As a professional carpet cleaner, I’ve tackled my fair share of blood stains over the years. Whether it’s from a bad nosebleed, scraped knee or serious accident, blood can seem impossible to remove once it sinks into light colored carpeting.
The good news is that with the right techniques and products, even dried or set-in blood stains can be eliminated from carpet fibers.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my proven process for removing blood from carpet. You’ll learn:
- The chemistry behind why blood stains
- When to call in a professional carpet cleaner
- Must-have products for blood stain removal
- Step-by-step instructions for treating wet and dried blood
- Tips to prevent blood stains from setting
I’ll also include before and after photos of real-life blood stain removal projects completed by my carpet cleaning company.
Why Blood Stains Are Difficult to Remove
Blood stains can be notoriously stubborn to clean because blood contains proteins and iron that bind strongly to fibers. Specifically:
-
Platelets help blood clot and dry into stubborn deposits.
-
Plasma allows deep penetration into carpet backing.
-
Hemoglobin contains iron that oxidizes to a dark brown color.
Improper cleaning attempts often inadvertently set the stain by denaturing proteins and oxidizing hemoglobin. That’s why it’s important to use the right techniques from the start.
[Before and After Blood Stain Removal]
{Before photo showing large dried blood stain on light carpet}
{After photo with blood completely removed from carpet}
Call a Professional for Large or Set-In Stains
While fresh blood stains can often be treated at home, some situations call for a professional:
- Blood that has extensively penetrated and dried into carpet backing
- Large amounts of blood that have soaked through to carpet pad
- Blood stains that have turned brown or black from oxidization
- Delicate, expensive or antique carpets where DIY is risky
Our professional steam cleaning equipment, high-powered vacuums and commercial-grade stain removers can fully extract even the most set-in blood stains without risk of carpet damage.
[Severely Set-In Blood Stain Removed by Pros]
{Before photo of dried, oxidized blood saturating light carpet}
{After photo showing complete removal by pros}
Helpful Products for Removing Blood from Carpet
Having the right supplies on hand is key to successfully treating blood stains. Here are the must-have items for your cleaning arsenal:
- Cold water – Prevents blood from setting
- White rags or paper towels – Avoid transfer of dye
- Dish soap – Dawn is ideal for emulsifying blood
- Hydrogen peroxide – Helpful oxidizing agent
- White vinegar – Acetic acid helps break blood bonds
- Table salt – Absorbs moisture to lift blood
- Old toothbrush – For working in solutions
- Wet/dry vacuum – Extracts dissolved blood
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty steps for blood stain removal…
Step-by-Step Instructions for Treating Blood Stains
Follow my proven process below for getting both wet and dried blood out of carpet:
Act Quickly for Wet Blood Stains
Fresh blood that is still damp or wet should be treated immediately before it penetrates and sets:
-
Gently blot excess blood – Avoid scrubbing as this can spread stain deeper.
-
Lightly spray cold water – This keeps blood soluble.
-
Blot repeatedly to lift blood – Check cloths to ensure stain is transferring.
-
Flush with cold water – Rinses away any residues.
-
Absorb moisture – Weigh down towels to wick moisture from backing.
Use Dish Soap and Peroxide for Dried Blood
For blood that has dried and set into fibers:
-
Loosen deposit – Use brush to gently break up any hardened blood.
-
Spray with peroxide – The oxidizing effects help lift hemoglobin stains.
-
Let sit 5 minutes – Allows peroxide time to work.
-
Blot stain – Check cloths for blood transfer.
-
Apply dish soap – Emulsifies remaining proteins.
-
Lightly scrub with brush – Helps work soap into carpet.
-
Blot again – Lifts blood dissolved by soap.
-
Rinse with cold water.
-
Absorb moisture with towels.
-
Repeat as needed for total removal.
Tips to Prevent Blood Stains from Setting
The key is treating blood spills fast before they have a chance to dry and set into fibers:
-
Keep first aid supplies handy for immediate response.
-
Have a stain kit ready with dish soap, peroxide, rags, brush, etc.
-
Educate family members on the importance of fast treatment.
-
Blot gently and avoid scrubbing which can spread stain.
-
Always use cold water – heat sets blood proteins.
-
Change rags/towels often to prevent redepositing.
-
Work from stain edges in toward center.
-
Flush with water to rinse away all soap or cleaning residues.
Common Blood Stain Questions
Here are answers to some of the common questions I receive about removing blood from carpet:
What temperature water should be used on blood stains?
Always use cold water! Warm or hot water can cause blood proteins to coagulate and bind even tighter to fibers.
What homemade solutions work to remove dried blood stains?
For DIY treatment, make a solution of 2 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part dish soap. Or try mixing salt with cold water into a paste – the salt will dehydrate and lift blood.
Will hydrogen peroxide bleach or discolor my carpet?
Test peroxide on an inconspicuous area first. If no discoloration occurs after 5 minutes, it should be safe to use on stain. Avoid using on carpets with colors you want to preserve.
What should I do if my DIY attempts make the blood stain worse?
Don’t panic! Improper DIY techniques often inadvertently set stains. Call a professional carpet cleaner immediately – the right equipment and solutions can still get even stubborn set-in stains out.
How can I prevent future blood stains from setting into the carpet?
Respond as quickly as possible and always use cold water. Have supplies ready for immediate treatment. Educate family members on the importance of fast action.
The Bottom Line on Blood Stain Removal
Don’t stress over blood stains – they can be fully removed with the right techniques. Just be sure to act fast, use cold water, blot gently and rinse thoroughly. For stubborn set-in stains, call in a professional cleaner service.
I hope these tips help you get out those scary blood spills so you can keep your carpets looking pristine! Check out my related guides on removing wine stains, pet stains and food stains from carpeting.