How to Get Blood Out of Carpet

Blood and other bodily fluids can leave unpleasant and potentially hazardous stains on carpet. Although it’s rare, bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, can still be present and infectious in dried blood stains. In some cases, blood can remain infectious for hours or even days after it’s left the body.

A fresh blood stain — or even an old blood stain — is generally easy to remove using the right products and techniques. The most important part of cleaning blood is to abide by OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standards, which we’ll cover in this article. You’ll also learn some recommended techniques and products from Jon-Don experts for blood removal. 

How Difficult Is It to Remove Blood from Carpet?

Typically, small blood stains from a small cut or bloody nose can be cleaned using hydrogen peroxide or a gentle detergent. However, blood stains that cover large areas, have seeped deep into the carpet fiber and padding, or have been left untreated for an extended period of time should be addressed by a professional certified in trauma cleanup procedures.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards

Whether caused by an accident or trauma, blood and other bodily fluids represent a biohazard, and should be cleaned following OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standards. OSHA’s rules are in place to protect you from possible HIV and HBV (Hepatitis B) infection.

How to Get Blood Out of Carpet

It’s important to note that a blood carpet stain should never be treated with a steam cleaner. Steam cleaning dried or wet blood stains can cause them to set into the carpet fibers and even spread, making the stain much more difficult to remove.

The following instructions are for cleaning blood stains from carpet. Continue reading for advice on sanitizing soft surfaces:

Option 1

1. Apply Matrix® Oxidizer diluted at 1/2–1 oz per gallon of hot water. Note: Do not use on wool.
2. Agitate with a bone spatula from the outside of the spot to the center.
3. Tamp and blot with a tamping brush and spotting towel. Matrix Oxidizer self-neutralizes, so rinsing is not required.
   
   

Option 2

1. Apply Matrix® Spot Out Spotter undiluted. Tamp and blot with a tamping brush and spotting towel.
2. Apply Matrix® Release undiluted to a spotting towel and use a tamping brush to blot it against the spot. Do not apply directly to the carpet, as it may cause delamination.
3. If a dark stain persists, apply Matrix® Rust Eradicator undiluted. Tamp and blot with a tamping brush and spotting towel.
4. Apply Matrix® Confidence Premium Extraction Detergent diluted at 1/2 ounce per gallon of water. Tamp and blot the area with a tamping brush and towel.
5. Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water. 
   
   

Guidelines for Disinfectant/Sanitizer Application

According to the EPA, no disinfectants can claim to disinfect soft surfaces, such as carpets and fabric. The porous nature of these types of surfaces makes it impossible to make any kind of efficacy claims.

Disinfectants are only EPA-registered for use on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as plastic, sealed tile or stainless steel.

Soft surfaces can be sanitized with an EPA-registered disinfectant. Still, it's always important to read the label to determine if the product can be applied to carpet or fabrics and to test it in an inconspicuous area before use.

At-Home Blood Stain Removal

For very small blood stains that may have come from a minor cut or injury, the following DIY method may be used. If ever in doubt or unsure if you can remove the stain, call your local professional carpet cleaner for advice.

What you’ll need:

• Hydrogen peroxide (or dish soap)
• Paper towel
• Clean white cloth
  
  

Directions:

1. First, spot-test the hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure that it won't remove the dye.
2. Remove any excess moisture or wet blood from the spot by blotting it with a clean paper towel.
3. Lightly dampen a clean paper towel with the peroxide (or dish soap) and blot the area, applying some pressure.
4. Once the blood has been removed, rinse the area using a clean white cloth dampened with cold water.
5. Let the spot air dry.
   
   

Warning and cautions: Always test material for colorfastness, follow label directions, and never mix products unless specified in the label directions. Each situation reacts differently and results may vary.

The Best Products and Tools for Removing Blood from Carpet

Jon-Don has everything you need to remove old or fresh blood stains safely.

Protective gear:

Splash Goggles

ProWorks® Industrial Grade Nitrile Exam Gloves, 5 mil, Powder Free, Blue

Tyvek® 400 Coveralls with Hood & Boots

Spotters, erasers and detergents:

Matrix® Release

Matrix® Oxidizer

Matrix® Spot Out Spotter

Matrix® Confidence Premium Extraction Detergent

Looking for more carpet cleaning equipment, machines and tools? Find them with us. 

For expert tech tips and training, check out our calendar of carpet cleaning seminars. These instructional sessions are geared towards technicians, owners and managers of carpet cleaning companies to ensure that your clients receive the best care possible.