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Don't panic! Getting blood out of a carpet is easier than you think...as long as you follow a few important guidelines.
Carpet is a major investment. It’s also one of the most noticeable things in any given room. That’s why it’s so distressing when you get blood on it. (In addition, of course, to whatever mishap caused the bleeding in the first place.) Luckily, all is not lost when this happens—far from it, in fact. You just need to know how to remove stains and the magic formula for how to get blood out of a carpet, which is a slightly different process than getting blood out of your clothes, your sheets, or any other household items.
The key is to act immediately, though you can also remove dried blood from a carpet with a little extra elbow grease and patience. “Blood can stain carpet very quickly,” notes Leo Grover, owner of the restoration company Pinnacle Emergency Management, “so the sooner it can be blotted up and removed, the better.” Here’s what you need to know—and what you need to have on hand—to banish those blood stains from sight.
What you’ll need
How to remove fresh blood stains from carpet
No matter what stain treatment you’re using, the steps for removing blood stains from carpet are the same.
- Wet a white cloth with cold water. Never use warm or hot water for this task, since it can set the stain into the carpet.
- Blot the spot, pushing up and down with your cloth as opposed to rubbing it back and forth. Resist the urge to rub or scrub the affected area; this will only push the blood stain deeper into the carpet pile and possibly embed it into your carpet’s fibers. You also risk crushing the pile and ruining your carpet’s texture.
- Repeat this blotting process, with clean parts of the cloth, until no more blood is being transferred to the cloth. Then, blot the area with a dry white cloth. In cases where you’ve addressed the issue quickly enough or your carpet has excellent built-in stain protection, this may be all you need to remove the stain.
- Use a stain treatment if water alone doesn’t remove the stain. (See below for the specifics, depending on which product you’re using.)
- Use a clean, white cloth to blot the stain until the blood has been fully transferred from the carpet to the cloth.
- Blot the area with cold water to remove any remaining solution.
- Finally, blot the area gently with a dry cloth.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.comHow to use stain removers
Big jobs call for lots of stain remover, right? Wrong. When it comes to your carpet, less is more. “One of the main perils of using too much cleaner is that you may remove the spot but leave residue,” explains Grover. The residue left on your carpet could trap in dirt or weigh down your carpet so it becomes flat and matted.
“Another issue with using too much cleaner is that the stain can potentially re-appear—this is due to soapy residue left behind,” adds Jotham Hatch, vice president of training at Chem-Dry. “Although the treated area may look good at first, the spot will come back because the soapy residue continues to attract dirt.” Ack! An easy way to prevent yourself from falling into this trap is to apply the stain remover to your cloth instead of directly on your carpet. This will give you more control. Here are more cleaning mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
The most effective stain removers for blood
Believe it or not, you might already have everything you need. Some common household items can often get the job done, though, for truly stubborn stains, you might need the extra oomph of a store-bought solution.
Hydrogen peroxide
There are many hydrogen peroxide uses out there, and removing stains is one of them. Hydrogen peroxide is actually a mild bleach with wonderful cleaning and disinfectant properties. Most of the time, it’s perfectly safe to use on carpet. However, this is not something you should take for granted, so you should perform a spot test first. (This is a good use for leftover carpet scraps if you have them; if not, the back corner of a closet is a good test spot.) If no discoloration occurs, it’s safe to use it on your carpet.
Next, wet a white cloth with the hydrogen peroxide. Then, blot, don’t rub, exactly as you did with the cold water. Once you’ve succeeded in getting blood out of the carpet and onto your cloth, blot the area with cold water to remove the hydrogen peroxide. Follow up by blotting with a dry cloth.
Liquid dishwashing detergent
There are a few things you should never clean with dish soap, but carpet isn’t one of them. In fact, both Grover and Hatch say it’s their favorite ordinary household product for removing blood. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of cold water, and dip a white cloth into the mixture. Then, follow the same steps as above, blotting the blood stain until the soiled spot has transferred from your carpet to the cloth. Afterward, blot with cold water to soak up any remaining dishwashing liquid. When you’re through, blot gently with a dry cloth.
Ammonia
If you try the dishwashing detergent method and the stain doesn’t come clean, repeat the process, adding a tablespoon of ammonia to the dishwashing liquid/water mixture. Then go through the steps above once again. Note: Ammonia has a strong odor, so it’s best to open the window to increase ventilation when you’re working with it. Also, it becomes toxic if you combine it with bleach, so never mix those two products.
Salt
Salt is good for more than just popcorn! It can actually be used to remove blood stains, especially if you prefer to use natural cleaning solutions in your home. If the stain is fresh and still wet, combine salt and cold water together until you form a thick paste. Then, spread it over the carpet until you’ve completely covered the stain. Salt contains powerful absorbent properties, and it will draw the blood into the paste. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then carefully scrape off the remnants of the paste with a spoon. If the carpet is still soiled, repeat as necessary, following up with another stain treatment if needed. When finished, vacuum the area to eliminate any salt particles. FYI, here are more clever uses for salt that have nothing to do with cooking.
Store-bought stain remover
To remove especially tough blood stains, you may have to rely on a store-bought stain remover like Kids ‘N’ Pets Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover. This product has an enzyme formula that breaks down the proteins in blood, grass, pet stains, and more and makes them easier to remove. It’s a good thing to have on hand since it works for the many types of accidents that tend to arise in busy households. Grover says that when using an enzyme formula, you should check the label to make sure it’s recommended for carpet. Then, follow the instructions on the packaging. To be on the safe side, it’s always best to perform a spot test first.
How to remove dried blood from carpet
Wondering how to get dried blood out of carpet? The process isn’t much different from the guidelines above, with one big exception: You first need to scrape off as much of the dried blood as possible.
- Using the back of a spoon, gently “comb” the affected area to break up any hard deposits. Do not use a brush, fork, or anything that might snag or fray your carpet fibers. This is especially important with looped carpets.
- Vacuum up the debris. Don’t skip this step; otherwise, the dried blood will turn to liquid again when you moisten it and continue to stain your carpet.
- Next, use a stain remover. To make your own pre-treatment, mix the following ingredients in a spray bottle: 1 cup of cold water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Then spray the mixture directly on top of the stain. For especially tough stains, a store-bought stain remover will probably be your best bet. Here are other homemade carpet cleaner options to consider.
- Allow the pre-treatment to sit on the carpet for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use a clean, white cloth to blot the stain until the blood has been fully transferred from the carpet to the cloth.
- Blot with cold water to remove any remaining solution.
- And last but not least, the area gently with a dry cloth.
Now that you know the secrets to removing blood stains, turn to the other stubborn spots in your home. Next up: Learning how to remove red wine stains from your carpet. And, don’t forget to read up on the Bissell Little Green Machine and how it helps keep carpets clean.
Sources:
Chutima Chaochaiya/ShutterstockCleaning Hacks from Pro Cleaners
Carol Yepes/Getty ImagesTricks for Hard-to-Clean Home Objects
gilaxia/Getty Images Products That'll Cut Your Cleaning Time
FAQs
Grab your bottle of hydrogen peroxide! Just apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and watch as the red blood stain disappears. In the case of old or stubborn stains, reapply as needed. After the stain is removed, rinse the area with cold water to remove any peroxide that may be left behind.
Will blood come out of carpet? ›
Step 1: Combine 2 cups of warm water, 2 cups of white vinegar, and 4 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl or spray bottle. Step 2: Apply the mixture to the affected area. Let it sit for five minutes. Step 3: Blot the carpet dry with a clean, damp cotton cloth.
Will baking soda get blood out of carpet? ›
Water, baking soda & white vinegar
Spray the mixture directly onto the bloodstain. Let it soak in and sit for 5–10 minutes. Blot the carpet dry with a damp rag to soak up residue. Allow the spot to air dry completely, or use a wet vac to dry the area.
Does vinegar remove dried blood stains? ›
If you can get to the stain before it sets, remove blood stains by pouring full-strength white vinegar on the spot. Let it soak in for 5 to 10 minutes, then blot well with a cloth or towel.
Does blood stain permanently? ›
Blood is an organic substance that contains protein; the hot water will just cook the protein (gruesome but true), making the stain permanent. If you are using detergents, lukewarm water is okay to use, but properly cold water is always better, as cold as your hands can stand.
Why does hydrogen peroxide get rid of blood stains? ›
The most effective method is to use hydrogen peroxide, an oxidizing agent that removes old blood stains via a chemical reaction, breaking it down.
How do you remove blood stains without hydrogen peroxide? ›
Cornstarch
The quicker you act, the better. Whether it's on clothing or table linens, you can remove or reduce a bloodstain with this method. Make a paste of cornstarch mixed with cold water. Cover the spot with the cornstarch paste and rub it gently into the fabric.
Does hydrogen peroxide clean carpet stains? ›
Cleaning carpet stains with hydrogen peroxide is simple. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide on stains. Spray or pour peroxide onto the stain. Let it sit, then remove with a sponge or cloth.
Will OxiClean remove blood stains from carpet? ›
Everyday wear and tear is easy to treat, but blood stains bring a whole new challenge. But will OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover remove blood stains on carpets and rugs? Yes it will.
Does hydrogen peroxide bleach carpet? ›
Using a hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of higher than 6% will most likely bleach out your carpet's color dyes. Hydrogen peroxide solutions commonly used in households is diluted to a 3% grade. However, there's still the risk that the solution can bleach your carpet, depending on the dye.
The carbonation and phosphoric acid in co*ke can work wonders on bloodstains. Pour a can of co*ke directly onto the stain and let it sit until the bloodstain is gone. This might take an hour or two depending on how set the stain is, but you should be able to tell once its fully lightened and wash it as usual.
How do you get dried blood out of wool carpet? ›
An ammonia solution will help with blood stains. Mix 5 ml of household ammonia with 250 ml cold water. Put in a spray bottle and treat the area. Wait 5 minutes and extract with carpet cleaner and fresh cold water.
Is baking powder the same as baking soda? ›
Baking soda and baking powder are not the same. Sodium bicarbonate and bicarbonate of soda are other names for baking soda. Baking powder is made of baking soda plus cream of tartar and cornstarch. Baking powder can be substituted for baking soda by tripling the amount of baking powder.
Can toothpaste remove blood stains? ›
Apply toothpaste onto the stain with a moist toothbrush. Try not to rub outside the stain as it may spread. Let the paste dry and then rinse with cold water. Put it into the washing machine as normal to remove all the stains.
Does salt remove blood? ›
Salt has strong dehydrating properties and will lift up the water and the blood.
Can Dawn remove blood stains? ›
Dawn. If you have some Dawn dish soap, you can also use that to help remove blood stains. Dawn recommends applying a few drops of dish soap directly onto the fabric, covering the entire stain, and then rubbing it in with your fingers.
Does hand sanitizer remove blood stains? ›
"It has a high concentration of alcohol in it, which is a very good stain remover and will work on everything from pen to food spills to blood." (And maybe even those pesky lipstick smudges, too.)
Do blood stains fade over time? ›
Finding and documenting blood residue
Freshly dried bloodstains are a glossy reddish-brown in color. Under the influence of sunlight, the weather or removal attempts, the color eventually disappears and the stain turns grey.
Does detergent remove blood? ›
Make a mixture of 2 cups cold water and 1 tablespoon liquid dishwashing detergent. Wet a clean cloth with the mixture. Sponge (don't rub) the stain until the liquid is absorbed. Blot the stain until the liquid is absorbed.
Does alcohol remove blood stains? ›
If you're facing a super stubborn blood stain, try rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is used as a solvent for many purposes, making it super useful for breaking down stains (4). Add a few drops of the alcohol to a clean cloth. Dab gently onto the blood stain.
Using Bleach
Then, pre-treat with a fabric-safe bleach, and machine wash. Most blood stains should come out using these methods, though it may take multiple attempts. Remember not to use hot water or machine-drying during this process, as heat tends to lock in blood stains.
How do you use hydrogen peroxide for blood stains? ›
Once you've determined hydrogen peroxide can be used without ruining your fabric, apply it directly onto the stain, using just enough to cover it. Then, use a towel to blot the area. Hydrogen peroxide works quickly, bubbling and sizzling slightly over the blood, so the stain should start to dissipate immediately.
Are blood stains hard to remove? ›
Blood is one of the most difficult substances to remove once it has stained a fabric, surface, or laundry. However, stain removal can be accomplished with some help, usually with everyday items that can be found around the house. The first step in removing blood stains is to identify the stained material.
How does baking soda get stains out? ›
As you might remember from 5th grade science, alkaline neutralizes acid. So when baking soda meets an acid inside a liquid — or it's exposed to high heat — it'll produce fizzy carbon dioxide bubbles that give doughs and batters an airy texture and dissolve dirt and stains around the house.
Which stain devil removes blood? ›
Stain Devils® #4 removes: Baby Formula, Blood, Dairy Products, Eggs, Egg White, Milk, Ice Cream, and Yogurt.
What is the best homemade carpet stain remover? ›
Rub light carpet stains with a mixture of 2 tablespoons salt dissolved in 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the solution dry, then vacuum. For larger or darker stains, add 2 tablespoons borax to the mixture and use in the same way.
How long do you let hydrogen peroxide sit on carpet? ›
Place the hydrogen peroxide on a spray bottle. Spray it on the old stain. Saturate the stain if you must loosen up the stain's particles. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
What happens when you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? ›
By reacting together, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce carbon dioxide and chemicals which are excellent in removing bleaches. And thus, they make a fantastic couple together!
What is the best blood stain remover? ›
Sponge the stain with hydrogen peroxide or rub bar soap into the stain and scrub by hand in cold water. Apply laundry pre-treater or rub in an enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent, and wash the remaining stain in warm water with a fabric-safe bleach until the stain is gone.
Does OxiClean work on dried blood? ›
Treating & Removing Dried Blood Stains
Wash as normal with laundry detergent and an extra scoop of OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover. That's how you use OxiClean™ to remove dried blood stains.
Step 1: Spray WD-40 directly onto the stain, and wait for the solution to absorb. This should take around 20 to 30 seconds. Step 2: Use a damp sponge to rub it in thoroughly. As you do so for a minute, the solution will work its way under the stain and loosen its bonds, making it easier to wipe off.
Can you mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide? ›
Hydrogen oxide (separately, a great cleaning agent and antiseptic), if mixed with vinegar, creates peracetic acid, as vinegar contains acetic acid. This combination of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is potentially toxic and corrosive, which can break down or damage the surface it is applied to.
Does white vinegar stain carpet? ›
Vinegar will not stain or damage carpet as long as you dilute it with water. Also, avoid using vinegar to clean acidic stains such as ketchup or coffee. It will just make the stain even more acidic and even harder to remove. Only use vinegar for alkaline stains like vegetable matter or pet urine.
Will OxiClean remove blood stains from carpet? ›
Everyday wear and tear is easy to treat, but blood stains bring a whole new challenge. But will OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover remove blood stains on carpets and rugs? Yes it will.
Does peroxide remove blood stains? ›
Yes, unfortunately they are, and this task often needs something stronger than soap and water. The most effective method is to use hydrogen peroxide, an oxidizing agent that removes old blood stains via a chemical reaction, breaking it down.
How do you remove blood from a carpet UK? ›
Mix a tablespoon of ammonia into a cup of water. Dab enough of the mixture onto the bloodstain with a paper towel to moisten the stain but not flow all the way through. Blot with a clean paper towel and continue alternating between dabbing and blotting until the stain is gone.
Does hydrogen peroxide clean carpet stains? ›
Cleaning carpet stains with hydrogen peroxide is simple. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide on stains. Spray or pour peroxide onto the stain. Let it sit, then remove with a sponge or cloth.
What is the best blood stain remover? ›
Sponge the stain with hydrogen peroxide or rub bar soap into the stain and scrub by hand in cold water. Apply laundry pre-treater or rub in an enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent, and wash the remaining stain in warm water with a fabric-safe bleach until the stain is gone.
Will Dawn remove blood stains? ›
Dawn. If you have some Dawn dish soap, you can also use that to help remove blood stains. Dawn recommends applying a few drops of dish soap directly onto the fabric, covering the entire stain, and then rubbing it in with your fingers.
How do you remove old blood stains without hydrogen peroxide? ›
Pour white vinegar over the area and let it soak for up to 10 minutes. Then blot with a dampened cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain has disappeared. Then, launder the item (if possible).
Apply toothpaste onto the stain with a moist toothbrush. Try not to rub outside the stain as it may spread. Let the paste dry and then rinse with cold water. Put it into the washing machine as normal to remove all the stains.
Does salt get rid of blood stains? ›
Soak the garment in a bucket of cold, salted water (we recommend one or two tablespoons of salt for every litre of water) for several hours before washing as usual.
Are blood stains permanent? ›
Blood is an organic substance that contains protein; the hot water will just cook the protein (gruesome but true), making the stain permanent. If you are using detergents, lukewarm water is okay to use, but properly cold water is always better, as cold as your hands can stand.
Does bleach remove blood stains? ›
Using Bleach
Then, pre-treat with a fabric-safe bleach, and machine wash. Most blood stains should come out using these methods, though it may take multiple attempts. Remember not to use hot water or machine-drying during this process, as heat tends to lock in blood stains.
How do you get dried blood out of upholstery UK? ›
Mix 8 parts water with 1 part glycerine and 1 part laundry detergent with just a drop of fairy washing up liquid into a spray bottle and shake it well. Spray lightly, about 2 or 3 times onto the afflicted area. Rinse out your cloth or sponge and continue dabbing at the area using circular motions.
Does detergent remove blood? ›
Make a mixture of 2 cups cold water and 1 tablespoon liquid dishwashing detergent. Wet a clean cloth with the mixture. Sponge (don't rub) the stain until the liquid is absorbed. Blot the stain until the liquid is absorbed.
What is the best homemade carpet stain remover? ›
Rub light carpet stains with a mixture of 2 tablespoons salt dissolved in 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the solution dry, then vacuum. For larger or darker stains, add 2 tablespoons borax to the mixture and use in the same way.
What happens when you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? ›
By reacting together, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce carbon dioxide and chemicals which are excellent in removing bleaches. And thus, they make a fantastic couple together!
Does WD 40 Remove carpet stains? ›
Step 1: Spray WD-40 directly onto the stain, and wait for the solution to absorb. This should take around 20 to 30 seconds. Step 2: Use a damp sponge to rub it in thoroughly. As you do so for a minute, the solution will work its way under the stain and loosen its bonds, making it easier to wipe off.
