How to Clean Blood from Carpet Safely and Effectively

Discovering blood on your carpet can be stressful—whether it’s from a minor injury, pet accident, or something more serious. And if the stain has already dried, the cleanup becomes even more difficult. But with the right approach and tools, you can often remove blood stains without damaging your carpet.

That said, there’s a big difference between cleaning a small drip and trying to handle a large bloodstain on carpet. If the stain is extensive, or the situation involved trauma, it’s important to know when to call in professionals. This guide will walk you through what you can do yourself—and when to stop and get expert help.

What You’ll Need to Remove Blood from Carpet

Before starting, gather these items:

• Cold water

• Clean white cloths or paper towels

• Mild dish soap (clear, non-bleach)

• Spray bottle

• Baking soda or hydrogen peroxide (for dried stains)

• Wet/dry vacuum (optional)

• Gloves

Important: Always use cold water. Hot water can cause blood proteins to bind with carpet fibers, making stains harder to lift.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Fresh Blood from Carpet

If the blood is still wet, act fast. The sooner you respond, the better the result.

1. 1. Blot the stain gently
      Use a clean cloth to gently blot—never rub—the stain. Work from the outside in to prevent spreading. Replace the cloth as it absorbs more liquid.

   2. Apply cold water
      Lightly spray cold water onto the stain or dampen a clean cloth and blot again. Don’t oversaturate the area.

   3. Add a mild soap solution
      Mix a few drops of dish soap with cold water in a spray bottle. Spray onto the stain and blot gently. Continue blotting until the blood begins to lift.

   4. Rinse and blot again
      Spray with plain cold water to rinse the area, then blot dry with a clean towel.

This method works well for small, fresh stains. But when you’re dealing with dried blood or a large amount of blood, you’ll need a more targeted approach.

How to Clean Dried Blood from Carpet

Dried blood is more stubborn, but not impossible to treat with household products.

1. 1. Gently loosen the dried blood
      Use a soft-bristled brush or dull knife to scrape away any crusted blood. Be careful not to damage carpet fibers.

   2. Apply a paste or peroxide
      You can try one of two methods:
      
      • • Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a bit of cold water to form a paste. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
          
        • Hydrogen peroxide (3% only): Test on a hidden carpet area first. If safe, apply a small amount to the stain and let it bubble for a few minutes.

   3. Blot and rinse
      Gently blot the treated area with a damp cloth, then rinse with cold water and blot again until dry.

Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide may slightly bleach some carpets. Always test first.