It's not an uncommon occurrence for blood stains on carpets in any household - even more so with pets or kids running around.
There are several ways to remove blood stains from carpets, including using water, common household cleaning solutions, and more specialized stain removers.
Read on to discover six methods to remove fresh blood stains from carpet fibers.
Method 1: Cold Water
Cold water is the simplest way to get rid of fresh blood stains as soon as they happen. It will work best on small stains.
What you'll need:
Cold water
Clean cloth
Cleaning the stain
If you have a small, fresh blood stain on your carpet, wet the area with ice-cold water.
Warm water will cause the blood protein to cling to the carpet fibers.
Using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel, blot the wet stain. Don't rub - this will set the stain deeper into the carpet.
Repeat the wetting and blotting process until the blood stain disappears.
Allow the area to air dry.
Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide
Note before you begin that hydrogen peroxide can have bleaching effects so do a small spot test first.
What you'll need:
Hydrogen peroxide
Clean rags
Cold water
Cleaning the stain
Using a clean cloth dipped in hydrogen peroxide, dab the stain continuously until it starts to lift and fade.
Use a new cloth dipped in cold water to blot the blood stain when it starts to lighten.
Repeat the process until the blood stains are no longer visible.
Dry the carpet with a cloth or paper towel and allow it to air.
Method 3: Vinegar
Most of us have white vinegar at home, making it a handy cleaning solution in a pinch.
What you'll need:
White vinegar
Water
Cloths
Optional: spray bottle
Cleaning the stain
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 cups water. You can either pour the mixture into a spray bottle or simply use a rag.
Apply the vinegar solution to the blood stain using the spray bottle or cloth, and spray and blot the stain repeatedly until it starts to dissolve and lighten.
Dry the area with a clean rag, then rinse it once more with cold water to get rid of the vinegar.
Allow the spot to dry naturally.
Method 4: Dishwashing Liquid
Dishwashing liquid can be a handy stain remover when you're dealing with blood spots on your favorite carpet.
What you'll need:
Dishwashing soap
Cloths
Paper towels (optional)
Water
Cleaning the stain
Mix a couple of drops of dish soap into cold water.
Dip the clean cloth in the soapy water and start blotting the stain. Keep dipping and blotting until the stain lightens.
Refrain from scrubbing or rubbing the carpet as this will spread the blood and press it into the fibers.
Once satisfied that the stain is gone, rinse the area with some cold water and dab it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Method 5: Carpet Stain Remover
It's easy to remove blood stains if you have a carpet stain remover on hand.
What you'll need:
Household carpet stain remover
Cloths
Water
Cleaning the stain
Each stain remover you purchase from the store will come with strict instructions, so follow the label carefully to ensure you're applying it correctly.
Usually, you would dab some stain remover (if liquid) onto the blood stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing and allowing the spot to dry.
Method 6: Potato Starch
Potato starch is more than just a handy staple in your pantry - it can also help you get rid of unsightly blood stains.
What you'll need:
Potato starch
Water
Vacuum
Cleaning the stain
Pour some water over the stained area and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
While wet, sprinkle potato starch over the area until the stain is completely covered.
Leave the stain to dry for at least 24 hours.
Vacuum the carpet to remove all the potato starch. You'll notice that the stain has disappeared too!
How To Clean Dried Blood Stains From Carpet
Cleaning dried blood stains from a carpet needs some specific methods. It can be tougher to remove dried blood as it would have set into the fibers.
Below are three methods you can use to remove dried blood stains from a carpet or rug.
Salt paste
Mix enough salt with cold water until it forms a thick, gritty paste.
Apply the paste to the dried blood stain and let it sit for up to 20 minutes.
Use a damp rag to blot the paste until the stain is gone.
Water, baking soda, and vinegar
Combine 2 cups of water, 2 cups of vinegar, and 4 spoons of baking soda.
Soak the dried stain with the mixture, letting it sit for up to 10 minutes.
Use a clean rag to blot the area to soak up the mixture (and the blood).
Dishwashing liquid and cold water
This method works well on wool carpets.
Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a cup of water.
Pour the soapy water over the dried blood stain.
Use a wet sponge to blot the area until the stain is gone.
Use a clean cloth to dry the carpet and remove any soapy residue.
When To Call The Experts
Cleaning up the odd blood spot here or there is an easy task, but when you are dealing with pools of blood, a quick DIY cleaning solution might not be enough.
Blood is considered a hazardous liquid due to the presence of pathogens and bloodborne diseases.
By contacting professional biohazard decontamination services you can rest assured knowing the blood will be cleaned and the area decontaminated.
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