Reading Time: 6 minutes How to Clean Blood Off Carpet Using Hydrogen Peroxide (Pics + Video)
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We recently visited some friends in Kansas City. We were all just hanging around having fun, and then we noticed blood on their carpet. It was fresh blood.
It turns out their sweet new puppy stepped on something and cut his paw. One of our friends is a nurse. She treated her puppy’s wound and made sure he was fine. But there was still blood on the carpet!
I love cleaning hacks, so what she did next seemed like magic. Crystal isn’t just a nurse, she is a hospice nurse. She knew exactly what to do. She grabbed hydrogen peroxide and a cloth.
So I knew what I had to do. Write a blog post on how to clean blood out of the carpet! We also wrote one on how to clean blood off of shoes.
This guide will walk you through Crystal’s process of using hydrogen peroxide to clean blood off rugs and carpet, including when it’s appropriate to use, its benefits, and step-by-step instructions.
Table of Contents
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound with strong oxidizing properties, making it an effective cleaner and disinfectant. It’s essentially water with an extra oxygen atom.
When applied to stains, it breaks down into water and oxygen, which means it’s environmentally friendly and leaves no toxic residues.
For household cleaning, a 3% solution is commonly used.
Related: 64 Creative And Practical Uses Of Hydrogen Peroxide
Why Hydrogen Peroxide is Effective for Blood Stains
The reason hydrogen peroxide is so effective at removing blood stains from rugs and carpets is its ability to break down the hemoglobin in blood.
As parents of 3 little kids, Force of Nature is our go-to all purpose cleaner. It's nontoxic but is EPA approved for use against Covid-19.
We love vinegar, but we use Force of Nature every day.
This breakdown leads to the loss of color in the blood stain, making it dissolve more easily and be lifted off the fibers of the carpet or rug.
How To Clean Blood Out Of Carpet Video Tutorial
When Not to Use Hydrogen Peroxide
While hydrogen peroxide is versatile, there are situations where it might not be the best choice:
- Delicate or antique rugs: These may be damaged by the bleaching effect.
- Colored carpets: There’s a risk of bleaching or discoloration, so always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Old or set-in stains: If the stain has been on the carpet for a long time, hydrogen peroxide might not be able to remove it completely.
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How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Blood Off Rugs and Carpet
Materials Needed
- 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- Cold water
- Clean cloths or paper towels
- Soft-bristled brush (optional)
Tutorial: How To Get Blood Out of Carpets
Step 1: Blot the Stain: If the blood is fresh, use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up as much as possible. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the stain.
Step 2: Spot Test: Before applying hydrogen peroxide widely, test it on a small, hidden section of the rug or carpet to ensure it doesn’t lead to discoloration.
Step 3: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide: Gently dab hydrogen peroxide onto the stain with a cloth. For deeper pile carpets, you might use a soft-bristled brush to lightly work the solution into the fibers.
Step 4: Blot Again: Use a clean, damp cloth to blot the area, removing both the hydrogen peroxide and the loosened parts of the stain. Repeat if needed.
Step 5: Air Dry: Let the carpet or rug air dry. Avoid direct heat or sunlight during this process.
Step by Step Guide To Get Blood Out of Carpet
Step by Step Guide To Get Blood Out of Carpet
Instructions
- Blot the Stain: If the blood is fresh, use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up as much as possible. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the stain.
- Spot Test: Before applying hydrogen peroxide widely, test it on a small, hidden section of the rug or carpet to ensure it doesn’t lead to discoloration.
- Apply Hydrogen Peroxide: Gently dab hydrogen peroxide onto the stain with a cloth. For deeper pile carpets, you might use a soft-bristled brush to lightly work the solution into the fibers.
- Blot Again: Use a clean, damp cloth to blot the area, removing both the hydrogen peroxide and the loosened parts of the stain. Repeat if needed.
- Air Dry: Let the carpet or rug air dry. Avoid direct heat or sunlight during this process.
Video
Do’s and Don’ts Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Blood Off Of Carpet
Do:
- Act quickly to treat stains for the best removal results.
- Use cold water to prevent setting the stain.
Don’t:
- Rub or scrub vigorously, as this can spread the stain or damage carpet fibers.
- Use on materials without first conducting a spot test.
Related: 31 Creative And Practical Uses Of Alka-Seltzer You Might Not Know
Things Not to Do
- Avoid using on valuable or antique rugs without professional advice.
- Do not mix hydrogen peroxide with other cleaners like vinegar or bleach, as dangerous reactions can occur.
- Do not use heat to dry the area, as this could set the stain permanently.
Adjusting for Stain Age
- Fresh stains: Immediate treatment with hydrogen peroxide is most effective.
- Older stains: Pre-treat the area by moistening it with cold water to loosen the stain, then apply hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide can be a powerful ally in removing blood stains from rugs and carpets, but it’s important to use it wisely.
Testing a small area first and treating stains as soon as they occur can help ensure the best outcome.
Next time you need to get blood out of carpet just follow these steps.
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