Always pre-test the safety of any cleaning solution by applying several drops to an inconspicuous area (closet, under a couch) after 30 seconds rub gently with a clean white towel. Do not proceed if any carpet color transfers to the towel, or if the carpets color changes. Should color transfer you need professional service.
Step 1: As soon as the injury is dealt with, blot up as much of the blood as you can using (a very absorbent poultice) Kleenex. Allow the Kleenex to absorb the blood at first and then gently blot - don't scrub since blood is heavier than water and will naturally go to the bottom of the carpet by itself. Rotate the Kleenex often so that a clean surface is always against the carpet. Continue to blot until no more blood transfers to the Kleenex. If already dried remove any solid material with a rounded spoon or the edge of a dull knife, vacuum then proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Using cold water only apply a few drops to the blood (this will help to dilute or to re-activate dried blood). Continue blotting the area with Kleenex until all of the (or no further) blood is removable from the carpet. The final step is to apply a fresh layer(s) of paper towel and weigh the towel with something that will not transfer color to the carpet or towel. Leave this in place for 30 minutes to remove any remaining moisture. Should more blood be absorbed by the final layers repeat step 2 until all blood has been successfully removed.
Should the carpet remain stained after repeating step 2, go to step three.
Step 3: You cannot apply most household cleaners to blood stains as it will most likely set the stain further. You will need more Kleenex or paper towels for this process; as well as diluted regular household ammonia. Dilute ammonia 1oz into 16oz water in a spray bottle. Apply diluted ammonia directly to paper towel and then use wet towel on blood stain. If a larger area you can mist the diluted ammonia onto the stained area of carpet. Blot the area with Kleenex until all of the blood is removed from the carpet (re-applying more diluted ammonia may be required). The final step is to apply a fresh layer(s) of paper towel and weigh the towel with something that will not transfer color to the carpet or towel. Leave this in place for 30 minutes to remove any remaining moisture. (If your carpet is wool you must pre-test for color bleed).
Should you have any remaining blood try step 4.
Step 4: This step requires care and patience. You will need more Kleenex or paper towels for this process; as well as several Q-Tips and a bottle of regular 3% household peroxide. (If your carpet is wool DO NOT apply peroxide – call us).
Pour a small amount of peroxide into a dish, dip the Q-Tip into the peroxide and then apply peroxide to the blood with the Q-Tip. The blood will begin to fizz (this is normal), allow fizzing for 10 seconds or so then absorb with a Kleenex. Repeat until all blood has been dissolved by the peroxide.
Step 5: Apply several layers of paper towel and weigh down with something that will not transfer color to the carpet or towel. Leave this in place for 30 minutes to remove any remaining moisture. Should more blood be absorbed by the final layers repeat step 4 and 5 until all blood has been successfully removed.
Step 6: Should the peroxide fail to remove all of the blood (and the area is completely dry) place a few drops of regular (undiluted) white vinegar onto the blood stain and repeat only step 2 using vinegar instead of water. What you might be dealing with is the iron and other metal compounds in blood at this stage and acids (like vinegar) will usually remove the remaining stain. This step is most often required when the blood has dried or someone has used hot water or a cleaning agent on the blood. Vinegar is safe to use on your carpet, however it may not be strong enough to deal with all metals in blood
Call TLC Carpet Care Today: 720.314.0178