This Household Product Removes Blood from Carpet
When blood hits carpet, it soaks into the fibers, leaving behind a bright stain. If you act fast, you can wick it away without issue. Don’t worry if the blood is already dry, though. Address the source of the blood (i.e., bandage up that cut finger), and we’ll show you the fastest way to remove the stain from your carpet, whether fresh or set in.
The Fastest Way to Get Blood Out of Carpet: Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer. Rather than bleaching the stain, it breaks down the protein in blood, loosening its grip on fabric or carpet. Its oxidizing power is effective on bright stains like juice, wine, and blood – making the stains nearly invisible.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide on a Blood Stain
Hydrogen peroxide works to remove blood stains on most textiles but has a bleaching effect on some fabrics. If you have dark carpet, perform a spot test before treating your blood stain. You can do this by using a cloth to dab peroxide in an inconspicuous area, like a small corner or tiny spot underneath a piece of furniture. Wait a few minutes, and then wash the peroxide with cold water. If it doesn’t leave a bleached mark, you’re good to go.
Also, make sure to use 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is what most drug stores and big box stores like Walmart sell. A 6% peroxide solution can leave behind noticeable light marks.
Here’s what you need:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- A white rag or paper towels
- Dish soap
- Cold water
Step 1: Prep the Stain
Use a paper towel to blot up as much blood as possible. Then, dab the area with a rag soaked in cold water and dish soap. Afterward, pat the area to remove excess moisture.
If the blood stain is dry, use a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) to agitate it.
Step 2: Blot with Peroxide
Dampen a rag with peroxide and dab the stain. Repeat this step until the blood disappears.
Step 3: Rinse with Cold Water
Rinse the peroxide from the carpet by wetting a rag with cold water and washing the area. Then, allow the spot to air dry.
Other Ways to Remove Blood from Carpet
You don’t have to use peroxide to remove blood stains, these other methods also work.
Use Cold Water on a Fresh Stain
If your blood stain is fresh, water may be all you need. Fill a spray bottle with cold water, spray the blood, and dab with a clean white towel. Repeat until the stain is gone. Dry with a towel afterward.
Always treat blood stains with cold water only. Blood contains protein, so if you treat it with warm or hot water, it can “cook” into the carpet, making it harder to remove.
Remove the Stain with Oxiclean
To remove the blood stains with OxiClean, add 16 ounces of cold water to a spray bottle and fill your OxiClean scoop to the first line. Mix the powder in the bottle and allow it to dissolve.
Spray the blood stain. After five minutes, blot with a cloth.
Repeat these steps if needed. Afterward, rinse the carpet with cold water and allow it to dry.
Treat a Carpet Blood Stain with Salt
Salt may seem like an odd choice for removing a stain, but it can help soak up wet blood and break up dry blood.
In a small bowl, add a few pinches of salt and enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the carpet and work it in. After five minutes, dab the stain with a fresh cloth. Rinse with cold water to remove any remaining salt.
Turn to Dish Soap
Dish soap is one of the most versatile cleaners and is safe for carpets. To use it, fill a small bowl with cold water and add a few drops of dish detergent. Swirl to combine. Dip a white rag into the mixture and blot the color out of the carpet.
Rinse with cold water when finished.
When All Else Fails: Use a Store-Bought Stain Remover
Sometimes, you can get a blood stain out of your carpet using supplies you already have. But, if you’re having no luck, turn to a store-bought carpet stain remover.
Some highly rated options include Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover and Spot Shot, Professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Does hydrogen peroxide remove set-in blood stains from carpet?
Because hydrogen peroxide breaks down color via oxidation, it can remove fresh and set-in blood stains on carpet.
Will vinegar take blood out of my carpet?
If the stain is fresh, vinegar may be able to get blood out of your carpet thanks to its high acidity. Mix one part vinegar with two parts cold water. Dip a white rag in the solution and blot the stain. Rinse with water afterward.
What happens if I treat a blood stain with hot water?
Since blood is an organic compound containing protein, hot water can cause it to adhere or “cook” to the carpet fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Does hydrogen peroxide remove set-in blood stains from carpet?
Because hydrogen peroxide breaks down color via oxidation, it can remove fresh and set-in blood stains on carpet.
Will vinegar take blood out of my carpet?
If the stain is fresh, vinegar may be able to get blood out of your carpet thanks to its high acidity. Mix one part vinegar with two parts cold water. Dip a white rag in the solution and blot the stain. Rinse with water afterward.
What happens if I treat a blood stain with hot water?
Since blood is an organic compound containing protein, hot water can cause it to adhere or “cook” to the carpet fibers.