First, was meth used or made here?
This page is about properties where meth was smoked or used. Properties where meth was manufactured fall under a different system in Tennessee. Under T.C.A. 68-212-503, local law enforcement may quarantine property where meth manufacture is occurring or has occurred, and TDEC Rule 0400-15-02 then governs testing and cleaning. Only contractors on TDEC's authorized list may work on a quarantined property, and owners who clean it themselves against instructions can be cited.
Before we schedule anything, please confirm the property's status with the local police or sheriff's office, or with TDEC's Division of Remediation at 888-891-8332. If it is quarantined, we will point you to TDEC's process instead of proceeding.
How meth smoke contaminates a space
When meth is smoked, vapor rises and condenses on cooler surfaces. Residue tends to concentrate on ceilings, upper walls, window glass, light fixtures and ceiling fans, and it is drawn into return-air vents and filters. Soft materials such as carpet, curtains, mattresses and upholstered furniture absorb it as well.
Signs that a unit may have been used this way include burned foil or glass pipes, yellowish film on walls or windows, and complaints from new occupants. None of those signs is proof, which is why sampling by an independent party can be helpful.
Our cleanup sequence for use sites
- Gather the history We ask how long the use went on, which rooms were involved, and whether any wipe samples have been taken.
- Plan the containment Affected rooms are separated from clean areas, and HVAC supply and return openings are covered during the work. Technicians wear gloves, coveralls and respiratory protection.
- Remove what holds residue Carpet and pad, mattresses, upholstered furniture, window treatments and stained ceiling tiles are bagged and removed.
- HEPA vacuum everything Ceilings, walls, floors, trim and fixtures are vacuumed with HEPA-filtered equipment before any washing begins.
- Detergent washing, top to bottom Surfaces are washed with detergent solutions and rinsed, usually in multiple passes, starting at the ceiling.
- Hand off for sampling We document the work and leave the space ready for an independent hygienist or accredited lab to sample, if you choose.
Surfaces and items we address
- Painted drywall and ceilings
- Cabinets, countertops, appliances and their interiors
- Doors, trim, window frames and blinds
- Light fixtures, switch plates and ceiling fans
- Vent covers and registers, with filters replaced
- Hard flooring after carpet removal
- Vehicle interiors, including dash, headliner and seats
- Attached garages, sheds and outbuildings where smoking took place
Testing and the 0.1 standard
Tennessee's decontamination standard of 0.1 microgram of meth per 100 square centimeters comes from the rule for quarantined manufacturing sites. It is not a legal requirement for use-only properties. Some landlords and buyers ask that a use site be sampled against that number anyway, as a voluntary benchmark, and we will describe it that way in any paperwork.
We do not mark our own work. Pre- and post-cleaning samples should be collected by an independent industrial hygienist and analyzed by an accredited laboratory. Instant field kits can help find residue but are not clearance tests.
What to avoid before we arrive
- Do not paint over walls; paint can seal residue under the new coat.
- Do not run the HVAC system longer than necessary.
- Do not shampoo carpets, which can spread residue.
- Wash hands with soap and water after visiting, not hand sanitizer.
Who else may be involved
Ductwork and air handlers that may hold residue should be cleaned or replaced by an HVAC contractor. Drywall, flooring and cabinet replacement goes to a general contractor. After washing, your painter may apply an encapsulating primer, which locks down what is left but is never a substitute for cleaning. Deodorizing equipment such as a hydroxyl unit can help with lingering smell; it does not remove residue. If you find chemicals, containers, tubing or cookware that suggest manufacturing, stop and call law enforcement.
If fentanyl may also be present, read our fentanyl cleanup page. Our drug residue cleanup overview covers other substances and the questions to ask before hiring anyone.