Remove Blood Stains

Whether it's an unexpected nosebleed, and accident while shaving, or a child with a scraped knee, blood can find its way onto your clothing, furniture, and carpet. Blood stains need to be treated quickly and correctly to avoid permanent damage. The following Steps will teach you how to properly remove blood from clothing, upholstery, and carpet.

The General Rules

1. Treat the affected area as quickly as possible. The longer a blood has time to set, the more difficult it is to remove.

2. Blot off any excess blood with a clean white or color-safe cloth.

3. Always use cool water. Using hot water may set the stain.

Blood Stains on Clothing

1. If the stain in fresh, rinse it immediately in cool water and/or apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the area. If it is dried, brush off any deposits on the fabric surface and soak the affected area in cool water with an enzyme-based stain remover.

Note: An alternate option is to soak the fabric for 15-20 minutes in a solution of 32 oz. of room-temperature water, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish-washing detergent, and 1 tablespoon of ammonia.

3. Launder the piece according to label directions.

4. If the mark remains retreat the article. If the clothing-label directions allow, launder with a bleach product approved on the clothing label.

Zout Triple Enzyme Formula Laundry Stain Remover Spray, 22 Ounce
Amazon Price: $7.00 $4.92 Buy Now
(price as of May 8, 2016)
Zout is an excellent enzyme-based stain remover that has a wide variety of applications in removing stains on fabric, including the treatment of blood stains.

Blood Stains on Upholstery

1. Use a cool water and a clean color-safe cloth to gently blot the stain. If the stain has dried, brush off any surface deposits before blotting.

Note: A solution of 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish soap per one cup of cold water can also be used.

2. Continue blotting until the stain disappears.

3. If using a soap solution, apply cold water with a sponge or clean cloth.

4. Blot dry with a clean, dry, color-safe cloth.

Blood Stains on Carpet

1. Mix a solution of 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish soap per 1 cup of cold water.

2. Apply the solution to the affected area with a clean color-safe cloth.

3. Gently brush the affected area with a small brush or toothbrush.

Note: Do not scrub hard or deeply, or the stain may be absorbed deeper into the carpet fibers. If the carpet is delicate, skip set 3.

4. Blot the area with cold water and a color-safe cloth.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary.

6. Once the blemish has disappeared, blot the area gently with a dry color-safe cloth to dry the area.

Note: If possible, dry the area with a fan. Drying the area faster will help prevent wicking, which can cause stains to reappear.

7. Vacuum the area.