COEUR d'ALENE - The days of cleanup with a mop and bucket are gone.

Biogone is a new professional hazardous cleanup and removal business that specializes in private, commercial and municipal operations, which has been started by brothers Rick and Steve Bennett, both of Coeur d'Alene.

"We make places safe, and habitable again," said Rick Bennett.

"Anybody could be a potential client," Steve said.

Biogone is providing hazardous cleanup and removal services for crime and trauma scenes, unattended deaths, suicides, industrial accidents, trash houses, compulsive hoarding and animal droppings. They also handle medical waste disposal and medical emergency cleanup.

The Bennetts have moved into an industry that was born roughly 10 years ago, they said. They have some business competitors in the Spokane area, they said.

Right now, they see their potential customers as law enforcement agencies, coroners, funeral homes, landlords and property managers, manufacturers and industrial businesses.

In part, the industry has come into being because of the liability that property owners, businesses or others can face if a cleanup is not handled properly.

"It is a high-risk job that we do," Rick said. "What you can't see will hurt you. People are finally realizing that."

People can become ill, with hepatitis or something else, if exposed to some of the substances, they said. Environmental regulations also must be adhered to.

They said that aside from any obvious items or fluids that may be visible, there often is residue that has been absorbed or becomes airborne. Those areas must be professionally treated to prevent transmission or contamination.

Along with Biogone, the Bennetts are the owners and operators of Bennett Brothers Carpet Cleaning and Janitorial. They started that business roughly a year ago.

The two said they've been pounding the pavement lately, trying to get out and educate the public and potential customers about the services they're offering through Biogone.

"Once you get recognized, it's very lucrative," said Steve.

They got their training through Amdecon, of Green Cove Springs, Fla., they said.

"The training course was intense," Steve said.

They spent about $20,000 to buy the equipment necessary to go to work, including the chemicals and suits needed to handle the cleanups.

"Nothing is reused," Rick said.

They plan to serve just North Idaho initially, but will expand to serve eastern Washington and western Montana as well.

Rick and Steve said costs will vary depending on the specific job. They said that in most cases insurance is going to cover the costs for customers.

They will operate the business from Rick's home garage. The business employs themselves and one part-time employee.