How to Get Blood Out of Carpet: 6 Simple Methods You Can Try

Detergent Solution Method

A detergent solution is one of the most effective ways to remove blood stains from carpet. This method works well for both fresh and dried blood stains. Heavy-duty laundry detergents contain special enzymes that break apart blood molecules, making them easier to remove from carpet fibers.

What You'll Need

- 1 tablespoon liquid laundry detergent or dish soap

- 2 cups cold water

- Clean white cloth or paper towels

- Soft-bristled brush (for dried stains)

- Second bowl with plain cold water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If the blood is dried, use a soft brush to gently break up the stain. Do not rub hard.

2. Mix one tablespoon of detergent with two cups of cold water in a bowl.

3. Dip a clean cloth into the solution.

4. Start cleaning from the outside edge of the stain and work toward the center.

5. Blot the stain gently. Never rub or scrub the carpet.

6. Continue blotting until no more blood transfers to the cloth.

7. Use a clean cloth with plain cold water to rinse the area.

8. Blot with dry paper towels until no moisture remains.

9. Let the carpet air dry completely.

Cold Water Method

Cold water is the simplest method for removing fresh blood stains from carpet. This technique works best when you act quickly, before the blood has time to set into the fibers. Cold water prevents the blood proteins from binding permanently to your carpet.

What You'll Need

- Cold water

- Spray bottle

- Clean white rags or paper towels

- Wet vacuum (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill your spray bottle with cold water only. Never use warm or hot water.

2. Spray cold water directly onto the blood stain.

3. Blot the stain with clean paper towels or a white cloth.

4. Press down gently to absorb the diluted blood.

5. Spray more cold water on the stain.

6. Continue the spray and blot process until no more blood appears on the cloth.

7. Use dry towels to blot away excess water.

8. Allow the carpet to air dry completely.

9. If you have a wet vacuum, you can use it to remove extra moisture faster.

Hydrogen Peroxide Method

Hydrogen peroxide is excellent for removing stubborn blood stains that other methods cannot clean. This household medicine works like a mild bleach to break down blood proteins. However, hydrogen peroxide can change carpet colors, so always test it first in a hidden area.

What You'll Need

- 3% hydrogen peroxide (from pharmacy)

- Cotton swabs or a clean cloth

- Cold water

- Clean towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Test the hydrogen peroxide on a hidden part of your carpet first.

2. Wait for the test spot to dry and check if the carpet color changed.

3. If the color stays the same, dip a cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide.

4. Apply the hydrogen peroxide carefully to the blood stain.

5. Start from the outside edges and work toward the center.

6. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit on the stain for 5 minutes.

7. You may see bubbles form - this is normal and shows the peroxide is working.

8. Blot the area with a damp cloth using cold water.

9. Use dry towels to remove all moisture.

10. Let the carpet air dry completely before walking on it.

Ammonia Method

Ammonia is a powerful cleaning agent that can remove blood stains that resist other treatments. This method works well on synthetic carpets but should never be used on wool carpets, as it can damage the natural fibers. Always use ammonia in a well-ventilated room.

What You'll Need

- 1 tablespoon household ammonia

- 1/2 cup cold water

- Clean sponge or cloth

- Paper towels

- Plain cold water for rinsing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open windows or turn on fans for good air circulation.

2. Check that your carpet is synthetic, not wool.

3. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with half a cup of cold water.

4. Dip a clean sponge into the ammonia solution.

5. Apply the mixture to the blood stain by dabbing gently.

6. Do not pour the solution directly on the carpet.

7. Blot the stain with paper towels to absorb the liquid.

8. Rinse the area by dabbing with a cloth soaked in plain cold water.

9. Blot the carpet dry with clean towels.

10. Allow the area to air dry completely before using the room normally.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Method

White vinegar and baking soda create a powerful cleaning combination that can tackle tough blood stains. The acid in vinegar helps break down blood proteins, while baking soda lifts the stain from carpet fibers. This natural method is safe for most carpet types and leaves no harmful chemicals behind.

What You'll Need

- 1 cup white vinegar

- 2 cups warm water

- 4 tablespoons baking soda

- Spray bottle

- Clean cloths

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water.

2. Add four tablespoons of baking soda to the mixture.

3. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake well.

4. Spray the mixture directly onto the blood stain.

5. Make sure the stain is completely covered with the solution.

6. Let the mixture sit on the stain for 5 to 10 minutes.

7. You may see some fizzing - this shows the cleaning action is working.

8. Blot the area with a damp cloth to remove the cleaning solution.

9. Use clean towels to absorb all remaining moisture.

10. Allow the carpet to air dry completely.

Salt or Cornstarch Method

Salt and cornstarch are natural absorbents that can pull blood stains out of carpet fibers. This method works particularly well on dried blood stains. Salt dehydrates the blood, while cornstarch absorbs the liquid, making both substances effective for stain removal.

What You'll Need

- Salt or cornstarch

- Cold water

- Small bowl

- Clean cloth

- Vacuum cleaner

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pour cold water into a small bowl.

2. Add salt or cornstarch gradually until you create a thick paste.

3. The paste should look like thick cake batter.

4. Apply the paste directly to the blood stain using your fingers or a spoon.

5. Cover the entire stain with the paste mixture.

6. Let the paste sit on the stain for 10 to 20 minutes.

7. The salt or cornstarch will absorb the blood during this time.

8. Blot the stain with a cloth dampened with cold water.

9. Continue blotting until the stain dissolves completely.

10. Let the area air dry, then vacuum up any remaining dried paste.

Remember to always act quickly when dealing with blood stains on carpet. The faster you start cleaning, the easier it will be to remove the stain completely. Choose the method that uses materials you have available at home, and always test cleaning solutions in a hidden area first.