Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[Averzwantsorganics]

I was bleeding and I didn't know it until I found blood on my carpet. I tried water and a rag and it got most of it out. How do I get rid of the rest of the blood?

[mrscleannw]

Hello Averzwntsorganics, Welcome.

As with any stain, the sooner you notice it and get to it the easier it will be to remove.

If this happens to you again here are suggestions for a fresh stain and then below this we’ll talk about what you can do with a blood stain that has set for awhile.

Fresh Blood Stains
Use Cold Water
When removing most stains you would typically use warm water, sometimes hot water but cleaning blood stains needs to be done using cold water. Even if you use warm water on a blood stain it will cook the blood and permanently set it in.

The most effective way to get blood up is by pouring some cold water over the stain then blot with a clean dry towel. Continue this way until the blood stain is gone.

Blot, Don’t Scrub
The other thing you want to do is blot the stain up so you don’t end up spreading it more, so no scrubbing, scrubbing can also fray the carpet fibers.

Hydrogen Peroxide
First test this in an inconspicuous corner of the carpet.

After you have used the cold water and removed as much blood as you can, try a little 3% hydrogen peroxide. Pour some over the remaining stain; it should start to foam from contact with the blood. Use a clean spot on your towel and blot up. Repeat if needed.

Cleaning a Blood Stain That has Set In
Start with the cold water method above then:

Shaving Cream – The Foaming Kind
Spray some shaving cream over the blood stain and let it sit about 5 minutes. Blot up the shaving cream.

Meat Tenderizer
Make a paste of meat tenderizer and salt (50/50). Add enough water to make the paste. Spread on the stain and let sit overnight. Vacuum up as much of the dried paste the next day. Use a clean rag with cold water to remove any remaining paste.

Blood Buster
Blood buster is a commercial product for removing tough blood stains that have set in. If nothing works and you do want to use a commercial product, this is a good one.

[tyrmax]

Hi
The above tips are highly beneficial. One more method of removing blood stain is to mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent with two cups of cold water. If the stain has dried, brush it well to remove the surface deposit :) :)

[CarpetGenie]

1.) Scrape off dried blood and apply cool detergent solution
2.) Blot
3.) Apply cool ammonia solution
4.) Blot. Rinse
5.) Blot dry
6.) If stain remains, apply rust remover

[mrscleannw]

Hello CarpetGenie,

Welcome to the forum and good points.

People might not be aware that blood can leave a yellowish stain after being cleaned because blood contains iron. It can attach itself to fabric and you do need a rust remover to get rid of it.

Mrs. Clean

[Kiara]

Hydrogen peroxide is a great solution for removing blood for carpets. After you have removed as much blood as possible using the cold water method, pour a little 3% household strength hydrogen peroxide straight on the stain.

It will react to the blood immediately and start foaming like crazy. Get your towel and blot up all the foaming material as soon as you can.

Repeat this as necessary, you don't need to rinse the hydrogen peroxide from the carpet as it converts to water when exposed to sunlight.

[mrscleannw]

Hello Kiara and welcome,

Thank you for your post. It is a good idea to first do a test of the hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous spot for colorfastness.

If any of the stain remains, you can also pour some of the hydrogen peroxide over the stain, cover with plastic wrap, then put a towel on top and let it sit for the day or overnight. Then check and the remaining stain should be gone.

Mrs. Clean

[CCParramatta]

I have worked in a hospital before in janitorial department, including in the operating rooms. There the standard treatment is hydrogen peroxide for difficult blood stains.
I haven't had experience of blood stain removal on carpets... hydrogen peroxide is most likely to damage the carpet and leave a stain.

I would say that ultimately steam cleaning would be the best choice if you are worried about damaging the carpet.

[mrscleannw]

Hello CCParramatta,

Thank you for joining our forum. I agree that a steam cleaner is preferable but not everyone has one and some cannot afford to hire a professional.

I have never experienced household hydrogen peroxide causing any problems with carpets. Are you referring to 20 - 40% type of hydrogen peroxide that is used to bleach hair?

It is a good practice for everyone to remember to test in an inconspicuous spot before moving forward with any cleaning solution.

Mrs. Clean

[chrisgwelch]

Yes. I agree with you Kiara, Hydrogen peroxide is indeed a great remedy for removing fresh blood stains on carpets.