretty stubborn mess. Unlike regular smoke or dust, tear gas particles are sticky and can settle deep into surfaces like carpets, furniture, vents, and even behind walls. This makes it incredibly tough to clean with just basic household tools. If it’s not properly removed, the residue can cause ongoing breathing issues, skin irritation, and watery eyes—even days or weeks later.

One of the tricky things about tear gas is how it reacts with moisture. When the leftover chemicals mix with water—like from humidity, cleaning sprays, or even someone sweating—they can re-activate, releasing those painful effects all over again. That’s why DIY cleanup attempts can actually make things worse if you’re not using the right techniques and gear.

At Sterile Pros, we use specialized equipment and cleaning agents that are designed specifically to neutralize tear gas residues. We know where the particles hide, how to get to them, and how to make sure they’re fully gone—so you can breathe easy again, literally.

One of the most daunting cleanup tasks experienced by professional remediation companies like Sterile Pros is a tear gas cleanup. It does more than make a person cry; it will cause violent physical reactions and can be extremely difficult to completely eradicate from a home or commercial structure.

In the course of their duties, sometimes Law Enforcement personnel are forced to use tear gas and other non-lethal chemicals to subdue individuals involved in a volatile situation. Tear gas pellets or missiles not only damage property, but the residue they leave behind presents a serious health hazard. In some cases, dozens or even hundreds of rounds are fired into a structure to subdue a suspect.

Complete tear gas remediation of a home or business following the use of pepper spray (capsaicin) or tear gas, typically CN (2-chlorobenzalmalononitril) or CS (0-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) gas, requires particular equipment and trained service technicians. Improper remediation by inexperienced cleanup crews may result in inadvertent exposure to these irritants, causing rashes and allergic reactions which affect the mucous membranes and respiratory system. Medical research also suggests that exposure can also cause permanent damage to the heart and liver.

Using state of the art technology and strict control procedures, Sterile Pros provides professional cleanup for your home or business. We perform structural remediation to remove damaged walls, floors and surface coverings, and carefully wash affected surfaces in the home to restore safety. We routinely work with law enforcement professionals who refer our services, and we are trained in complex crime scene cleanup situations involving trauma and tear gas.