Accidents happen, but learning how to properly clean up blood stains doesn’t have to be one. With the right tools and processes, you can easily and quickly remove even most stubborn bloodstains from household materials.
Updated 09 Mar 2023
By Matej Kramberger
Blood can be difficult to remove from any surface if it’s been left on for a while. That being said, if you act quickly after it’s spilled, you can avoid an ugly stain or a more difficult cleaning process. Of course, the way you’ll clean blood off of different surfaces will vary.
If you’ve got a fresh blood stain on a piece of furniture like a chair or couch cushion, you may be able to use cold water to clean it. This is because heat will cause proteins in the blood to stiffen, making them much harder to clean. Start by blotting area with a cold cloth or paper towels. Blot gently from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain further. If that doesn’t work, you can create a mild cleaning solution with a teaspoon of laundry detergent and a quart of cold water.
Clothing is easier to clean than upholstery, but you’ll still want to avoid using hot water since this can only make the stain worse. Again, start by blotting spot gently with cold water, then rub a little bit of detergent into the fabric. You can then launder item as usual in cold water. If the stain doesn’t come out after washing, you may need to pre-treat the stain before running another cycle.
Carpets and rugs are the trickiest surfaces to clean blood from since the material is very delicate, and treatments you would use for clothing or upholstery could damage them. Begin by spraying the stained area with cold water until the blood has been diluted. Then, mix together some white vinegar and cold water before lightly sponging stain with the solution. Be sure to avoid scrubbing too hard as you don’t want to damage the fibers.
With hard surfaces, it’s important to be mindful of what type of cleaner you’re using, as some chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide may discolor or damage certain surfaces. To start, wipe away excess blood with a damp cloth. Then, make a mix of warm water and mild dish soap, and apply it to the stain with a sponge. Blot the area and repeat until the stain has been removed.
Mattress stains can be especially tricky since they absorb liquids quickly. First, use a paper towel or cloth to blot stain, then rinse the area with cold water. Once you’ve done that, sprinkle some baking soda over stain and let it sit for a few hours. Vacuum up any residue, spray the area with hydrogen peroxide, and repeat if necessary. Let area air dry before using the mattress again.
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