How to Clean Blood Out of Carpet
Abbie Clark
Hey mama, I hate it when my little one gets hurt. Sadly, Jackson received my clumsy gene and tends to bump into things more often than I’d like. And sometimes, those bumps lead to cuts and scrapes that can leave blood stains on our carpet.
I genuinely hope you don’t relate. But if you do, don’t worry, mama! There are some effective methods for removing blood out of carpet. Here are 3 of my go-to methods for cleaning blood out of carpet.
Why Are Blood Stains Hard to Remove from Carpet?
Well Mama, blood stains can be tough to remove from carpets for a few reasons.
First, blood contains proteins that can bind tightly to carpet fibers, making it difficult to lift out of the carpet. If the stain is allowed to sit for too long, it can set into the fibers and become even more stubborn to remove.
Another reason blood stains are challenging is that we need to be careful not to damage the carpet while trying to clean it. Some cleaning products or techniques can cause the carpet to discolor or become matted, making the stain even more noticeable.
To effectively remove a blood stain from your carpet, your best bet is to act quickly and use the right cleaning method. You can try using a mixture of cold water and a gentle cleaning solution, such as dish soap or hydrogen peroxide, to blot the stain.
Avoid using hot water or rubbing the stain, as this can cause the blood to set in further.
If you’re having trouble removing a blood stain, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional carpet cleaner to avoid causing any damage to your carpet.
3 Methods for Cleaning Blood Out of Carpet:
- Method 1: Use a Mixture of Dish Soap and Cold Water
- Method 2: Use Hydrogen Peroxide
- Method 3: Use Ammonia
- How to Clean Old Blood Stains Out of Carpet
- Tips for Success
Method 1: Use a Mixture of Dish Soap and Cold Water
The first method we’ll cover is a simple solution that can be made with items you probably already have in your kitchen. All you need is a tablespoon of dish soap and two cups of cold water. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Start by blotting up as much excess blood as you can with a clean, white cloth. Be sure not to rub the stain, as this can spread it further into the carpet fibers.
Step 2: Mix the dish soap and cold water in a bowl until it becomes sudsy.
Step 3: Dip a clean white cloth in the mixture and blot the stain until it disappears. Again, be sure not to rub the carpet.
Step 4: Rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry with a dry cloth.
If the stain persists, repeat the process until it disappears. Once the stain is gone, vacuum the area to lift any remaining fibers.
Does Dish Soap Actually Remove Blood Stains?
Yes! Dish soap and cold water IS an effective way to remove blood stains from carpet. Dish soap is a gentle and effective cleaner that can break down the proteins in the blood stain, while the cold water helps to prevent the stain from setting into the carpet’s fibers.
The key is to act quickly and blot the stain with a clean towel or cloth to remove as much blood as possible before applying the dish soap and water mixture.
Remember to avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it further into the carpet.
For more stubborn stains, you may need to try other methods like the ones below.
Method 2: Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Another effective method for removing blood stains from your carpet is by using hydrogen peroxide. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Again, start by blotting up as much blood as possible with a clean cloth.
Step 2: Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl.
Step 3: Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Blot the stain with a clean cloth until it disappears.
Step 5: Rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry.
Note: It’s important to use caution when using hydrogen peroxide, as it can bleach the carpet fibers. Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before using it on the stain.
Method 3: Use Ammonia
The third method involves using an ammonia solution, which is another powerful cleaning agent. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Again, start by blotting up as much blood as possible with a clean cloth.
Step 2: Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
Step 3: Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Blot the stain with a clean cloth until it disappears.
Step 5: Rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry.
Note: As with hydrogen peroxide, it’s important to use caution when using ammonia. Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area, and never mix ammonia with bleach or any other cleaning solution.
How to Clean Dried Blood Stains Out of Carpet
Unlike fresh or wet blood stains, a dried blood stain can be stubborn to remove because the blood has had time to set into the fibers. While it can be a difficult task, the good news is that it is not impossible to remove the stain. There are a few things you can try to lift the stain and restore your carpet’s appearance.
Method 1: Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
First, you can try using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and liquid dish soap. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, apply it to the stained area, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then blot the area with a clean, white cloth. Rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry.
Method 2: Use an Enzymatic Cleaner
Another option is to use a commercial enzyme-based cleaner that is designed to break down organic stains like blood. You can find an enzymatic carpet stain remover in most stores and online. Apply the store-bought stain remover to the dry stain following the product instructions, let it sit for the recommended time, and then blot the area with a clean, white cloth. Rinse with cold water and repeat the process until the stain is removed.
Method 3: Use Ammonia
Finally, you can try using ammonia, but use it with caution! Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of clean water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and then blot the area with a clean, white cloth. Rinse with cold water and blot it dry.
But be careful because ammonia should NOT be used on wool carpets!
Remember, Mama, always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before applying it to the stain. And don’t worry if it takes a few attempts to fully lift the stain– be patient and persistent!
If the previous methods do not work, don’t fell defeated. Blood, especially dry blood, can make for a tough stain. If all else fails, you can always call in a professional carpet cleaning service.
Tips for Success
Now that you know the three methods for removing blood stains from your carpet, here are some additional tips for success:
- Always use cold water when cleaning blood stains. Hot water can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove. To be safe, I would even avoid using lukewarm water
- Be patient. Blood stains can be stubborn, and it may take multiple attempts to get them out completely.
- Always blot the stain, never rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and damage the carpet fibers.
- Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before using it on the stain.
- If you’re unsure about how to clean a specific type of carpet (such as wool carpet), consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional help.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Blood Stains:
When it comes to removing blood stains from carpet, there are a few things you should avoid doing to prevent making the stain worse or damaging your carpet.
Never use hot water
First and foremost, you should never use hot water when trying to remove a blood stain. Hot water can cause the proteins in the blood to coagulate and bind even more tightly to the carpet fibers, making it harder to remove the stain.
Never rub the stains
You should also avoid rubbing the stain vigorously or using harsh cleaning products like bleach. Bleach can cause discoloration or damage to the carpet fibers, making the stain even more noticeable.
Never vacuum
Another thing to avoid is using a vacuum to remove the stain. These machines can force the blood deeper into the carpet fibers, making it harder to remove.
Instead, use a gentle blotting motion with a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the blood as possible. You can then use a mixture of cold water and a gentle cleaning solution to blot the stain, being careful not to saturate the carpet.
Remember, when it comes to blood stains, it’s always better to be cautious and gentle with your cleaning approach to avoid making the stain worse or damaging your carpet.
Final Thoughts
Okay Mama, that’s all I’ve got! I hope at least one of my methods is able to help you. If you have any tips or tricks that you’ve found to be successful in getting blood out of carpet, please let us know in the comments below -we need all the help we can get!
