5 simple ways to clean blood off a carpet

A busted nose, scraped knee, or a simple paper cut can happen to the best of us. And just like you, your carpet deserves some care when bloodstains appear. They can be stubborn and unsightly, but knowing how to get blood out of the carpet effectively can save it from lasting damage.

In this guide, we’ll dive into five tried-and-true ways on how to clean blood from carpet, bringing back its original, pristine look. So, let’s get to it – you’ve got work to do!

Supplies needed to remove blood stains

When it comes to removing blood from carpet, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference. Depending on the method you choose, you’ll need some of the following items:

• Cold water: Essential for rinsing and diluting the blood stain and preventing it from setting.

• Spray bottle: Useful for evenly applying cleaning solutions to the stain, ensuring thorough coverage.

• White rags: Clean, white rags are perfect for blotting and dabbing the stain gently. Avoid colored rags to prevent dye transfer.

• Carpet stain remover: Specifically designed for stain removal, it contains active ingredients that break down and lift the blood stain.

• Dishwashing detergent: Assists in creating effective cleaning solutions and breaking down stains.

• White vinegar: This is a versatile stain-fighting agent. Mixed with water, it can help break down and lift the blood stain.

• Salt: Works as an absorbent to help lift the blood stains from the carpet fibers.

• Cornstarch: Used to create a paste that can be applied to dried blood stains for removal.

• Hydrogen peroxide: Effective for stubborn blood stains, but be cautious with colored carpets, as it may cause fading and discoloration.

• Soft (nylon or bristle) and/or steel brush: Useful for gently scrubbing the stain and helps loosen the dried blood without damaging your carpet fibers. 

• Baking soda (optional): This multi-purpose powder is fantastic for absorbing odors and can be used with other methods to freshen up your carpet.

• Wet vac (optional): While not necessary, a wet vac can be handy for extracting cleaning solutions and dissolved blood from the carpet, leaving it drier and cleaner.

You won’t need all these supplies for each method, so select the ones that align with your chosen technique to achieve the best results in tackling those blood stains.

A few things to remember

Before learning how to remove blood stains from the carpet, remember these essential tips:

• Prioritize safety. If there’s an injury involved, attend to it first. Cleaning the carpet can wait, so ensure everyone’s well-being before you grab those cleaning supplies.

• Wear protective gear. Always wear gloves when dealing with blood stains to reduce the risk of bloodborne viruses and diseases.

• Use white rags or paper towels. Stick to white rags to avoid transferring dye onto your carpet, potentially worsening the stain.

• Call a pro if you have no time. If the stain persists after multiple attempts or you have no time for cleaning because of your busy schedule, consider consulting a professional carpet cleaner. 

How to get blood stains out of carpet

Now that you're armed with tools and tips, you’re well-prepared to face the blood-stained carpet! Here are five ways you can do to clean blood out of a carpet, catering to the tools available to you and your specific needs.

Method 1: Cold water method (quick response)

Cold water mixed with mild dishwashing detergent is used to clean blood stains off the carpet

The key to successful blood stain removal is acting swiftly. This method allows you to act fast with widely available tools: cold water, dishwashing detergent, and white cloth.

1. Fill a spray bottle with cold water.

2. Directly spray the cold water onto the wet blood stain.

3. Grab a clean cloth to blot the blood stain gently and dilute the blood. Refrain from rubbing to prevent spreading the stain.

4. Mix a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent with cold water for better results. Apply the mix to the stain, then blot with a clean cloth.

5. Continue the spray and blot technique until the bloodstain disappears. This may take a few repetitions, so be patient!

6. For the finishing touch, perform final blotting using a clean, dry cloth, or simply let the spot air dry naturally.

7. An alternative method is using a wet vac to expedite drying. This can be especially helpful to ensure the spot is thoroughly dry.

Method  2: Vinegar solution

Vinegar is known for its stain-fighting abilities and is one of the best ways to get blood out of a carpet. It’s even used as a solution to clean vomit off a carpet. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Begin by mixing a solution of 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of cold water. 

2. Load the solution into your spray bottle and evenly spray it onto the bloodstain. Alternatively, you can submerge a clean cloth directly in the vinegar solution. Gently blot the stain repeatedly, allowing the solution to work its magic.

3. Keep at it! Continue spraying and blotting until the bloodstain dissolves. Depending on the severity of the stain, this may take several repetitions.

4. Once the stain has vanished, perform a final blotting using a clean, dry cloth. This helps absorb any residual vinegar and water.

5. Allow the treated spot to air dry completely, giving it the time it needs to regain its pristine state. If you’re in a hurry, consider using a wet vac to expedite the drying process. 

Method 3: Salt or cornstarch paste

Making a paste with salt or cornstarch can be incredibly effective to get dried blood stains out of a carpet. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Combine either salt or cornstarch with cold water to create a thick paste. The goal is to make a paste that’s easy to work with.

2. Gently spread the salt or cornstarch paste, covering the entire dried blood-stained area. 

3. Leave the paste for roughly 30 minutes. This gives the mixture time to penetrate and loosen the dried blood.

4. Using a brush, gently scrub the stained area. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibers, as dried blood can be somewhat abrasive.

5. Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to rid of the paste and dissolved blood. You should notice the stain fading as you do this.

6. Rinse the treated area with cold water and blot dry with a clean cloth. Ensure the spot is completely dry.

7. For any remaining traces of the stain, you can proceed with one of the other methods mentioned in this guide to ensure thorough stain removal.

Method 4: Carpet stain remover

Cleaning blood stains using a carpet stain removerCarpet stain removers, available in most stores, can be highly effective for tackling blood stains on carpets. If you have this one at home, below is an easy guide on how to use it to clean blood from your carpet: 

1. As with other methods, begin by blotting the excess moisture from the carpet using a white cloth or paper towel. 

2. Follow the instructions on the stain remover label carefully. Different products may have varying applications and dwell times.

3. Apply the carpet stain remover to the blood stain according to the product’s instructions. Typically, this involves spraying or applying the solution directly onto the stain.

4. Let the product sit on the stain for the specified dwell time mentioned on the product label. This gives the product time to break down and lift the blood stain.

5. After that time, gently blot the area using a clean cloth to remove the stain and excess product. Avoid rubbing.

6. Rinse the treated area with cold water and soak it dry with a clean cloth to get rid of any remaining stain remover and dissolved blood.

7. Check the treated area for any remaining traces of the stain. If needed, repeat the process or consider using another method.

Method 5: Hydrogen peroxide solution

This method is suitable for more stubborn stains. Remember to do a spot test first when using hydrogen peroxide on colored carpets because it may cause fading and discoloration. This is typically one of the harshest methods for carpet fibers, so use this as a last resort!

1. Begin by applying hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth. 

2. Blot the bloodstain with the wet cloth soaked with peroxide. As you do, you might notice some fizziness and bubbling—don’t be alarmed because that’s completely normal!

3. Once the stain fades, rinse the area by blotting it with a damp rag. This step helps neutralize any remaining peroxide.

4. To thoroughly dry the spot, press on the area with a clean towel a few more times to absorb any excess water.

5. Allow the treated area to air dry, or use a wet vac for expedited drying. This lets the area return to its original, stain-free state.

Take the cleaning off your hands with Airtasker

Though these methods work for blood stains, you should take the time to really put in the work to see results. But life's hectic. Sometimes, a little assistance is all you need. Airtasker can connect you with local professionals to help you with cleaning and other tasks. Be it a tough blood stain or a months-old dried blood spot on your carpet, you can leave this task to skilled individuals who can get this tricky job done quickly.