How to Clean Up Blood

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By E. Burgess
eHow Contributing Writer

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Cleaning a blood spill at a crime scene

Blood spills are universally classified as a bio hazard in all 50 states due to the potential for contamination and exposure to infectious diseases. Cleaning blood in the workplace is a task best left to the individuals charged with such a job, such as the custodial service or, in serious cases, a special HazMat, or hazardous materials crew. Even blood spills at home should be handled with care. If a house guest suffers a cut, there are certain recommended practices for safely cleaning spilled blood once the person receives first aid.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Latex gloves Disposable absorbent towels Bleach Mop Bristle brush Bucket Water

Step 1

Wear latex gloves at all times while removing blood and cleaning floors and counter tops. Don't use torn gloves. Watch out for sharp objects that could cut your gloves, such as broken glass or jagged metal.
Step 2

Mop up the blood spill with disposable towels.
Step 3

Place the soiled towels in a resealable plastic bag, close the bag and dispose of properly.
Step 4

Clean and disinfect the spill area with a mop or disposable cloths using a mix of five parts water to one part common household bleach. Bleach kills Hepatitis B virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
Step 5

Thoroughly rinse and disinfect your cleaning equipment, mops, brushes and bucket with a solution of water and bleach.
Step 6

Avoid picking up broken glass, metal or other sharp objects by hand if a blood spill is involved. Use a dustpan and brush.

Tips & Warnings

Thoroughly wash your hands and remove any clothes with spilled blood before eating, handling food, placing anything in the mouth -- such as gum, cigarettes or candy -- before cleaning and inserting contact lenses, and before using makeup, lipstick or any other product that comes in contact with skin, eyes, nose and mouth.