Cleaning blood out of your carpet can seem like a daunting task, but it is very simple, and you don't need to be an expert to do it.
All you will need is some basic supplies that are available at any home improvement center.
This article takes a look at how to clean blood out of your carpet and what supplies you might need to go out and buy. Let's jump right in.
Cleaning Blood Out Of Carpets
Cleaning blood out of carpet can be a simple or a difficult task, depending on if you know what to do.
However, if you take the right steps, you'll be able to remove blood stains without damaging your carpet.
Bloodstains need to be removed as soon as possible. Removing them quickly means you will likely end up with a much better result.
Most of the time, you must remove them using a mixture of soap and water.
These steps include cleaning the area thoroughly, soaking the spot with warm water, scrubbing the spot with a brush, and rinsing the spot clean.
When you clean bloodstains, always start by working from the edges towards the center. This prevents the blood from spreading to a wider area.
After cleaning, use paper towels or cloths to blot up the remaining cleaning solution.
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Supplies Needed:
- Ammonia
- Vinegar
- Potato Starch (Buy it here)
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Optional: My homemade Oxiclean recipe
How To Clean Blood Out Of Carpets
Although the above solution might help to get out light blood stains, the following step-by-step guide will take you through the process in closer detail, telling you exactly what to do if you discover a heavier bloodstain.
Wipe Up Excess Blood On the Carpet
The first thing you should do when you find a bloodstain on your carpet is to wipe away any excess blood.
If the bloodstain on the carpet is fresh, you need to first wipe away as much of the blood as possible with a dry cloth or non-dyed absorbent paper. You can use kitchen towels for this step.
Dissolve Blood in Lukewarm Water
Once you have cleaned away most of the blood, you will want to soak the entire stain with lukewarm water.
The reason why you choose lukewarm water is that it will dissolve the blood faster than cold or hot water would. Make sure to soak the entire stain until it starts to turn pink.
Hot water makes the blood clots faster and makes removal trickier, hence, use lukewarm.
Dab with a damp cloth to ensure you have absorbed as much of the blood as possible, and dab dry with a fresh cloth.
Apply Potato Starch to The Blood Stain
Potato starch is one of the best things you can apply to a bloodstain. It absorbs the blood and helps prevent spreading.
Once you have applied the potato starch, you will want to gently rub it into the stain and leave it for 24 hours before you vacuum the carpet.
If the stain is still visible after vacuuming, move to step 4.
Use a Carpet Stain Remover
After waiting for 24 hours, you will want to use a carpet stain remover to get rid of the bloodstain. There are many different types of carpet stain removers available today.
Some contain enzymes, while others contain chemicals. Either way, they work well and are easy to use.
That said, they can be quite harsh on your carpet, so be gentle when using them and always follow manufacturers' instructions.
The first time a stain remover is used on your carpet, you should double-check whether the solution can damage your carpet.
Damage occurs from color bleed, bleaching, and discoloration. Test the stain remover on an area the size of a penny, ideally in a hidden corner or under the radiator.
Vacuum Again
Vacuum the floor again to make sure there are no more blood spots left behind.
Other Ways Of Cleaning Blood Stains From Your Carpet
Use vinegar to clean blood stains from carpets. Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water.
Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and then place it over the stain. Let sit for 10 minutes and then blot with a towel. Repeat until the stain disappears.
Another method is to mix equal amounts of baking soda and water.
Sprinkle the mixture onto the stain and let sit for 15 minutes. Blot the area with a towel and repeat if necessary.
You can also try rubbing alcohol mixed with water. Rubbing alcohol is an effective cleaner, but you must be careful not to spill it on other areas of your carpet.
You can also dab your carpet with a cloth dipped in a solution of cold water and salt. Use around 2 tablespoons of salt per liter of water.
Continue dabbing until the blood loosens on the carpet fiber, and ensure to use as little water and salt as you can.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used if the bloodstain on the carpet will not budge. This can, however, be very harsh on your carpet.
Add a small dose of hydrogen peroxide to the stain and let it sit for a couple of hours.
You should blot the carpet clean and repeat the process until you can no longer see the stain.
Finally, you can use ammonia mixed with water to remove the blood, but never use this solution on woolen carpets.
Mix around 2 teaspoons of ammonia with the water and apply directly to the carpet.
Let the mixture work for around 5-10 minutes and blot dry with a white, clean cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a clean, cloth and dip it into and of the cleaning solutions mentioned above. Blot directly on the bloodstain, repeatedly. Blot, don't scrub.
Yes, Oxiclean is great for removing organic stains like blood.
Hand sanitizer has a high concentration of alcohol in it, which is a very good stain remover and can work well on everything from pen to food spills to blood.
Like hand sanitizer, hairspray has a high concentration of alcohol which can help remove blood stains.
Final Thoughts
After reading this article, you should have gained an understanding of how to clean blood out of your carpet.
We hope that we were able to help you find some solutions that could help you to keep your carpet looking new and cleaner for longer.
With proper care and maintenance, your carpet could last you for years to come, so ensure you clean that blood out as soon as possible!
As for how those bloodstains got there.
Well, that’s your business, but perhaps if you’re having to deal with blood on your carpet on a regular basis, you should think about having hardwood floors installed.