Blood stains are (literally) a pain, but these carpet cleaning methods do the trick
Next to a red wine spill, a blood stain is just about the worst thing that could happen to a white carpet (unless, of course, you’re designing the set for a true-crime series reenactment). Unfortunately, we’ve all been there. A little cut can make a big mess—but before you rush for a Band-Aid, time is of the essence. You have the best chance of successfully cleaning your carpet if you act in the first 10 to 15 minutes. These steps will show you how to get blood out of carpet, even if it’s already set.
Why Blood on the Carpet Is a Problem
Blood is tricky because hemoglobin binds itself to the fibers in your carpet. It’s not an easy stain to remove, and your best bet is to soak it up before it has a chance to bind. If you don’t work fast, you may be looking at a permanent and ugly smudge.
How to Prep for Removing Blood Stains From Carpet
Prep is key here, as you’ll want to clean your floor in a way that doesn’t damage your carpet. You’ll need a powerful stain remover suited for your carpet type. Always check the manufacturer’s directions (both on your carpet and your cleaner) to ensure you won’t accidentally damage the fiber. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Wool and Other Natural Fibers
If you have a natural fiber carpet, never use ammonia or harsh store-bought household cleaners. The stain remover should have a neutral pH. Wool is very absorbent, so use as little water as possible. With sisal rugs, avoid water altogether if possible. Either way, make sure to dab rather than scrub to avoid damaging the fibers.
Polyester
Polyester is stain resistant, so you can usually blot a blood stain right out if it’s fresh.
Nylon
Nylon is prone to discoloration, so patch test before using a stain remover. Blot rather than scrub to avoid damaging the fibers.
Acrylic
With acrylic, time is of the essence. Stains tend to set in this material fast, so work quickly. Most carpet cleaners are suitable—but again, blot; don’t scrub.
Olefin
Luckily, olefin is stain resistant. The real damage comes from friction, so one more time: blot, blot, blot.
How to Get Blood Out of Carpet Before It Dries
The best way to remove a blood stain is to act in the first 10 to 15 minutes before it has the chance to dry. Some methods work better than others, and you should do a patch test to ensure it doesn’t damage your carpet.
It’s always a good idea to start with the mildest method to avoid damaging your carpet, and move along to a harsher method if the stain won’t budge (or use these stain removing tips). Here’s what you can try.
How to Clean Fresh Blood From Carpet
1. Blot The Stain
As soon as you notice the blood stain, blot it with a paper towel to soak up as much of the blood as possible. Do not, under any circumstances, rub the stain. This could drag the blood across your carpet and make the stain larger.
2. Clean the Stain With Dishwashing Liquid
Dishwashing liquid does a great job lifting tough stains. Mix a few drops of clear dishwashing liquid into a bowl of cold water. Never use hot water because it will set the stain. After that:
Dip a clean cloth into the dishwashing solution
Sponge the solution into the carpet
Blot the stain, don’t scrub
Repeat the process until the blood stain is removed
3. Soak It Up With Baking Soda
As an alternative to dishwashing liquid, you can use baking soda. After blotting the stain with a paper towel:
Sprinkle baking soda on the stain
Pour some water on the baking soda
Scrub the stain with a cloth
4. Use a Store-Bought Stain Remover (If Needed)
Stain removers tend to be harsh on your carpet. Many use enzymes to break down the stain, which are highly effective. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove a blood stain with a dedicated stain remover. Remember to never mix stain removers with other cleaners like ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. It could lead to a nasty chemical reaction.
5. Try Ammonia (If Needed)
If you don’t have a stain remover on hand, ammonia is a powerful alternative. Mix 1/2 cup cold water with one tablespoon of ammonia. Blot the carpet with the ammonia solution until the stain lifts, then clean the area with cold water.
6. Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Tough Blood Stains (If Needed)
Instead of ammonia or stain remover, you can use hydrogen peroxide on blood stains. Dilute half a cup of3% hydrogen peroxide with two cups of water. Blot the solution onto your carpet using a cloth. Work the solution into the carpet, and let it sit for an hour. Vacuum the area once it dries. You may have to repeat this process.
Tip: To boost stain-removing power, add a little bit of dishwashing liquid or baking soda to your hydrogen peroxide mix.
7. Dry Your Carpet
Once you’ve blotted out the blood stain using your chosen cleaning method, blot the area with water to rinse out the cleaning solution. After that, pat it down with paper towels to dry the carpet. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum if that works with your carpet’s fiber. If your pile is looking tired after cleaning, use these steps to revive it.
How to Clean Dried Blood From Carpet
Dried blood is a little more difficult to remove because the stain has already set. Don’t worry; it’s still possible with some extra elbow grease. Sometimes a store-bought stain remover does the trick, but you can also try the following method.
1. Brush the Stain
Use a soft brush (or a toothbrush if the stain is small) to break up the dried blood.
2. Make Your Cleaning Solution
Mix one tablespoon of clear, unscented dishwashing liquid with two cups of cold water.
3. Soak the Stain
Dip a clean cloth into the cleaning solution, then sponge it onto the stain and blot. Repeat this process until the stain lifts.
4. Use Ammonia on Stubborn Stains
If your stain doesn’t lift with dishwashing liquid, use the ammonia method above. If you’ve already used a stain remover, proceed with caution. Make sure you’ve washed away all of the previous cleaner. Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach because it creates hazardous fumes.
5. Dry the Area
Once the stain has lifted, dry the area by blotting it with paper towels.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Most homeowners can remove carpet stains on their own—especially if it’s just a drop of blood. For more significant stains or delicate, high-end rugs, you may want to hire a local carpet cleaner. They can remove tough stains without damage.
Cost of Removing Stains From a Carpet
The cost of carpet cleaning typically falls between $120 to $230, but it depends on what you get done and the size of your carpet. For example, a shampoo can cost around $240, and steam cleaning can cost upwards of $300. For a small job like a stain, you should expect to pay a minimum flat fee of $100 to $150.
FAQs
Can I use a bleach to remove stains on my carpet?
You may be tempted to bleach out a blood stain, but don’t use the same bleach you use on laundry day. Only use diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide and do a patch test. It can pull out dyes and damage wool fibers.
Can I use a wet/dry vacuum to remove blood stains?
Depending on your type of carpet, a wet/dry vacuum is a great final step. Remember that this vacuum type does not work on all carpet types. Wool can shrink with this method, so always check the cleaning instructions from your carpet’s manufacturer.
Blotting isn’t working. Can I scrub?
You can scrub the stain if it’s no longer wet (provided you don’t damage your carpet). If you’re working with fresh blood, it can make the stain much larger and harder to remove. Fibers like wool and olefin will damage with vigorous friction.
