How to Get Blood Out of Carpet with Hydrogen Peroxide
Getting blood out of carpet is no easy feat – it leaves stains similar to those from wine or red juice, which can set in if not treated fast.
Using hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to remove blood stains if you have light-colored carpets. For dark carpets, you’ll need to spot-test to ensure the peroxide doesn’t cause discoloration.
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Here’s how to get blood out of carpet with hydrogen peroxide.
How Peroxide Works on Carpet Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer. Rather than bleaching the stain, it breaks down the color, making it invisible. Its oxidizing power is effective on bright stains like juice, wine, and blood.
Using Peroxide to Get Blood Stains Out of a Carpet: Step by Step
While hydrogen peroxide is an effective stain remover, it’s also a bleaching agent. So, ensure the peroxide you’re using is 3%, sold at most stores. A 6% peroxide solution can leave behind noticeable light marks.
Before treating your stain, use 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, it should be safe to use on your stain.
Step 1: Prep the Stain
If the blood stain is fresh, use a paper towel to blot up as much color 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 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
If peroxide didn’t work or you’re worried about it ruining your carpet, try one of these methods.
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 towel. Repeat until the stain is gone. Dry with a towel afterward.
Always treat blood stains with cold water only. Using warm or hot water will help the stain to set in the carpet.
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.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve cut your finger and are wondering how to get blood out of carpet with hydrogen peroxide, the steps are simple. The most important task is to spot test. If your carpet isn’t white, peroxide can cause discoloration.
The standard 3% peroxide works well to break down the color in blood stains, turning them invisible. If you don’t have peroxide, try one of the other methods listed or opt for a store-bought carpet stain remover.