Removing Blood Stains from Carpets and Upholstery

Summer is here, and that means you and your family can finally spend time outside in the fresh air and Sussex sunshine. It also means that skinned knees and allergies are all but inevitable. Bloody noses, cuts, and scrapes from summer adventures can leave blood stains on carpets and furniture, but there’s no reason for a scraped knee to spoil the fun. Use these stain removal tips to cleanse blood stains from carpets, rugs, sofas, and mattresses, and get back to making summer memories.

Step One: Remove excess blood

The best time to remove a blood stain from carpets and couches is the moment it is created, because the longer it sits, the more the stain will become set-in. If tending to the stain immediately is not possible, the next best time to take care of it is now. For dried stains, use a gentle brush to scrape away excess blood before getting anything wet.

Once scraped, or to remove a fresh stain, wet the affected area with cold water and use a cloth to blot out as much of the stain as possible. Do not use hot water, as it will help the stain set in the fibers and will make the blood more difficult to remove. (This is true of many stains, and can be a good rule-of-thumb, although you should always try to research the best techniques for removing specific stains). Repeat this step as many times as possible, until no more blood will come out.

Step Two: Hydrogen Peroxide

Next, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a rag or sponge and dab the stain until the liquid begins to fizz. Allow the stain to sit for a few minutes, and then pat with a dry rag to soak up the moisture. Repeat as necessary to lift away the stain.

Step Three (Optional): Dish detergent

If the blood stain is particularly stubborn, mix a small amount of dishwashing detergent with cold water (about one tablespoon detergent for two cups of water). Using the same blotting motion as before -- be careful not to rub -- apply the detergent solution to the stain and continue to blot until the stain disappears. Rinse away the detergent by once again blotting with cold water. Soak up excess water with a dry cloth and pat until dry.

If the stain is persistent, or if blood has dripped onto expensive or antique carpeting or rugs, consider calling in a carpet cleaning professional. Sussex Chem-Dry offers healthy, trustworthy Sussex carpet cleaning services to remove stains and protect against future damage. Give us a call at 302-439-0997 to learn more about how we will take care of your home.