How to Clean Blood Stains Out of White Carpet

Hydrogen peroxide can help remove blood from white carpet.

Getting blood out of carpet depends on using the right products and techniques at the right temperature. According to the Ohio State University Extension, blood is classified as a protein stain. When protein stains in fabric are exposed to heat, they bond with the fibers in the fabric, making it almost impossible to remove the stain. For blood stains, cleaning solutions work better when they're cold. Cold liquids cause protein stains to loosen and shake free so they can be removed.

Things You'll Need

• Old towels or paper towels
• Bucket
• Laundry detergent
• Scrub brush
• Hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

1. Blot the blood stain with a towel.

2. Fold a towel until it is several layers thick. Place it over the blood stain and step on it until no more blood comes up.

3. 

   Most laundry detergents contain stain-fighting enzymes.

   Mix ¼ cup laundry detergent into a gallon of cold water. Dip a clean towel into the detergent solution and rub it on the blood stain, working from the outside of the stain to the inside.

4. Scrub the stain with a small, damp scrub brush.

5. Blot and scrub the stain some more, then assess the stain. If it's gone, turn on a fan and position it to blow directly on the damp carpet to speed drying.

6. Pour the hydrogen peroxide on the stain a few drops at a time if the stain remains.
   The peroxide will bubble up. Small blood particles may come up in the bubbles.

7. Blot the blood stain with a towel until the stain is gone. Turn on a fan to help dry the carpet.

Tips & Warnings

• Moisture and humidity promote mold growth. The fan dries your carpet more quickly, reducing the risk of mold.

References

• The Ohio State University Information Extension: Quick and Easy Stain RemovalProtein Stains:
• Good Housekeeping: Removing Bloody Stains from Auto Carpets