To get blood out of carpet effectively, follow these expert steps and tips:
General Tips
- Always use cold water because warm or hot water can set the blood stain by causing it to clot and bind to carpet fibers.
- Blot, don’t rub the stain to avoid spreading it or driving it deeper into the carpet.
- Act as quickly as possible for the best results.
- Use a white cloth to prevent dye transfer from colored fabrics.
Methods to Remove Blood Stains
1. Cold Water and Dish Soap
- Mix a tablespoon of scent-free liquid dish soap with two cups of cold water.
- Sponge or spray the mixture onto the stain.
- Blot gently with a clean white cloth until the stain lifts.
- Repeat if necessary, then blot dry
2. Vinegar Solution
- Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water.
- Spray or soak a rag with the solution and blot the stain repeatedly.
- For tough stains, add baking soda to the vinegar solution or sprinkle baking powder after applying vinegar, let sit, then vacuum
3. Salt or Cornstarch Paste
- Make a thick paste using cold water and salt or cornstarch.
- Apply the paste to the dried blood stain and let it sit for 10-20 minutes.
- Blot with a damp cloth to lift the stain.
- Vacuum once dry to remove residue
4. Hydrogen Peroxide (Use with Caution)
- Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain; it will bubble and fizz as it breaks down the blood.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with cold water.
- Test on a hidden carpet area first as it may bleach or discolor the carpet.
- Do not leave hydrogen peroxide on the carpet for more than 5-10 minutes at a time
5. Ammonia Solution (Avoid on Wool)
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ammonia with cold water.
- Apply to the stain, let sit 5-10 minutes, then blot away.
- Do not use on wool carpets
Additional Notes
- For dried blood, soaking the stain with cold water before applying any cleaning agent helps.
- After cleaning, allow the carpet to air dry or use a wet vacuum to speed drying
By combining these methods based on the stain’s age and severity, you can effectively remove blood stains from your carpet.
