🩸 How to Remove a Blood Stain from Carpet or Upholstery

Blood stains on carpets or upholstery can look intimidating, but with the right approach, most can be safely removed. Before we dive into the cleaning steps, let’s cover two important considerations for your health and safety.

Health & Safety Concerns with Blood Stains

1. Volume of Blood

   • A few drops from a small cut or a pet’s paw usually stay on the surface fibers and can often be fully removed.

   • Larger amounts may seep into the carpet backing or upholstery padding, making complete removal more difficult.

2. Source of the Blood

   • If the blood is from a family member or pet, you likely know the health risks.

   • If the source is unknown (a wild animal, stranger, or rodent), there’s a chance of exposure to bacteria, viruses, or pathogens. In these cases, professional cleaning is strongly recommended.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Fresh Blood Stains

1. Wear Gloves – Always use disposable latex or nitrile gloves for safety.

2. Blot with Cold Water – Dampen a clean white cotton cloth with cold water (never hot, which can set the stain). Blot the area gently, turning the cloth frequently to use a clean section. Do not rub.

3. Repeat – Rinse the cloth, reapply cold water, and blot again. Continue until no more blood transfers.

4. Dry the Area – Once the stain lightens, blot dry with a fresh towel. Avoid over-wetting, which can cause damage or mildew.

Important Note on Residue

Blood stains may “wick” back up to the surface as the carpet dries, appearing lighter but spread out. If this happens, repeat the blotting process again until fully removed.

Should You Use Cleaners or Enzymes?

• Avoid harsh cleaners unless you’re certain they are safe for your carpet or upholstery fibers.

• Blood is a protein stain, and natural fibers like wool and silk are also proteins. Enzyme cleaners may damage these fibers if not properly rinsed.

• When in doubt → call a professional.

Sanitizing After Cleaning

Even if the stain looks gone, microorganisms may still be present. For best results:

• Steam clean (if safe for your fabric) to help sanitize.

• Follow up with a fiber-safe antimicrobial treatment.

⚠️ Note: There is never a 100% guarantee that pathogens are eliminated, but proper cleaning and sanitizing drastically reduce risks.

When to Call a Professional

If the stain is large, has soaked deep into padding, or if you’re concerned about health risks, it’s best to call a professional upholstery and carpet cleaner.

At Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, we specialize in stain removal and fabric-safe sanitization. Call us today at 781-871-1415 or contact us at www.Alecscarpetcleaning.com.