Have you had an accident, and now there’s blood all over your carpet? You would rather get it out rather than replace the whole carpet. Don’t worry… we get asked about this more often than you might think. So to all our Essex homeowners, Can you get blood out of your carpet? The correct answer is… Maybe!
Blood is definitely one of the hardest stains to remove, and the longer it sits, the tougher it gets. So before you reach for your phone and call your friendly carpet cleaning team, please take some time to read this blog.
Table of Contents
Why Blood Stains Are Hard to Remove
Blood stains are difficult to remove because of the nature of the blood itself. When you expose blood to oxygen, the haemoglobin clots, binding the blood to the carpet fibres. This is why addressing the stain as quickly as possible is crucial, ideally before it dries.
Example: Real-Life Carpet Cleaning Job
To illustrate the challenges of removing blood stains, let’s look at a recent job we handled:
- 1st Visit: After the first clean, there appeared to be no blood. The team used all their tricks, and the carpet looked surprisingly clean, even though the stain had dried in and there was a significant amount of blood.
- 2nd Visit: By January, the blood started to wick back. This happens often, especially with larger or older stains.
- 3rd Visit: Another spot clean was performed using the same techniques as before, aiming to tackle any remaining traces.
Our Process for Cleaning Blood Stains from Carpets
Here’s how we approach cleaning blood stains from your carpet:
- Cold Water Treatment: We start by wetting the area with cold water. Unlike most stains, hot water will seal a blood stain, making it harder to remove. Cold water helps to loosen the stain without setting it.
- Extraction: Using our van-mounted extraction hose, we suck up as much of the blood as possible. Often, the visible stain is just the tip of the iceberg, with more blood absorbed deeper into the carpet.
- Rust-Removing Solution: Blood is rich in iron, so we use a rust remover to help break down the stain. The solution is sprayed on, left for a few minutes, then blotted with a clean cloth and agitated with a brush.
- Rinse and Dry: The area is thoroughly rinsed to remove all traces of the rust-removing solution and then dried as much as possible.
- Spot Clean Solution: For stubborn stains, we use a spot clean stain remover. The process is: spray, leave for a few minutes, blot, agitate, rinse, and dry.
DIY Tips for Removing Blood Stains
If you prefer to tackle the stain yourself, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Act Quickly: The quicker you address the blood stain, the higher your chances are of getting rid of it.
- Use Cold Water: Always start with cold water to prevent setting the stain.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to lift as much blood as possible without spreading it.
- Test Cleaners: If using a commercial stain remover, test it on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t damage your carpet.
- Patience is Key: Removing blood stains can be a lengthy process. You may need to repeat the steps several times for the best results.
When to Call the Professionals
While DIY methods can be okay for small, fresh stains, larger or older stains might require professional intervention. Professional carpet cleaners have the experience, equipment, and specialised solutions to handle tough stains like blood effectively.
At Careclean Essex, we’ve been providing expert carpet cleaning services since 1984. Our trained technicians use specialised methods tailored to different types of stains, ensuring your carpet is in safe hands. Contact us at 01245 323989 for a free quote, or visit our carpet cleaning page for more information.
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By following these tips and considering professional help when needed, you can keep your carpets looking fresh and clean, even after dealing with stubborn stains like blood.
If you arent in our area but would like a professional, NCCA website you will find the right fit for you!
