While many different types of carpeting come with anti-stain treatment, they aren’t made to remove specific stains like blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids. But in most cases, blood can be removed easily, provided that it is addressed right away, and the right cleaning agents and methods are used.

Restoration experts recommend a variety of ways to remove blood stains from carpeting. Be sure to avoid using any cleaning agents with chlorine as they can cause further discoloration to the carpet.

How to Remove Blood Stains from the Carpet

When removing any kind of stain from the carpet, specifically blood, it’s important to remember that taking action as soon as it happens will yield the best results. If you’re not sure how to remove blood from the carpet, here are some steps on proven methods that have worked well for many homeowners.

When starting the cleanup process, begin at the edge of the blood stain, moving towards the center. Be careful that even after being cleaned, the affected area can become soiled again if the cleaning agent is left within the fibers. Be sure to rinse and blot dry the area to remove all remnants of the stain and cleaning product.

1. Remove all excess blood from the carpet

If the blood stain is still fresh, try to remove as much excess blood from the area using a dry, white cloth or non-dyed absorbent paper. Some kitchen paper towels will also work for blotting the area.

Pro Tip: Do not rub the stain with the towel as it can spread the stain to other areas. Instead, carefully blot the area to remove all excess blood.

2. Dissolve the blood in lukewarm water

After removing excess parts of the stain, the next step is to address the remaining blood within the carpet fibers. Use lukewarm water to apply to a dry towel (do not add any soap, liquid detergent, washing powder or other cleaning products). Blot the area with the damp, warm towel to absorb the remaining blood. Then use a separate dry, white towel to pat the area dry.

3. Apply potato starch to the blood stain

After dissolving the blood-stained fibers in the lukewarm water, drizzle potato starch onto the affected area and allow it to dry for 1 day before vacuuming the carpet.

In most cases, these 3 steps will be enough to have removed all of the blood and get the result you want. But if not, follow the next step for further action.

4. Use carpet stain remover on the blood stain

If the blood stain still lingers on the carpet after using potato starch and lukewarm water, try the universal stain-removing cleaning agent next. These products are always harsher on the carpet fibers, so remember to apply small amounts and pat/scrub the area gently when using these products.

Additional Ways to Remove Blood Stains with Household Products

1. Use cold water

Fill a spray bottle with cold water, spray onto the stained area before wiping it down with a dry towel or wet vacuum. Continue to repeat this procedure until the stain is fully removed.

2. Use water and detergent

For blood stains that have already dried, try mixing a dish liquid detergent, like Dawn, with cold water to remove the stain. Soak a clean, white towel in the solution and apply it to the stained area. Then scrub the area gently using a toothbrush. After the stain is removed, rinse off the soap with a wet cloth, and dry the area with a towel.

3. Use water and ammonia

Another effective way to remove blood stains from the carpet is to apply a water and ammonia mixture. First combine two tablespoons of ammonia with a full glass of water. Add the mixture to a spray bottle to apply the solution to the affected area. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes, then use a clean cloth to blot the area dry.

Pro Tip: Never use this method on wool carpets as this can cause further discoloration.

4. Use salt paste

If you don’t have any household cleaning products on hand, you can also use salt to remove the blood stain. Simply add a little salt to a bowl of water to create a thin paste, applying it to the stained area and allowing it to sit for at least 5 minutes. Then blot the area dry until it’s fully removed.

5. Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has many uses around the home, including removing blood stains. Simply add a small amount of water to first moisten the stained area. Then add the natural remedy and let stand for about an hour. Finally blot the area dry and repeat the procedure until the stain is fully removed.

Get Help from a Biohazard Cleanup Professional

If you feel like you have tried everything and are still not happy with the results or are just overwhelmed by the amount of blood there is to clean, it may be time to reach out to a professional. The products used by these technicians are designed to be easy on carpets but tough on stains.

While the products are perfect for removing stains and are eco-friendly, they are not sold in stores because they can only be used by trained professionals. If you have an emergency, biohazard cleanup professionals are available 24/7 to handle these messes.

In cases with vast amounts of blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids, be sure to avoid contact with the area as they contain a number of bacteria and pathogens. When not handled properly, diseases and infections are quick to spread.

For violent accidents, crimes, and unattended deaths, it’s crucial to reach out to a team of trauma cleanup specialists right away. They will work efficiently, discreetly, and effectively, taking care of the stained areas while being careful not to disturb any grieving families. They can also work with your insurance agent during the claims process so you can focus on personal matters.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.