Blood on carpet or upholstery

Blood is a protein stain, and the single most important rule is cold water. Warm or hot water cooks the protein into the fiber and the stain becomes permanent. This includes the hot water from a rental carpet machine, which is why so many blood stains come to us already set.

For fresh blood, blot with a cold wet cloth until nothing transfers. A small amount of hydrogen peroxide will fizz on blood and lift it; test on a hidden spot first since peroxide can lighten dye. An enzyme cleaner, the same kind used for pet accidents, also works because it digests protein.

What we see

Nosebleeds on bedroom carpet, a pet's injury, a kitchen accident that got tracked into the living room. One customer's dog cut her paw and bled across the living room; we were there that day and the carpet came out clean. When blood has dried for weeks, an enzyme pre-soak followed by extraction usually removes it from synthetic carpet. Wool holds protein stains harder and may lighten rather than vanish.

Upholstery

The same cold-water rule applies, but keep the fabric as dry as you can. Blot with a cold damp cloth, apply a little enzyme cleaner, blot again, and dry with a fan. Do not saturate a cushion; the blood can wick into the foam and come back to the surface as it dries.