How to remove blood stains in your home

Having a lovely and clean home is the dream of all people. Unfortunately, accidents can sometimes happen, and blood stains can be something that poses a challenge in maintaining the cleanliness of your home. However, you have to always remember that there’s nothing that can’t be cleaned as long as you know how, and blood stains are not an exception. So, if you have trouble dealing with blood stains in your home, the following step-by-step guide on how to remove blood stains will help you out.

Why it’s so difficult to remove

Blood stains can be a real headache to remove, and there’s a good reason for that. Haemoglobin, the protein that helps blood clot, also makes it stick stubbornly to fabrics, carpets, and mattresses. While this clotting is great for wound healing, it’s not so great when you’re trying to clean up a spill. The key is to act fast because fresh stains are much easier to deal with than dried ones. Always use cold water to rinse or soak the stain for up to an hour, as hot water will only make it set deeper. Knowing how blood reacts to different surfaces and temperatures can save you a lot of frustration and help you remove stains more effectively.

Fresh vs dry blood

But removing blood stains isn’t as simple as scrubbing with soap and water. It all comes down to the fact that blood is protein-based, which means it needs the right approach. Fresh stains? You’re in luck! They’re much easier to clean since they haven’t set yet, and a quick rinse with cold water can do wonders. But if the stain has dried, things get trickier. The proteins have bonded tightly to the fabric, making removal a lot more challenging and requiring stronger cleaning methods. The key is knowing the difference. Teat fresh stains fast and use the right techniques for stubborn dried ones to get the best results.

Act quickly

When it comes to how to remove blood stains, the first thing you have to do is to act quickly. This is because the nature of blood stains will make it harder to clean the longer they sit on a surface. So, if you act quickly, you will save yourself from the trouble of having to deal with very stubborn blood stains. To act quickly in this regard, you can use a damp cloth to blot the area where the blood stain sits to absorb the blood as much as possible.

Use cold water

After blotting the area with the blood stain, the next thing you have to do is to use cold water. This is because blood contains protein that will coagulate when mixed with hot water. So, you have to avoid using hot water and instead use cold water to rinse blood stains. This also means that the damp cloth you use to blot the area where the blood stain sits must not be dampened with hot water.

Apply a cleaning solution

The next step to remove blood stains is to apply a cleaning solution. For this part, you have several options such as baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar which are mixed with cold water. However, the best option is always a commercial cleaning solution product specially made to remove blood stains that you can buy from a store selling cleaning tools and equipment. Such a product must come with a manual so that you only need to follow the instructions given on the manual to apply the cleaning solution. However, no matter which cleaning solution you choose, the applications are relatively similar. You only need to apply a sufficient amount of the cleaning solution to the surface where the blood stain sits, wait for several minutes, gently rub the surface if needed, and rinse it with cold water.

How to remove blood stains from hard surfaces?

Getting blood stains off hard surfaces depends on the material. Some are easy to clean, while others need a bit more effort. If you’re dealing with nonporous surfaces like countertops or tiles, you’re in luck! These don’t absorb much, so a quick wipe with a damp cloth and cool water, followed by a gentle detergent, usually does the trick. Just be sure to dry the area afterward to avoid water spots. Porous surfaces like wood or stone, however, soak up liquids, making stains harder to remove. Start by blotting (not scrubbing!) with a damp cloth, and if the stain is stubborn, try a baking soda and water paste to pull it out. Rinse carefully and dry right away to prevent further damage or discoloration.

What about carpets?

Getting blood stains out of carpets and upholstery can be tricky, but with the right method, it’s definitely doable. First, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth to soak up as much blood as possible. Don’t rub, or you’ll just spread it further. Next, mix a mild detergent with water and apply it to the stain, letting it break down the residue. Once the stain starts lifting, use a damp cloth with cold water to rinse the area thoroughly. The last step? Make sure it dries completely to prevent mildew or any lingering damage to the fabric.

Dealing with tough blood stains

Dealing with tough blood stains? You don’t need fancy cleaners. Just a few household staples can do the trick. Hydrogen peroxide is great for white fabrics, but always test a small area first to make sure it won’t cause damage. For a more natural approach, a mix of distilled white vinegar and water works well on many surfaces without being too harsh. And if you’re trying to get blood out of carpets or other absorbent materials, a simple paste of salt or baking soda can help lift the stain, making it much easier to remove. The conclusion is: removing blood stains requires quick action, as fresh stains are easier to clean with cold water and blotting, while dried stains need stronger methods like baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide. Cleaning varies by surface, with nonporous materials being easier to treat than porous ones, carpets, or upholstery. How do you deal with blood stains?