Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s not uncommon to find yourself grappling with difficult stains, such as dried blood on your carpet. While the sight of a bloodstain can be alarming, fear not! With the right techniques and a little patience, you can successfully remove dried blood from your carpet without damaging its fibers.

In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to help you achieve a spotless carpet once again.

Preparation: Before diving straight in and trying to remove the stain, it is essential to gather a few items to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning. You will need:

1. Paper towels or a clean, absorbent cloth

2. A spray bottle filled with cold water

3. Mild liquid dish soap

4. Hydrogen peroxide

5. A soft-bristle brush

6. Baking soda

7. Enzymatic cleaner (optional) Step

Step 1: Blotting the Stain

The first step in tackling a dried bloodstain is to gently blot the affected area with paper towels or a clean cloth. Carefully remove as much blood as possible without rubbing or scrubbing vigorously, as this can damage the carpet fibers. Best to put the paper towel or sponge over the stain and put weight on it, you can do this by either gently standing on the paper towel or sponge or applying pressure with you hand. The idea is to extract as much of the blood from the carpet as you can.

Step 2: Rinsing with Cold Water Fill a spray bottle with cold water and spritz the stained area generously.

Cold water is vital because hot or warm water can cause the blood proteins to coagulate, making the stain more challenging to remove. Once sprayed, allow the water to sit on the stain for a few minutes. The goal is to dilute and loosen the blood particles.

Step 3: Applying Dish Soap After the cold water has had time to work its magic, apply a small amount of mild liquid dish soap directly to the stained area. Gently massage the soap into the carpet fibers using a soft-bristle brush or your fingers. Dish soap acts as an effective degreaser, breaking down the proteins in the bloodstains.

Step 4: Blotting and Rinsing Again After soaping the carpet, blot the area with a clean sponge or paper towel to absorb the loosened blood particles. Repeat the process of spraying the spot with cold water to rinse away any remaining soap residue. Continue blotting until the water runs clear, indicating the stain is lifting.

Step 5: Using Hydrogen Peroxide For tougher or older bloodstains, hydrogen peroxide can be a game-changer. However, be cautious when using this method, as hydrogen peroxide can slightly bleach certain carpets. Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide 3% and equal parts cold water to an inconspicuous area of the carpet and check for any color change before proceeding. If the carpet passes the patch test, carefully pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain. Allow the peroxide to sit for a few minutes, then gently blot the area with a clean cloth until the stain disappears. Rinse the area with cold water.

Step 6: Tackling Lingering Odors While the stain may be gone, an underlying odor might remain. To combat this, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the affected area. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer, absorbing any lingering smells. Allow the baking soda to sit for a few hours, or overnight if possible, then vacuum thoroughly to remove it.

Optional Step: Enzymatic Cleaner If you have exhausted all other methods and the stain persists, an enzymatic cleaner can be your last resort. Enzymes work by breaking down proteins, effectively targeting blood stains. Follow the instructions on the cleaner’s packaging, ensuring you don’t oversaturate the carpet. If you’d like to know how to make your very own enzyme cleaner using old orange peels then click here.

Conclusion: Removing dried blood stains from your carpet may seem like a daunting task, but armed with the right techniques and NOT rushing in, it can be accomplished safely and effectively. Remember to always use cold water and avoid scrubbing too vigorously to protect the integrity of your carpet. By following these step-by-step instructions and being patient, you can restore your carpet to its former pristine condition and bid farewell to stubborn bloodstains. Check out our other stain removal guide. If you don’t fancy removing blood stains from your carpet and would much rather hire a professional to do it for you, Give Eco steam clean Liverpool Ltd a call, we service all of Merseyside & Liverpool including the Wirral.