A guide to tackling cleanup after CS (Tear) Gas exposure… 
This article aims to provide cleaning & restoration personnel with recommendations for safe and effective clean-up after CS (Tear) gas contamination.
Using products available from Cleaning Systems Ltd, the following guidelines list appropriate cleaning chemicals, equipment, procedures, and safety measures to ensure effective decontamination.
Safety Precautions
- Ensure all personnel wear appropriate PPE: full-face respirators (P100 filters) such as Drager X-plore, gloves, and protective clothing. (Explore range HERE)
- Ventilation: Ventilate the area thoroughly before cleaning by opening windows and using industrial fans.
- Do not use hot water for skin decontamination, as it opens pores and increases irritation.
- Remove all soft materials (curtains, fabric furniture) if deep saturation is suspected.
Decontamination Process, Chemicals & Equipment
Step 1: Ventilation & Dry Removal:
Objective: Remove airborne CS particles before wet cleaning
Equipment: Industrial HEPA Vacuum plus Air Movers
Method: Open all doors and windows. Use industrial fans to create airflow. Vacuum all surfaces with a HEPA-filtered vacuum before applying any liquid cleaners.
Step 2: Hard Surface Degreasing:
Objective: Break down sticky CS Gas residues
Chemical: Kemsol Red Rhino (Heavy Duty Degreaser)
Method: Spray Red Rhino, scrub, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step 3: Residue Neutralisation:
Objective: Break down CS Gas using chemical cleaning
Chemical: Kemsol Citrus Blast (Citrus Based Degreaser)
Method: Follow hard surface degreasing with Citrus Blast to further break down CS gas residue.
Step 4: Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning:
Objective: Extraction of trapped CS Gas residues from soft furnishings incl. carpet, furniture & window treatments
Chemical: Actichem Deozyme (Enzyme Cleaner)
Method: Pre-treat fabric and carpet with Deozyme, allowing time to break down contaminants.
Step 5: Deep Cleaning & Odour Control:
Objective: Removal of lingering CS Gas residues and odour
Chemical: Actichem / FibreTech Oxyboost Plus (Oxygen Cleaner)
Method: Extract using hot water and a cleaning wand, adding OxyBoost for deeper penetration.
Step 6: Airborne Residue Control:
Objective: Removal of remaining CS Gas particles from HVAC and air
Equipment: Air Movers and HEPA Filter cleaning
Method: Replace all air filters and run Air Movers. If lingering odours persist, reapply Deozyme to affected areas.
Important Notes:
- Human Skin & Eyes:
CS gas binds to oils and reacts with moisture, causing irritation. Use mild alkaline soap (not hot water) to remove residues safely. - Hard Surfaces (Walls, Floors, Equipment):
CS gas leaves an alkaline residue that requires an acid-based cleaner (Citrus Blast) for neutralisation. - Fabrics & Carpets:
CS gas particles embed deeply, requiring an enzyme-based cleaner (Deozyme) and oxygen-based cleaner (OxyBoost) to break down residue and remove odours. - Ensure the area is completely dry after cleaning.
- Dispose of contaminated PPE safely & appropriately.
- If irritation persists, avoid the area until additional cleaning has been completed.
Relevant Training Courses…
(click the image links)