How to Remove Blood From Carpet

Cuts and scrapes happen, so at one time or another, you are likely to have a blood stain on your carpet. As one of the most unattractive stains of all, it’s “bark” is worse than its bite. In other words, it’s much simpler to spot clean blood (and takes less time) than it may seem. While it’s no replacement for a professional cleaning service, you can apply the following tips until a permanent solution is available.

The Stain That Can’t Be Helped

If you have children, then your run the risk of bloody noses and knee scabs. If you have pets, than you inevitably deal with a cat or dog that brings in traces of blood, dust and dirt. A blood stain is inevitable, especially in a busy home. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to spot treat it, so that you can minimize the damage it does on your carpets until a professional carpet cleaner can give it the permanent solution it deserves.

Step-by-step, here’s how to handle blood stains, from the stubborn to the severe:

• Apply cold water to the blood stain, generously. Some carpet stains (from vomit to dirt) require the application of luke warm water—but not blood stains. Be sure that when you treat dried blood on your carpets that you only use cold water. Start by scrapping up any clots of blood that aren’t imbedded in your carpet’s fibers. Then, take a cleaning cloth and drench it in cold water. Apply to the stained area, as this will begin to loosen up the dried blood. While this may take some time and patience, it’s a mandatory first step that you must take.  
• Create a “bubbling effect” by using hydrogen peroxide. If you’re dealing with an older stain, you may need to repeat the cold water treatment. Still, if the blood won’t budge, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to your sponge, and dab it on the stained area of your carpet until it creates a “bubbling effect.” Let it rest for a few minutes, and then soak up all of the moisture with a dry rag.
• If it still won’t budge, spray the affected area with laundry detergent. As a last step, apply some laundry detergent (liquid form) to the blood stain.  Work the detergent into the stain by massaging it with your finger (just be sure not to scrub it with another cleaning tool, such as a sponge or rag.) Repeat the first step by generously applying cold water to the area, and absorb it with a dry towel.

If your blood stain won’t budge, call your local Chem-Dry cleaning professionals. Their highly trained, trustworthy cleaning technicians won’t just treat your stain. They’ll apply a protectant solution on your carpets as well. Find your local Chem-Dry today and call them to find out the best options for your home. When you have the peace of mind of clean carpets, you benefit from a clean and healthy home.