Blood stains are one of the hardest stains to get out of fabric. So it's safe to say that a small cut can put a dent in the value of your carpet or rug. Not to mention, once blood stains are set, they are very unsightly to look at. To counter even the toughest stains, you need to know how to remove blood stains from carpets. It's not as easy as it sounds. So let's go through some of the ways of getting blood out of carpet.
How to Get Blood Stains From the Carpet
The sooner you remove blood stains from your carpet, the sooner you can avoid staining. Removing blood stains when they are fresh is the best remedy. Of course, you will need some help and cleaning supplies, but here are the best ways to remove fresh blood stains from your carpet. Keep in mind that these methods also work for old carpet and upholstery stains, so don't be discouraged by the horrible old stains on your carpet.
Before getting blood stains out of your carpet, here are some precursory steps to take:
- Use a spoon to gently break up any dried blood from the carpet. Using a fork or steel brush isn't recommended since it will fray the fibers of your carpet. This is important, especially for looped carpets.
- Vacuum the dried particles. If you try to clean while the particles are still there, the stain will become larger.
What You Need
Here are some cleaning products you might need to remove stubborn stains from your carpet.
e) Baking Soda
Here are methods you can use to clean out blood stains from your carpet:
1) Dishwashing Liquid
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Dishwashing liquid is the best ordinary household product for getting blood stains from carpets. Not only is it an excellent stain remover, but it is also great for getting dirt out of carpet fibers. Start by:
- Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in 2 cups of cold water. Cold water won't set the stain in.
- Using a white cloth, dip it into the mixture directly and start blotting the stain.
- Continue blotting until the stain fully transfers onto the cloth.
- After you are satisfied with how clean your carpet is, rinse out the dish soap residue with clean cold water.
- Pat the spot with a dry cloth until it's dry.
2) Hydrogen Peroxide
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Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that does a great job of cleaning blood stains and disinfecting. It is also safe to use on carpets the majority of the time. Of course, you need to remember that hydrogen peroxide also tends to bleach the fabric. So doing a spot test on a small area on the carpet should tell you if it will bleach your carpet fibers. If there's no discoloration, you can proceed. To remove carpet blood stains, here are steps to follow:
- Wet a white cloth with hydrogen peroxide.
- Start blotting gently, and don't rub the stain and spread it around.
- As you blot, you can always add more hydrogen peroxide to the cloth to remove all the stains.
- After you are satisfied with the results, use a cloth and cold water to wipe up the residue.
- Blot out the water with a dry cloth until the area is dry.
3) White Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Water Mixture
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Removing blood stains is easy with the right ingredients. Therefore, a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, and water mixed in a spray bottle can work wonders for blood stains on clothes and carpets. Use two cups of warm water, two cups of white vinegar, and 4 tablespoons of baking soda in a spray bottle:
- Spray the mixture directly on the stain.
- Wait for at least 10 minutes, then use a dry cloth to blot out the residue.
- Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
- If you don't like the smell of vinegar, use an odor remover or air freshener like Febreze.
4) Salt
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If you prefer natural cleaning solutions, then salt is an excellent way to remove blood stains from your carpet. It is best used on fresh blood stains and other unsightly stains on your carpet before they dry. Begin by:
- Mixing a thick paste of salt and water
- Apply the paste directly on the stain and ensure the stain is fully covered.
- Wait for 10 minutes for the salt paste to draw the stain in.
- Gently scrape the salt off and scoop it with a spoon.
- If the stain doesn't come out, repeat the process until it does.
- Dry vacuum the area to get rid of any salt particles that might be embedded in the carpet fibers and to remove excess moisture.
5) Store Bought Stain Remover
If none of the above options work, you can buy a professional stain remover. Stain removers have an enzyme formula that breaks down the protein in the blood and makes them easier to wipe off. Additionally, before buying the stain remover, ensure it is earmarked for carpets.
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Furthermore, you should also follow the instructions on the back of the label since every stain remover has its own set of instructions. Of course, performing a spot test first before using the cleaning solution is recommended. Additionally, when using a stain remover, the stains tend to reappear when you use too much due to soapy residue. Therefore ensure to use a wet cloth and paper towels to dry the area as thoroughly as possible.
Of course, you should keep in mind that you can always wash your rugs and carpets if the stains are not located in one place only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Blood Out of Carpet
i) How do you get blood stains out of the carpet fast?
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the fastest ways to remove fresh blood stains from carpets. However you can also use a mixture of ammonia and water, but you have to be careful since ammonia is corrosive.
ii) Does blood get out of the carpet?
Yes, it does. If the blood is fresh, you can simply use cold water in a spray bottle and blot the blood off. You can use hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or vinegar if the stains are old.
iii) Does vinegar remove dried blood?
Yes. Vinegar is an excellent remedy for any blood stain. It breaks down the protein in the blood while disinfecting the area.
iv) Do blood stains ever go away?
Yes, they do. As long as you treat them immediately. However, sometimes that's impossible, so a deeper cleaning will be needed.
The Bottom Line
All carpets experience some blood stains in their life. However, that doesn't mean it's the end of your carpet's life. With some home cleaning solutions or professional detergents, you can get rid of fresh and old blood stains.
