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.

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.

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

https://youtube.com/shorts/jrNFlBD7Pr0

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.

Related:

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.

A hand pressing down on a translucent, squishy gel pad on a patterned surface.

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.

A bottle of equate 3% hydrogen peroxide antiseptic being held over a textured surface.

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.

Hand wiping a stain off a carpet with a cloth.

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.

Close-up of a textured carpet with a folded corner, showing how to clean blood out of it.

Step by Step Guide To Get Blood Out of Carpet

This is the best way to get blood out of carpet. A hospice nurse taught us this blood cleaning hack!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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

https://youtube.com/shorts/jrNFlBD7Pr0

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.

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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