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

[joe k]

How can I remove dried blood from an autobobile interior?

[mrscleannw]

Hi Joe and Welcome,

The first step to treat the stain is knowing what kind of leather it is.

If it’s a suede Nubuck, only use specialty cleaners labeled specifically for Nubuck leather. Anything else can damage the texture of the leather.

For polished leathers, usually there are more options available as the leather’s texture isn’t as much of a concern.

And since leather is such a temperamental material, it’s more important than ever to ensure that you test any cleaner on a non-visible area prior to using it to remove the stain.

Not knowing the type of leather you have in your car you might try one of these methods:

Enzymatic Cleaner:
Try the car lot where you purchased your car or a leather goods store for an enzymatic cleaner. Make sure you read and follow the label thoroughly and do a sample test in an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn't change the color of the leather. Follow with a leather conditioner.

Mild Soap and Water:
Take 1 cup *cold water and mix in 1 Tablespoon of a mild soap such as Dove. Dip a clean soft cloth in the mixture and work into the blood stained area. Work this solution into the leather until it is gone. Dry with a paper towel then use a leather conditioner to keep the leather seats from drying out.

*Hot water will bake the blood on the surface.

Hydrogen Peroxide:
Make sure you check this method on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure the leather does not become discolored.

Dip a clean soft cloth in hydrogen peroxide and blot the blood stained area. Using aluminum foil make a dome over the stained area so no light is allowed in as hydrogen peroxide will turn to water when exposed to light. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes then check the progress. Dry with a paper towel then use a leather conditioner to keep the leather seats from drying out.

Hire a Professional:
If you are not comfortable with doing something yourself, call a professional and have them take care of the stain for you. After all, you’ve spent a little more on your car because of the leather.

Mrs. Clean

[monica]

You can work on removing the stain as soon as you notice it. The longer the stain is left on the surface the greater the chances are of the stain setting.
In every case remove all excess wet or dry material before attempting to clean and try reliquifying dried blood by applying Hydrogen Peroxide.