When you know how to remove blood stains from carpet, you can save your floor! After all, accidents happen. That’s why we have this how-to guide.
You cut your finger and think, “It can’t get any worse, right?” Then, you see a spot of red settling into your carpet fibers. Much like coffee or red wine, blood is tough to remove whether it’s wet or dry.
That’s why it’s important to know how to get blood out of carpet. You may have some carpet cleaners at home to help, but not everyone does. While you can always call your favorite local cleaning company, you might not want to wait.
So, the next time an accident happens at home, take a look at your cleaning methods and try out some of these tested methods. Even with dried blood, they can help to loosen the stain from the fibers of your carpet.
Why Speed Matters: The Science Behind Blood Stains
When it comes to removing blood stains from carpet, acting quickly is crucial. The reason speed is so important lies in the chemical structure of blood and how it interacts with fibers.
The Science of Blood Stains
Blood contains proteins, including hemoglobin, which binds tightly to fibers in your carpet. This bond forms almost immediately after the blood touches the carpet, which means the longer the stain sits, the more difficult it becomes to remove. Over time, these proteins begin to “set” into the fabric, especially when exposed to heat or air. Once the proteins have fully bonded, the stain becomes much harder to lift out.
Why Cold Water Works Best
One of the first things you’ll hear when it comes to blood stain removal is to use cold water. Here’s why: blood coagulates and forms solid clumps when exposed to heat, which causes it to bind even more firmly to carpet fibers. Cold water, on the other hand, prevents the blood from coagulating, making it easier to blot and lift the stain out of the carpet.
Using hot water might seem like a good idea to break down the stain more quickly, but it often results in a bigger problem— setting the stain. This is why cold water is always recommended for blood stains, no matter how fresh or old they are.
Why Is It Important to Act Quickly?
The faster you can address the stain, the better your chances of success. If you can get to the stain within the first few minutes, you’ll likely only need water or mild soap to clean it up. But once the blood dries and begins to bond with the fibers, it becomes much harder to remove, often requiring more aggressive treatments like salt paste or hydrogen peroxide.
How to Remove Blood from Carpet: 3 Methods to Try
As with other stains, it’s best to tackle a blood stain quickly. However, if you wait or don’t notice it right away, there’s still hope. The only difference is that it takes a little more elbow grease.
When you remove blood stains out of carpet, remember to start from the edge of the stain and work towards the middle. To prevent a cleaned area from soiling again, be sure to rinse off and blot the remaining stain-removing agent as you go.
Method 1: Detergent
- If the stain is dry, go over it with a brush to break it up.
- Mix a tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap and two cups of cold water.
- With a clean, white cloth, dab the stain with your solution.
- Continue to blot the stain until it absorbs the liquid and the stain disappears.
- Sponge the area with cold water and blot it dry.
If you still see the stain, mix a tablespoon of ammonia with a half cup of warm water. Follow the same dabbing and blotting method. Then, sponge with cold water and blot the area dry.
Method 2: Stain Removers
Not everyone has a stain remover on hand, but they can help to break up, if not completely remove a stain. Most will have their own specific directions, so be sure to follow them carefully.
Typically, you mix powders with warm water, saturate the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and blot it dry with a cloth.
Method 3: Hydrogen Peroxide
If you don’t have any cleaners handy, you can also check your medicine cabinet. Hydrogen peroxide can be a great way to get blood out of carpet.
- Test the hydrogen peroxide on a hidden area to ensure it doesn’t change the color of your carpet. Try a spot covered by furniture or deep in a corner.
- If it looks good, dip a cotton swab into the hydrogen peroxide and coat the tip.
- Apply it to the stain carefully.
- Rinse the area with a wet cloth and let it air dry.
Reddit Tips and Real-Life Experiences
Sometimes, the best advice comes from real people who have dealt with the same problem firsthand. Reddit, with its wealth of shared experiences, offers some practical tips and tricks to get blood out of carpet.
Here are two of the most helpful (and sometimes surprising) suggestions from Reddit users:
1. The Power of Baking Soda and Vinegar
A common method recommended by Redditors involves a simple yet effective combo: baking soda and vinegar. Users suggest sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the blood stain, then spraying white vinegar on top. The fizzing reaction helps lift the stain from the fibers. After letting it sit for a few minutes, blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb the stain and the residue. This method works well for both fresh and dried blood stains, and it’s completely natural.
2. Club Soda for an Easy Rinse
One Redditor swears by club soda as a quick and easy solution for fresh blood stains. After blotting up as much blood as possible, they recommend pouring a little club soda directly onto the stain and gently blotting with a clean towel. The bubbles in the soda help loosen the blood from the carpet fibers, making it easier to absorb. Plus, it’s a great way to lift out stains without using harsh chemicals.
How to Prevent Future Stains
It’s impossible to completely avoid accidents, but the best way to remove blood stains is to prevent them. There are a few proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of blood stains in the future—and make cleanup easier if they do happen.
Here are 6 expert-backed strategies to protect your carpet and keep it looking fresh:
1. Keep a Stain Removal Kit Handy
The best way to prevent a stain from becoming a permanent problem is to act quickly. Keeping a stain removal kit on hand can save you time and frustration. Here’s what to include:
- Cold water or a spray bottle for quick blotting.
- Dish soap and baking soda for natural cleaning solutions.
- Hydrogen peroxide for tougher stains (make sure to test it first on an inconspicuous area).
- Clean towels or cloths to blot up stains before they set.
Having these items within arm’s reach means you can jump into action at the first sign of a spill, preventing the stain from setting in the first place.
2. Use a Carpet Protector
If you have kids, pets, or just want extra peace of mind, consider applying a carpet protector. These sprays form a protective layer over your carpet fibers, making it harder for liquids (including blood) to soak in. Carpet protectors don’t make your carpet waterproof, but they do help reduce the chances of stains sticking, giving you a longer window to clean up spills before they set.
Some popular carpet protectors also make cleaning easier by repelling dirt and preventing stains from bonding as easily. Be sure to choose one that’s safe for your type of carpet and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
3. Clean Spills Immediately
If an accident does happen, cleaning it up immediately is key. The longer a stain sits, the more it bonds with the fibers. It’s much easier to tackle a fresh stain before it has time to dry and set. Simply blot up any excess blood with a clean towel or cloth (don’t rub, as that can push the stain deeper) and then treat it with cold water or your preferred cleaning solution. The faster you act, the easier it will be to remove the stain completely.
4. Avoid High-Risk Areas
Consider placing rugs or mats in high-risk areas, especially if you’re prone to accidents involving blood (e.g., from minor cuts or medical conditions). This will help catch any spills before they reach your carpet, giving you time to clean them up before they soak in.
5. Regular Carpet Maintenance
Regular carpet maintenance, like vacuuming and professional cleanings, can help keep your carpet fibers healthy and more resistant to stains. Clean carpets not only look better but are also less likely to trap dirt or stains, including blood. Consider scheduling professional carpet cleaning once or twice a year to maintain the quality of your carpet and prevent long-term buildup.
6. Educate Family Members or Guests
If you have children or pets, educate them about the importance of avoiding spills and seeking help immediately if something does happen. For example, a quick response to a nosebleed can make all the difference in preventing a stain. Educating those who share your home about how to act quickly can go a long way in minimizing the impact of accidents.
Stubborn Stain? Call In the Pros
When you want to get blood out of carpet, or any other stain really, the sooner you act, the better.
Now that you have an idea of how to get blood out of carpet, it’s important to understand that not every solution is fool-proof. If you find you have an overly stubborn stain, our technicians are happy to help.
With regular maintenance and cleaning, your carpet should keep its appearance for years. A thorough, deep cleaning once per year can help you ensure you maximize your floor’s lifespan. Call Absolute Carpet & Tile to learn more about your options.
