Gabrielle Simpson | Forensic Cleaner

I started my cleaning company just before the Sydney Olympics in April 2000—and found myself doing some odd jobs such as: cleaning the office of funeral Parlours; science labs; in addition to some very neglected rental properties left in total squalor. Within a few years, such experiences led me to discover this whole other area of cleaning that was unique, intriguing, and highly specialised—Forensic Cleaning.

I absolutely love the work I do. Each day is completely different and certainly never boring—it’s always challenging, stressful, and demanding. Every day I jump out of bed, ready to get on with it.

Twenty-four years on and I believe I have the solution to any forensic-clean thrown at me.

That said, I personally couldn’t think of anything more traumatic than cleaning up after a death of a friend or family member, who I am emotionally connected to, or with whom I am grieving.

The most common Forensic clean that I perform is when a person dies alone and their body is not discovered for days, weeks, months, or even years. This is known as an ‘unattended death’. This is more common than you’d think as in today’s society we are living longer due to advances in science and medicine, and improved treatment for mental Health. This is leading to an increase in people living alone, not marrying, and commonly being very reclusive and keeping to oneself.

When the deceased is first discovered and the police investigations finished, the body is transported to the NSW Coroner’s Court. This is when I am contacted to undertake a forensic clean—before the next of kin can enter the property.

When I first enter a property, I am actively looking and smelling. I call this ‘my INVESTIGATIONS’!!
I notice the cutest things, such as the last consumed treat by the deceased.

You would be surprised how many people enjoy eating an ice-cream before passing!

Like a detective, I piece together the clues, which can indicate what time of day they died. Other clues include checking the use-by-dates on the bread or the milk in the fridge which indicate an approximate date of their last movements. Shopping receipts left on a dining table or coffee table also indicate a certain time period.

In terms of cleaning, many different factors affect the level of clean I undertake. These include: the timeframe after death; seasonal weather conditions such as the summer heat or the winter cold; and the area where the body has been found for example: the bed, carpeted floor, bathroom tiles etc. I focus on cleaning and disinfecting areas where there are body fluids and human decomposition.

I then concentrate on reducing the smell so that family and friends who may decide to visit, don’t see or smell anything that could psychologically/emotionally traumatise them, which would affect the last memory of their loved one.

What many people don’t know is that the largest area of forensic cleans occur within minority groups of the most vulnerable in our society, who live in community and social housing. This is the area that is most gratifying to work in—as I go about giving dignity to those that have died.

My feelings about death are, you are going to die eventually, however the timing may be up to you. It’s a 50/50 rule about what choices you make, if you want to get there sooner than later.

For instance, what you eat, drink, or use in the way of medical and recreational drugs, are choices that may influence the timing. I’ve witnessed the horror and extreme tragedy of the aftermath where just one slight change in a timeline of events, could have changed and that person would still be alive!!

The hardest thing about my work as a forensic cleaner is witnessing the number of people who die alone. It’s really heartbreaking. I hope I am not alone when I die.

—Gabrielle Simpson (2024)

Editor’s note: Gabrielle Simpson and her company “Clean Queens” was established in April 2000 and are a professional forensic, trauma and crime scene cleaning team with over 20 years of experience. Further information…

The Death Letter Project welcomes your comments and feedback. Please feel free to leave a comment on our Facebook page or alternatively submit a message below.