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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
Add a small portion of hydrogen peroxide to the blood stain and let it work for 1-2 hours. Then, blot the carpet clean and repeat the procedure if you're still not happy with the results.
Does blood come out of a carpet? ›
Remove Blood From Carpets:
Mix one teaspoon of dishwashing(regular dish soap, not automatic dishwasher) detergent with two cups of cold water. Take a clean, white cloth and dip it in the detergent solution you just mixed. Blot directly on the bloodstain, repeatedly. Blot, don't scrub.
How does vinegar remove blood from carpet? ›
Vinegar. Vinegar's high acidity, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties make it perfect for getting blood out of carpet, among other things. Mix a solution of 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of warm water.
Is blood hard to get out of carpet? ›
To lift fresh or dried blood stains from carpet requires you to act quickly, blot and not rub the stain, and use a stain remover that's safe for your carpet. It can take a few rounds of cleaning, but with our tips and techniques, the appearance and freshness of your carpet can improve.
Can vinegar remove blood stains? ›
Can you remove old blood stains with vinegar? Vinegar is especially effective at removing stains from white clothes, although it works best if used before the blood stain dries out. Apply some vinegar directly onto the stain and leave it to soak for ten minutes.
Does salt get blood out of carpet? ›
Salt can help remove fresh blood spots. You need to mix it in with cold water to make a paste and then transfer it to the targeted area. Brush with a toothbrush to let it get into the carpet fibers. Rinse and repeat on an as-needed basis.
Does Salt remove blood stains? ›
Unfortunately, sometimes blood stains happen when you're out of the house, and at that point, soap and laundry products won't do you any good. Luckily, salt water or saline can come in handy in a pinch. Plain old table salt and cold water do really well for getting period blood out of clothes after the stain has dried.
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 does baking soda remove dried blood from 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.
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.
Does hydrogen peroxide clean carpet stains? ›
Hydrogen peroxide has many uses, but it is most commonly known as a disinfectant or bleaching agent. When used on carpets and rugs, it can help to remove stains and dirt.
How do you get rid of period stains? ›
8 Easy Tips for Removing Period Stains
- Use Cold Water and Clean It While It's Fresh.
- Use Cornflour and Hang It in the Sun.
- Create a Baking Soda or Talcum Powder Paste.
- Dab the Stain With Hydrogen Peroxide, Club Soda, or Vinegar.
- Give It a Good Soak.
- Wash Your Sheets Multiple Times.
- Dish Soap and Baking Soda.
- Prevention Is Key.
It can be easy to panic when you see blood and but there's no need to worry about getting those stains out. Whether it's a recent stain or it's old and dried into the fabric, simply use Resolve® and let blood stains be a problem of the past.
How do you get blood out of a carpet UK? ›
When tackling blood stains, it's important to use cold water. Warm or hot water can coagulate with the blood, making it much more difficult to clean, while cold water prevents the blood from soaking further into the carpet. A simple solution of cold water and dish soap should do the trick.
What is the best stain remover for blood? ›
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.
Does baking soda remove blood? ›
A baking soda paste (two parts baking soda to 1 part water) is also a good trick to help lift blood stains. Apply the poultice directly to the stain and leave it for up to 30 minutes. After you've removed the paste, carefully blot the area with a damp cloth or paper towel then wash as normal.
Can toothpaste remove blood stains? ›
Toothpaste
This method is easy and works well if the stained area isn't too big. Simply apply a little bit of toothpaste onto the blood stain. Allow it to dry completely, then rinse the fabric with cold water. If the stain remains on the sheets, repeat the process on the affected area.
Will baking soda ruin carpet? ›
Can Baking Soda Damage Carpet? Baking soda won't damage your carpet, but it may damage the underlay or the floors beneath. It may also be super difficult to vacuum every bit of baking soda from the carpet afterwards. The baking soda particles are so small that they can often find their way underneath the carpet fibers.
Does baking soda get stains out of carpet? ›
Baking soda is the perfect main ingredient for any homemade carpet cleaning solution. The reason baking soda is so effective at removing stains from carpet and various other materials is because it's an alkaline product that produces carbon dioxide gas when it has a reaction.
Prepare a thick paste of salt and cold water.
Apply it onto the stain. Let it stay like about 10-20 minutes. Salt has strong dehydrating properties and will lift up the water and the blood. After the time is up use more cold water to rinse the stain.
Does blood stain permanently? ›
Heat activates the proteins in blood, causing it to set quickly and permanently stain.
Can 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.)
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 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).
What dissolves dried blood? ›
To get blood out of your sheets using hydrogen peroxide, grab a large bowl and place the stained section of your sheet in it. Then, pour a little bit of hydrogen peroxide over it (we recommend about ½ of a cup) and add cold water. Let it soak for about 24 hours. If the stain has not dissolved, repeat the process.
Why does hydrogen peroxide get rid of blood stains? ›
When you apply peroxide to a blood stain, it will encounter an enzyme in the blood called catalase that triggers an oxidizing reaction. What is this? This reaction breaks down many of the chemical compounds that cause blood stains to cling to fabric.
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.
Will OxiClean remove dried blood stains? ›
Even when you can't treat a stain immediately, the five powerful Stain Fighters in OxiClean™ Max Force™ Spray tackle tough stains like dried-in blood. Rinse blood stain in cold water.
Does milk remove blood stains? ›
Pour some milk on the blood stain in your clothes and let it penetrate deep into the fabric. Then dab it up with a dry cloth, until the blood stain has disappeared. First dampen the blood stain with cold water, then apply some shampoo and leave it to work. Then machine wash to get the stain out completely.
My mum used salt and water and it came right out.” As another agreed, writing: “Use cold water with some salt. I was sceptical at first, but the stain disappears instantly.” “Salt and cold water mixture," a third stated, "then in circular motions with a sponge the stains should rub off.
Does WD-40 Remove carpet stains? ›
Often, even the most powerful of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, or home remedies aren't able to get rid of the most stubborn stains. This is when WD-40 comes in handy. Its activated formula equips you to remove carpet stains within a few minutes!
How long do I leave hydrogen peroxide in my 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.
Does vinegar discolor carpet? ›
White vinegar is clear and will not leave any discoloration, which is possible with other types of vinegar. Next, you should cover the stain with the white vinegar, being sure to leave the area wet but not completely soggy.
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 homemade carpet stain remover? ›
For those times when you need a little more stain fighting power, add baking soda to dish washing liquid, white vinegar, and warm water. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and you're ready to go. Or, try this combination of white vinegar, salt, and lavender scented essential oil to clean stains and deodorize.
Does vinegar and baking soda remove old stains from carpet? ›
One of the most effective methods you can use to remove old stains from carpet is a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Old stains can ruin the appearance and inherent value of your carpet like no other.
Does Salt remove blood stains? ›
Unfortunately, sometimes blood stains happen when you're out of the house, and at that point, soap and laundry products won't do you any good. Luckily, salt water or saline can come in handy in a pinch. Plain old table salt and cold water do really well for getting period blood out of clothes after the stain has dried.
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.
8 Easy Tips for Removing Period Stains
- Use Cold Water and Clean It While It's Fresh.
- Use Cornflour and Hang It in the Sun.
- Create a Baking Soda or Talcum Powder Paste.
- Dab the Stain With Hydrogen Peroxide, Club Soda, or Vinegar.
- Give It a Good Soak.
- Wash Your Sheets Multiple Times.
- Dish Soap and Baking Soda.
- Prevention Is Key.
Toothpaste
This method is easy and works well if the stained area isn't too big. Simply apply a little bit of toothpaste onto the blood stain. Allow it to dry completely, then rinse the fabric with cold water. If the stain remains on the sheets, repeat the process on the affected area.
Does baking soda remove blood? ›
A baking soda paste (two parts baking soda to 1 part water) is also a good trick to help lift blood stains. Apply the poultice directly to the stain and leave it for up to 30 minutes. After you've removed the paste, carefully blot the area with a damp cloth or paper towel then wash as normal.
Does blood stain permanently? ›
Heat activates the proteins in blood, causing it to set quickly and permanently stain.
What is the best stain remover for dried blood? ›
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.
Can dried blood stains be removed? ›
Soaking blood stained fabric in cool water can help break up the stain and make it easier to remove. Wash as usual. Sometimes, soaking blood stained fabric and then washing it in the washing machine is enough to remove a dried blood stain.
How does salt remove dried blood stains? ›
Prepare a thick paste of salt and cold water.
Apply it onto the stain. Let it stay like about 10-20 minutes. Salt has strong dehydrating properties and will lift up the water and the blood. After the time is up use more cold water to rinse the stain.
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.
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.
What dissolves dried blood? ›
To get blood out of your sheets using hydrogen peroxide, grab a large bowl and place the stained section of your sheet in it. Then, pour a little bit of hydrogen peroxide over it (we recommend about ½ of a cup) and add cold water. Let it soak for about 24 hours. If the stain has not dissolved, repeat the process.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice can be very helpful as the citric acid reacts with the bloodstains making it simpler for you to rinse it out. Use an old toothbrush to scrub softly as the acid can sometimes spoil the fabric as well.
Why does hydrogen peroxide get rid of blood stains? ›
When you apply peroxide to a blood stain, it will encounter an enzyme in the blood called catalase that triggers an oxidizing reaction. What is this? This reaction breaks down many of the chemical compounds that cause blood stains to cling to fabric.
How do you remove period stains at home? ›
Simply soak your fabric in a sink of cold water for 30 minutes, then add a few squirts of hydrogen peroxide or the juice of one lemon. Leave for another 30 mins then wring out your fabric and toss in the machine on a cold wash.
