How to Get Blood Out of Carpet (Safe and Natural Methods)
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Accidents are bound to happen in and around the house, and sometimes those accidents involve blood. Blood can be challenging to clean out of carpet without making a mess or causing a stain. But don’t worry, there are several effective ways to take care of it, you just need to know the right methods.
If you’re wondering how to get blood out of carpet, we’ll show you several approaches you can use. Some of these methods are best for fresh blood that’s still wet, and other methods can be used for dried blood and stains.
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How to Get Blood Out of Carpet
Like other types of stains, it’s best to deal with blood as soon as possible. If you’re able to take care of it before the blood dries, you should be able to completely avoid stains.
However, if you didn’t notice it right away or if you’re dealing with dry blood or an existing stain, there are still some options.
Anytime you’re potentially cleaning or touching blood, it’s important to wear protective gloves.
We also recommend starting at the outside edges of the stain and working inwards toward the center. Also, be sure that you’re rinsing off the cloth or sponge you’re using to avoid spreading the blood around as you’re wiping.
We’ll start with the ways to clean up fresh blood, and then we’ll cover how to deal with dried blood and stains.
Method #1: Cold Water
This is the simplest method and it’s best for fresh blood that’s still wet. All you need is a bowl of cold water and a clean cloth.
- Soak the cloth in the cold water and then gently blot at the stain, being careful not to scrub or rub as that will only spread the blood around.
- You may need to rinse and repeat a few times with fresh cold water until the blood is removed.
- Let the carpet dry or use a wet vac to dry it.
Cold water is more effective than warm or hot water for removing blood because heat can actually set the protein in the blood, making it more difficult to remove.
This simple method usually works with fresh blood that is still wet and hasn’t dried yet. But if it doesn’t completely remove the blood, you can move on to one of the other methods listed below.
Method #2: Dish Detergent
If cold water doesn’t do the trick, you can try using dish detergent when working through our How to Get Blood Out of Carpet list. We recommend natural products and you can see our list of the best non-toxic dish soaps for specific suggestions.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Most Versatile  | Dr. Bronner’s - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Peppermint)
| 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Eco Me Dish Soap
| 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Better Life Sulfate Free Dish Soap (Pomegranate)
| 9.3 | Check Price on Amazon |
- Start by blotting at the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water.
- Then make a cleaning solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of dish detergent with 1 cup of cold water.
- Soak a clean cloth in the solution and then blot it on the stain.
- You may need to rinse and repeat until the blood is gone.
- Once you’ve removed as much blood as possible, rinse the area with cold water and let it dry completely.
Related: How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Carpet
Method #3: Hydrogen Peroxide for Wet or Dry Blood
Amazon Basics Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution USP
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used on both fresh and dried blood stains. However, it’s important to know hydrogen peroxide can change or remove the color of your carpet, so it’s best to test it in a hidden area first. You can also dilute it with water to reduce the potency.
To use hydrogen peroxide on a fresh blood stain:
- Start by blotting at the area with a clean cloth soaked in cold water.
- Then use a clean cloth to blot the hydrogen peroxide onto the blood.
- You may need to rinse and repeat until the blood is gone.
- Once you’ve removed as much blood as possible, rinse the area with cold water and let it dry completely.
To use hydrogen peroxide on a dried blood stain:
- Soak a clean cloth in hydrogen peroxide and then blot it onto the stain.
- Let it sit for at least a few minutes to dissolve the blood.
- After a few minutes, blot at the stain again with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times until the blood is gone.
- Rinse the area with cold water and let it dry completely.
Method #4: Baking Soda and Vinegar for Dried Blood
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
If you’re looking for a natural way to remove dried blood from carpet, this is the method for you. Baking soda and vinegar are both safe and effective cleaning agents.
- Start by making a solution with 2 cups of warm water, 2 cups of white vinegar, and 4 teaspoons of baking soda
- Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Then blot at the stain with a clean cloth soaked in cold water.
- Allow it to dry completely.
Be sure to rinse the area well after using this solution so your carpet doesn’t end up smelling like vinegar. This is another great option on our How to Get Blood Out of Carpet list.
Method #5: Potato Starch for Dried Blood
Bob’s Red Mill, Potato Starch
This is another effective natural method for removing dried blood from carpet. Potato starch is an absorbent powder that can be used to remove stains.
- Start by dabbing the blood-stained carpet with a wet cloth (cold water). You want the carpet to be damp, not soaking wet.
- Sprinkle potato starch over the entire stain.
- Let it sit for about 24 hours so it can absorb the blood.
- Finish by vacuuming the carpet.
Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to repeat this process a few times until the blood is gone.
Related: How to Get Milk Out of Carpet
Method #6: Dish Detergent for Removing Dried Blood
ECOS Dishmate Dish Liquid Free and Clear
While dish detergent is one of the methods we’ve listed for cleaning up fresh, wet blood, it can also be used to remove dried blood.
- Start by mixing 1 teaspoon of dish detergent with 1 cup of cold water.
- Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, blot at the stain with a clean cloth soaked in cold water.
- You may need to repeat this process a few times until the blood is gone.
- Once you’ve removed as much blood as possible, let the carpet dry completely.
Method #7: Salt for Removing Dried Blood
Salt is an absorbent substance that can help remove dried blood from carpet fibers. It’s also a natural and harmless way to clean, and you probably already have salt in your house.
Morton Salt Regular Salt
- Add some cold water to a bowl.
- Mix salt into the water until it creates a thin paste.
- Use a clean cloth to apply the pastes onto the stain and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth until all of the paste is removed.
- Then with a clean cloth soaked in cold water blot at the stain.
- Allow it to dry completely.
Products We Don’t Recommend for Cleaning Blood Stains
Since we focus on safe and natural cleaning methods, there are a few products that we do not recommend using to clean blood stains out of the carpet.
Bleach
Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage carpet fibers. It’s also harmful to your skin and lungs, so it’s best to avoid using it whenever possible.
Ammonia
Ammonia is another harsh chemical that can be damaging to carpet fibers. In addition, it gives off harmful fumes, so it’s best to avoid it since there are safer methods that are effective.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer includes alcohol, which can help to dissolve blood. However, hand sanitizer may discolor your carpet.
Chemical-Based Cleaners
In general, we don’t recommend using any kind of chemical-based cleaners. These products can be harsh and damage the carpet fibers. They’re also not safe for the people and pets in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dissolves dried blood?
There are a few different substances that can help to dissolve dried blood. These include salt, baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and natural dish soap.
Does salt get blood out of carpet?
Yes, salt is an effective natural method for removing blood from carpet. It’s also safe and gentle, so it won’t damage your carpet fibers.
Can vinegar remove blood stains?
Yes, vinegar is an effective natural method for removing blood stains from carpets. It’s also safe to use and gentle on carpet fibers.
Will baking soda get blood out of carpet?
Yes, baking soda can be used to remove blood from the carpet. It’s a safe and natural way to clean that is also gentle on carpet fibers.
Will baking soda ruin carpet?
No, baking soda will not ruin the carpet. However, it’s important to vacuum it up as completely as possible. And since too much baking soda can potentially damage a vacuum, it’s best to only use a small amount.
How do you get fresh blood out of carpet?
The best way to remove fresh blood from carpet is to blot it up with a clean cloth as soon as possible. You can also use cold water or ice cubes to help remove the blood.
Will hydrogen peroxide stain or bleach carpet?
Hydrogen peroxide can potentially bleach carpet fibers, so it’s important to test it in an inconspicuous area first.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Blood Out of Carpet
Whether you’re dealing with fresh or dried blood, there are a few different methods you can use to remove it from your carpet. In general, we recommend using salt, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or natural dish soap. These methods are safe and gentle on carpet fibers.
Of course, you’ll want to take care of any blood stains as soon as possible. The longer the blood sits on your carpet, the harder it will be to remove. So if you’re wondering how to get blood out of carpet, try any of these effective methods today.