Let’s face it—blood stains on carpet are never a welcome sight. Whether it’s from a scraped knee, a nosebleed, or an unexpected pet injury, I’ve had my fair share of moments wondering how I was going to save my carpet. The good news? With the right approach (and a little patience), you can remove blood from carpet without causing damage or leaving a trace behind. Here’s the method I’ve used successfully in my own home.
Why Blood Is Tricky to Remove from Carpet
Blood contains proteins that bind quickly to fabric and fibers—especially when exposed to heat. That’s why you always want to use cold water (never warm or hot), and treat the stain as soon as you spot it.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what I keep handy for treating blood stains on carpet:
- Cold water
- Clean white cloths or paper towels
- Dish soap (mild)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- Baking soda (optional for stubborn stains)
- Spray bottle (for easier application)
- Vacuum cleaner (for the final step)
Step-by-Step: How to Get Blood Out of Carpet
Step 1: Blot the Blood Gently
The first thing to do is blot the blood stain with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub—it can push the blood deeper into the carpet fibers.
- Use cold water only to lightly dampen the stained area.
- Continue blotting gently to soak up as much blood as possible.
Step 2: Apply a Dish Soap Solution
This is my go-to first treatment for fresh stains.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap with 2 cups of cold water.
- Dip a clean white cloth into the mixture or put it in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the stain.
- Blot the area gently, lifting the stain from the carpet fibers.
- Rinse the area by dabbing it with a separate cloth dampened with cold water.
- Repeat if needed.
Step 3: Use Hydrogen Peroxide (For Dried or Stubborn Stains)
If dish soap doesn’t completely lift the stain—or if the blood has dried—hydrogen peroxide works wonders.
- Pour or spray a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain.
- Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. It may fizz a little—that’s normal.
- Blot the area gently with a clean cloth.
- Repeat until the stain lifts, then dab with cold water to rinse and remove any residue.
Note: Test hydrogen peroxide in a hidden area of the carpet first—it can bleach some fabrics.
Step 4: Optional – Baking Soda Paste
For stubborn stains, I sometimes use a baking soda paste to pull out lingering discoloration.
- Mix baking soda and cold water into a thick paste.
- Apply it directly to the bloodstain and let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth, then blot with cold water to rinse.
- Let it dry completely, then vacuum to remove any residue.
Step 5: Dry the Area Thoroughly
After the stain is gone, it’s important to dry the carpet completely to prevent mold or mildew:
- Use a fan, towel, or even a hairdryer on the cool setting to help speed up the drying process.
- Once dry, vacuum the spot to restore the carpet’s texture.
Extra Tips from My Experience
- Don’t use hot water—it can “cook” the proteins in blood and set the stain permanently.
- Always test cleaning solutions on a hidden spot before using them.
- If the stain is large or particularly stubborn, repeating the process is often more effective than trying to do it all at once.
- For wool or delicate carpets, consider using an enzyme cleaner made for pet stains—they break down proteins in blood safely.
Final Thoughts
Blood on the carpet isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Over the years, I’ve found that patience and the right cleaning combo—cold water, mild soap, and hydrogen peroxide—almost always do the trick. Just remember to blot, never rub, and always rinse away cleaning products when you’re done.
