How to Get Blood Out of Carpet

Nosebleeds, cuts, broken scabs happen. Bloodstains in your carpet are unfortunate, but they aren’t the end of the world. We have you covered whether the stain is still fresh and wet or if the blood has set into the carpet for a couple of hours or more.

Remove Blood from Carpet: Fresh Bloodstains

Family Handyman

The ideal situation is to remove blood from carpet right away. Don’t let the stain set in if you have the option. Follow the steps below to lift the blood without breaking a sweat. Remember to wear gloves anytime you deal with blood.

Next: Learn how to get slime out of carpet.

1. Blot any excess blood with a paper towel. Don’t scrub, as that will spread the stain.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the stain and pour a little bit of water on it.
3. Scrub the stain with a cloth until the carpet is completely dry.
4. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any excess moisture.

Another tricky stain: Learn how to get oil stains out of clothes.

Remove Blood from Carpet: Dry Blood

Family Handyman

Don’t worry if you were unable to clean up the blood when it was still wet; it’s a bit more difficult to remove, but you can still get your carpet as good as new. Again, wear gloves anytime you deal with blood.

1. Fill a spray bottle with warm water, a squirt of unscented dish detergent and a small amount of vinegar. The vinegar will neutralize any odor.
2. Spray the solution generously onto the stain.
3. Wipe up the stain with a damp cloth.
4. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any excess moisture.

Need the do-or-die method for getting blood out of carpet?

Time to break out the big guns if the stain still doesn’t come up. Mix 1/2 cup of warm water with one tablespoon of ammonia in a small cup. Dump the ammonia solution directly onto the blood stain. Blot the stain with a cloth or sponge until the liquid is fully absorbed. Dab the surface with a sponge dipped in cold water and blot dry.

Learn more about getting rid of another dreaded stain, deodorant stains.

Nail polish is another tough stain. We’ll show you how to get nail polish out of carpet.

Next learn how to clean vinyl records yourself.