How to Remove Blood Stains From Carpet
LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 17, 2023
This article will discuss two different ways to remove blood stains from carpet - each method will work for both fresh and set blood stains. Regardless of whether you are dealing with a new, dried, or a 10 year old blood stain, the methods below are highly effective!
These methods are commonly used by professional carpet cleaners. They are very simple and can be used by absolutely anyone to remove blood stains from carpet.
SKIP TO THE:
- Instructions (Using an Enzyme Cleaner)
- Instructions (Using Hydrogen Peroxide)
- Video Instructions (Using Hydrogen Peroxide)
Blood stains are difficult to remove with conventional cleaning methods. Thankfully there are two unique stain removal methods that will make removing blood stains from carpet much easier.
These two methods involve some interesting chemistry! Conventional cleaning methods use soaps, detergents, and surfactants to break up and lift soils and contaminants away from the surface, of the item, you are cleaning. These conventional methods don't work well on blood stains because blood easily bonds to carpet fibers and other materials.
Instead, we need a cleaning product that reacts with blood, causing the blood to break down and decompose. There are two different types of cleaning products that can do this, hydrogen peroxide, and enzyme cleaners.
How to Remove Blood Stains From Carpet Video Instructions
Remove Blood Stains From Carpet with an Enzyme Cleaner
The first option for removing blood stains from carpet is to use an enzyme cleaner. Enzymes exist in plants, animals, our digestive systems, and their purpose is to break down organic matter by acting as a catalyst. Enzymes can be used to remove a variety of difficult stains from carpet, mattresses, and clothing. Enzymes also work great at eliminating odors by breaking down molecules that cause odors.
My preferred enzyme cleaning product is called Biokleen Back-Out Stain + Odor Remover.
The directions to use to use Biokleen Back-Out are simple:
1) Saturate affected area with Biokleen Back-Out.
2) Let sit for five minutes or more.
3) Blot affected area with a rag.
4) Repeat the process if necessary. Does not need to be rinsed.
Biokleen Back-out is a highly effective stain remover for: urine, feces, vomit, wine, blood, and dried food stains. It can also be used to remove odors from carpet, clothing, fabrics, and furniture.
Remove Blood Stains From Carpet Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Alternatively, it is also possible to break down blood stains using an oxidation reaction. This method will require 3% or 6% hydrogen peroxide.
If the blood stain is fresh, 3% hydrogen peroxide will work just fine. If you are working with an old or a set blood stain (brown in color), it is recommended that you use 6% hydrogen peroxide.
Similar to enzyme cleaners, hydrogen peroxide reacts with blood stains causing them to break down and decompose. Enzymes break stains down in a biological manner, and hydrogen peroxide breaks stains down using electrochemical reactions.
Where can I buy 6% hydrogen peroxide? Well, 6% hydrogen peroxide isn't sold specifically for carpet cleaning purposes. So instead, you can use 6% Salon Grade Hydrogen Peroxide (known as 20 Volume Clear Developer).
What else can I use 6% hydrogen peroxide for? Well, hydrogen peroxide is one of a professional carpet cleaners best friends! It can be used to remove many different kinds of organic stains like urine, wine, coffee, vomit, feces, cola soda, Kool-Aid, jam, beet juice, tea, Gatorade, many other types of fruit juice, sweat stains, and stains from fruits and vegetables. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove odors like urine mold, etc,.
Don't forget to check out the blood stain step-by step instructions, and the video instructions below for a full demo!
Step 1 - Spray 3%, or 6% hydrogen peroxide around the blood stain. If the stain is fresh, it will foam a lot. If the stain has fully set (old blood stain), the blood will not foam at all.
Step 2 - Scoop the foam out of the carpet with a spoon. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the blood stain stops foaming.
Step 3 - If the hydrogen peroxide does not cause any foaming, or if the blood stain remains in the carpet after the foaming has stopped, this is called a set stain. To remove a set blood stain, you will need hydrogen peroxide, a damp cotton cloth, and an iron.
Step 4 - Spray the blood stain with fresh hydrogen peroxide, then cover the blood stain with a damp cotton cloth. Place an iron on top of the cloth for 30 seconds. The iron should be set to to a synthetic material heat setting, with the steam function turned on.
Step 5 - After 30 seconds, use the cloth to firmly wipe the blood stain. Only wipe in one direction, do not wipe back and forth, as this may cause the carpet fibers to fray or become matted.
Step 6 - Repeat step 4 and 5 until the blood stain has been fully come out of the carpet. Make sure you watch the demo video before trying this at home!
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Notes
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If using an iron, adjust the heat setting to low or synthetic material type before you begin. A higher temperature setting may damage or melt your carpet.
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Test all products and methods in an inconspicuous area on your carpet before using in a visible area. The corner of a closet is a great spot to do a test. The purpose of a test is to ensure that the products don't cause color loss or damage of any kind.
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Do not use this method on silk, wool, natural fibers, or other fine fibers. These expensive or delicate items should be cleaned by professional carpet cleaners (most of us don't have to worry about this).
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Use these methods at your own risk.
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Follow the directions noted on any cleaning products used.
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If you have any questions, please use the contact form, or comment on the YouTube video. We are always happy to help answer questions!