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How to Clean Blood out of Carpet: Fresh & Dried Stains

Updated
Don't let bloody accidents leave a stain behind.

You may not realize how easily blood can get on your carpets. Small cuts or kids running into walls or furniture could be the difference between a clean carpet and a blood-stained one.

Besides being conspicuously red, there’s another reason why blood stains are so hard to remove. The hemoglobin in the blood acts as a binder and sticks to the carpet’s fibers. So, if you do get blood on your carpet, you must act as fast as possible.

Your preferred method for cleaning blood out of a carpet will depend on whether it’s dried or fresh. Unsurprisingly, dried blood requires some more complicated methods for successful removal.

Either way, we’ll share how to clean blood from your carpet in just a few steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Fresh blood can be removed from carpet by using a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the area.
  • Use cold water to wet the bloodstain, and never use hot water.
  • Salt paste, diluted dish soap, and a dry cloth can also be used to remove the stain.
  • Once the blood is removed, use a fan to dry the carpet and prevent the stain from resurfacing.
  • Be mindful of your carpet type, and do a spot test before trying any of these methods to make sure they won’t damage it.


Keep In Mind

The methods we use in our guide might not suit every type of carpet. If you have an antique, Oriental, Persian, or any other unique carpet, first do a spot test in an inconspicuous area. Then allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes and check for any signs of damage, such as discoloration.

How to Remove Fresh Blood

When you notice blood on your carpet, it’s best to deal with it immediately. Stop what you’re doing and follow this method for the best chances of removal.

  • Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

1. Blot the Blood

Blot as much as you can by using a clean cloth or paper towel. Cloth is most effective, but if you’re afraid to stain it, use paper towels. After all, you might need to change them a few times.

Start at the edges of the spot and work your way to the center. Do not rub the spot; this will only cause it to spread further into the fibers.

2. Wet With Cold Water

Fill a spray bottle with cold water. Lightly spritz the blood and allow it to sit for a minute or two. You can also pour a small amount using a glass or other container. Apply water until the area is damp; too much water can damage your carpet.

Some homeowners prefer to use club soda or tonic water instead of tap. It’s not exactly clear how the fizzy beverages remove stains, but they aren’t harmful to your carpet.

Use Cold

Never apply hot or warm water to a bloodstain. The high temperature will set the stain on your carpet permanently (1).

Keep repeating steps one and two until the stain is gone. It will likely need a few repetitions but keep at it. Whenever one spot on the cloth gets discolored, use a different spot — keep changing until the stain is gone.

Try a wet vac or carpet extractor with a small attachment if you’re getting tired of blotting. These will help to get the moisture and stain out.

3. Salt Treatment

After countless rounds of blotting and wetting, try using salt if the stain is still present. Create a paste of salt and cold water in a small bowl. Apply a small amount of the mixture directly onto the blood and leave it for a couple of minutes.

Blot the salt and stain away using a clean cloth. Check the cloth after each dab to see if the stain is coming out or not.

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Protect Your Carpet

Salt can cause damage to the fibers of a carpet if left. So you must vacuum the area thoroughly once you’re finished.

4. Use Diluted Dish Soap

After trying the salt method without success, use a small amount of liquid detergent. Dilute one or two teaspoons of dish soap in one cup of cold water.

Soak a white cloth in the solution and apply it to the bloodstain. Then fill a spray bottle with cold water and rinse the area. Use a dry cloth to blot it dry.

Avoid Damage

Steer clear of using any soap or detergent containing lanolin or bleach, as these can damage and discolor carpets.

5. Dry the Carpet

When you’ve successfully removed the blood, it’s time to dry the carpet. The fastest way to dry a carpet is by using a fan. Direct it towards the wet area of the carpet and allow it to run for a couple of hours.

You can also use paper towels or a dry towel to extract moisture from the carpet to hasten the drying process. Lay them across the wet area and apply something heavy to help squeeze the moisture out.

If it takes too long to dry your carpet, some blood might resurface if it was soaked in the padding. This will cause a new stain which can be very frustrating.

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6. Restore the Fibers

When the carpet is finally dry and blood-free, you might want to restore its shape. You can do this by vacuuming the area to bring the fibers out. You can also use a toothbrush to fluff the area gently.

If the stain was large or there were several spots in a large area, you might want to use the vacuum. This will be faster and easier than having to sit on the floor and scrub.

How to Remove Dried Blood

If you want to get a small headstart, you can try to scrape a dull knife across the dry stain. This can help loosen flecks of blood and make it easier to remove. However, this little trick won’t do all the magic on its own, and you shouldn’t try it on valuable carpets.

  • Time: 20 minutes
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Shampoo and Ammonia

Ammonia is one of the most effective ways to get rid of blood from any surface. However, you should handle it with care since it may damage or discolor silk or wool.

You can easily use ammonia on its own, but we prefer to start with detergent to get the process going. This can also reduce the time needed for the ammonia to work, lowering the risk of damage.

Pour one cup of water into a spray bottle and add two teaspoons of shampoo. You can also use liquid dish soap. Shake the mixture well and spray the area — allow it to sit for up to five minutes.

In another spray bottle, pour in one cup of water and add one tablespoon of household ammonia. Give the bottle a quick shake to mix.

Then, blot the area dry using a cloth before applying the ammonia. After spraying on the ammonia, leave it to sit for up to five minutes. Blot the area dry again and rinse with clean water by spraying it on and blotting it out.

Stay Safe

Ammonia can produce toxic fumes, so be careful when using it. Stay safe by wearing gloves and a mask, and keep the room well-ventilated (2).

Enzyme Cleaner

Enzymes are a natural tool that aid bacteria in breaking down organic matters such as vomit, urine, feces, and blood. You can buy any commercial enzyme-based cleaner, such as Bubbas Super Strength, as long as it’s safe for carpets (3).

Apply the product by following the instructions on the label. These are generally sprayed directly onto the stain and left for a particular time. Then finish off by rinsing the area and blotting it dry.

Save Your Carpet

Enzyme cleaners are effective, but you should not use them on silk or wool carpets. The enzymes might break down the fibers along with the blood.

FAQs

Can I Use Baking Soda to Clean My Carpet?

You can use baking soda to clean your carpets when mixed with vinegar. It is a natural and inexpensive solution to shop-bought detergents.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Get Blood Out of Carpet?

Hydrogen peroxide does get blood out of carpet. However, use it cautiously because it also removes color from the carpet fibers if misused.

Can Vinegar Remove Blood Stains?

Vinegar can remove blood stains from carpet, fabric, upholstery, and various other materials. You can use it neat for stubborn stains or dilute it with water and baking soda.

Can Toothpaste Remove Blood Stains?

Toothpaste will not remove blood stains. It is not designed to remove stains from various materials like carpet and upholstery.

Does Hairspray Get Blood Out of Carpet?

Hairspray can get blood out of carpets because it typically has a high alcohol concentration. It is ideal for breaking down stubborn stains like blood and grease.


Getting to the Bottom of the Stain

Cleaning blood out of a carpet is difficult but certainly not impossible. You can successfully restore your carpet by acting fast and using the correct methods.

Always remember to blot and not rub a new bloodstain. Rubbing can cause the blood to seep into the fibers, making it harder to remove. Always choose cold water over warm or hot as it prevents blood from binding to the carpet.

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About the Author

Amy Anthony

Amy Anthony is a cleaning expert, author, and contributing writer for Oh So Spotless, a leading online resource for all things related to cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a spotless home. With over 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Amy has gained extensive knowledge and expertise that have made her a trusted authority on best practices, efficient techniques, and innovative cleaning solutions.