How to Get Blood Out of Carpet: Tried and Tested Methods

At TheKingLive, we regularly test cleaning methods and products in real homes to see what actually works on everyday messes. This guide combines those practical lessons with basic principles professional carpet cleaners and manufacturers recommend.

You’ll learn step-by-step how to get blood out of carpet, plus some of the best ways to remove fresh, dried, and old blood stains using simple products you probably already own. You’ll also see when it’s smarter to stop DIY and call a professional.

This guide follows common recommendations from carpet manufacturers and professional cleaning services: treat blood as a protein stain, avoid heat at first, and always test products before use.

You can effectively remove blood from carpet on your own at home

Quick Guide: How to Get Blood Out of Carpet Fast

If you’re in “oh no, what is that on the carpet?” mode and need help right now, start here. You can always come back and read the full guide later.

• Act quickly on fresh stains

  • Put on disposable gloves.

  • Blot (don’t rub) with paper towels or a clean white cloth to lift as much blood as you can.

• Rinse with cold water

  • Lightly dampen the stain with cold water.

  • Blot until little or no blood transfers to the cloth.

• Use a mild cleaning solution

  • Mix a few drops of clear dish soap in a cup of cold water.

  • Blot gently until the stain starts to fade.

• For stubborn fresh stains

  • Patch-test a mix of 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts cold water on a hidden spot.

  • If the test looks safe, dab the stain, let it sit a few minutes, then blot and rinse.

• For dried or older blood stains

  • Gently loosen dried residue with a soft brush and vacuum.

  • Use baking soda paste, a salt solution, or an enzyme-based cleaner.

  • Repeat if needed.

• Call a professional if necessary

  • If the stain is large, the carpet is wool, antique, or very expensive, or DIY feels risky, a professional carpet cleaner is the safer route.

This is the best quick way to get blood out of carpet when you don’t have time to study a long stain-removal guide.

Before you begin removing blood from the carpet, you must set up a few basic instruments

If You Only Have 5 Minutes Right Now

Maybe you’re rushing out the door or trying to get kids to bed. If you only have a few minutes:

• Blot up as much blood as possible with a dry white cloth or paper towel.

• Dampen another cloth with cold water and gently blot the area.

• Lay a clean, dry towel on top, press lightly, and leave it there.

You’ve already done the most important part: you stopped the stain from getting worse. Come back later and follow the full steps when you have more time.

Attempt to remove the blood stain as quickly as you can, preferably within a few hours or minutes

Why Blood Stains Are So Stubborn (and Why Cold Water Matters)

Before you can get blood out of carpet for good, it helps to know what is actually happening inside the fibers. Blood does not behave like a normal drink spill, and that is why some “quick tricks” make the stain worse instead of better.

The Science Behind Blood Stains

Blood is not like a coffee or juice spill. It is rich in proteins that can bind tightly to carpet fibers, which is why how to get blood out of carpet correctly is more challenging than dealing with regular drink stains. When blood dries, or comes into contact with hot water, those proteins can set and make the stain much more stubborn and harder to remove.

That is why one of the golden rules for how to clean blood off carpet is:

Start with cold water, not hot.

Cold water helps keep those proteins from bonding too deeply, so you have a better chance of lifting the stain completely. Professional cleaners use the same logic for other protein-based stains like eggs or milk.

Know Your Carpet Type

Your strategy also depends on what your carpet or rug is made of:

• Synthetic carpets (nylon, polyester, olefin)

  Usually tolerate DIY carpet cleaning and home remedies quite well, as long as you are gentle.

• Wool or natural fibers

  More delicate; strong or highly alkaline cleaners can damage them, change their texture, or cause shrinkage.

• Very light carpets and runners

  Show every mark and are easier to discolor if you overuse hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or harsh products.

These tips also apply to many area rugs and hallway runners, especially synthetic ones, as long as you check the care label and test any carpet stain remover on a hidden corner first.

Before you apply any cleaner, homemade or commercial, patch-test it on a small, hidden area. If you notice color fading, fuzzing, or damage, switch to a milder method.

If your carpet manufacturer provides cleaning instructions, follow those first. Many brands specify which cleaning products and temperatures are safe.

The COLD Start Method: Simple Framework for Any Blood Stain

Before you reach for any cleaner, remember this simple framework for how to get blood stain out of carpet:

COLD:

• C – Contain: Keep the stain from spreading (no walking over it, no scrubbing).

• O – Observe: Check how large, fresh, and deep the stain is.

• L – Lift: Blot, don’t rub, to remove as much blood as possible.

• D – Dry: Remove excess moisture so the stain doesn’t travel into the padding.

This COLD Start Method is your mental checklist. It turns “uh-oh” into “okay, I know what to do” and works for both fresh and older blood stains on carpet.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Having the right tools nearby makes learning how to remove blood stains from carpet much easier.

Basic Supplies

• Disposable gloves

• Paper towels or clean white cloths

• Cold water

• Mild, clear liquid dishwashing detergent

• 3% hydrogen peroxide (ideally fresh, unopened)

Optional but Helpful

• Spray bottle (for light, even application)

• Soft-bristle brush (or an old soft toothbrush)

• Baking soda

• Table salt

• White vinegar

• Enzyme-based cleaner (for organic stains like blood and pet messes)

• Commercial carpet stain remover

• Oxygen-based stain remover (used carefully and patch-tested)

• Carpet cleaning machine (carpet extractor or shampooer, for deep cleaning or larger areas)

Blood stains in your kitchen can be effectively removed with baking soda

Safety Reminders

• Never mix ammonia and bleach.

• Ventilate the room when using stronger products.

• Keep children and pets away from wet, treated areas.

• Avoid steam cleaning or very hot water on fresh blood stains.

• Wear gloves when dealing with blood or bodily fluids, especially if the source is not from your household.

How to Get Blood Out of Carpet When the Stain Is Fresh

Fresh blood stains are the easiest to handle, as long as you move quickly and follow the COLD Start Method.

Step 1 – Protect Yourself and Contain the Stain

• Put on disposable gloves so you don’t have direct contact with blood.

• Keep people and pets away so nobody steps on the stain and tracks it across the room.

Step 2 – Lift, Don’t Rub

Rubbing pushes blood deeper into the fibers and spreads the stain outward.

• Place a clean white cloth or paper towel directly on the stain.

• Gently press down and lift straight up.

• Switch to a clean area of the cloth and repeat.

Keep blotting until you’re no longer lifting much blood. This is where you remove most of the stain.

Step 3 – Rinse with Cold Water

• Dampen a clean cloth with cold water.

• Blot the stained area. Don’t soak the carpet.

• Continue blotting until the stain begins to lighten.

Too much water can seep into the carpet padding, spread the stain, and lead to musty odors later. Light, controlled moisture is the goal.

Step 4 – Use a Mild Detergent Solution

If cold water alone isn’t enough:

• Add a few drops of clear or white dish soap to a cup of cold water.

• Dampen a cloth with the soapy solution and blot the stain.

• Alternate between the soapy cloth and a clean cloth dampened with plain cold water to rinse.

• When the stain lightens, blot dry with a clean, dry towel.

This simple home remedy is often enough for small, fresh spots—you’re basically doing a careful spot clean, not a full wash.

Step 5 – Hydrogen Peroxide for Stubborn Fresh Stains

Hydrogen peroxide can work well on light-colored carpets, but it can slightly lighten some fabrics, so treat it as a “test first” product, not your starting point.

• Patch-test first on a hidden area with a mix of:

  • 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide

  • 2 parts cold water

• If you see no discoloration after a few minutes, you can:

  • Dampen a cloth or cotton ball with the solution.

  • Gently dab the stain (do not soak the area).

  • Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot.

• Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

For wool or natural-fiber carpets, be extra cautious. Test a small area, or skip peroxide and go straight to an enzyme cleaner.

How to Get Dried or Old Blood Out of Carpet

When you’re trying to figure out how to get blood out of carpet, especially how to get dried blood out of carpet without ruining it, the key is patience and gentle repetition. Dried blood has had time to bond with carpet fibers, so you’ll need more time — but in many cases, you can still save the area.

Step 1 – Loosen the Dried Residue

• Use a soft-bristle brush or an old soft toothbrush.

• Gently work over the stain with small circular motions.

• Aim to loosen the dried blood, not push it deeper.

Vacuum up any loose particles before applying liquid cleaners. This one small step makes everything you do next much more effective.

Step 2 – Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is one of the simplest home remedies for dried blood stains on carpet.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with about ¼ cup of cold water to form a spreadable paste.

• Apply a thin layer over the stain.

• Let it sit for 15–30 minutes so it can work into the dried residue.

• Blot gently with a damp cloth.

• Rinse with cold water and blot dry.

This method is an easy answer when you want to remove old blood stains from carpet at home using basic pantry ingredients.

Step 3 – Salt and Cold Water

Salt can help draw out moisture and loosen set-in stains:

• Dissolve 1 tablespoon of table salt in 1 cup of cold water.

• Blot the stain with a cloth that has been moistened with the solution.

• Let the solution sit on the stain for 20–30 minutes.

• Blot again, then rinse with cold water and pat dry.

Step 4 – White Vinegar Boost

For stains with a lingering smell or extra stubbornness:

• Combine two parts cold water with one part white vinegar. 

• Lightly dampen the stained area with the solution (or spray it on).

• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

• Blot, then rinse with cold water and blot dry.

Avoid using full-strength vinegar on wool or very delicate fibers until you’ve tested a hidden patch.

Home Remedies vs Enzyme Cleaners: Which Should You Try First?

Both home remedies and enzyme cleaners can work well on blood stains, and choosing the right method for how to get blood out of the carpet depends on the size, age, and location of the stain.

Home Remedies

Cold water, dish soap, baking soda, salt, and diluted vinegar are:

• Easy and inexpensive

• Made from pantry staples

• Great for small stains and quick fixes

They let you start immediately without buying anything special.

Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners:

• Use enzymes to break down organic matter like blood and pet messes

• Work deeper into the fibers than simple soap and water

• Often give better results on old, set-in stains with less scrubbing

A simple rule of thumb from TheKingLive:

• Start with home remedies on small, fresh spots

• Move to an enzyme cleaner if the stain is old, large, or has survived your first attempts

How to Use Enzyme Cleaners on Tough Blood Stains

• Choose an enzyme cleaner labeled as safe for carpets.

• Patch-test it on a hidden spot first.

• Apply the cleaner so the stain is well dampened but not soaked.

• Let it sit for the time recommended on the label—often 10–30 minutes.

• Blot gently to lift the loosened stain.

• Rinse lightly with cold water and blot dry.

For very old or stubborn marks, expect to repeat this process once or twice. That’s normal; you’re undoing what time and dried blood have done to the fibers.

Enzyme cleansers are a better option if you have blood stains that are difficult to remove

Sanitizing and Deodorizing After Blood Stain Removal

Removing the visible blood stain is step one. Step two is making sure the area feels clean and hygienic.

After you’ve finished your main stain-removal steps and the carpet is only slightly damp:

• Choose a carpet-safe disinfectant or sanitizer (ideally non-toxic, pet-safe, or child-safe).

• Lightly mist the cleaned area—don’t soak it.

• Let it sit for the contact time listed on the label so it can work on germs and bacteria.

• If needed, blot away excess moisture and allow the carpet to dry completely.

This extra step:

• Helps sanitize the carpet surface

• Reduces lingering odors around the stain

• Gives peace of mind, especially in homes with kids, pets, or allergy-sensitive family members

Drying is part of the sanitizing process too when you’re learning how to get blood out of carpet. A damp carpet can invite mold, mildew, and musty smells, so good airflow and maybe a fan pointed at the area are your friends.

Common Mistakes That Make Blood Stains Worse

Avoid these habits if you want the best chance of saving your carpet:

• Using very hot water on fresh blood stains

• Scrubbing hard instead of blotting

• Pouring too much liquid on the stain and soaking the padding

• Reaching for bleach on carpet (it can lighten or damage fibers)

• Steam cleaning before you’ve removed most of the stain with cold-water methods

If you skip these mistakes and stick to the steps above, you’ve already done more than most people to protect your carpet.

Advanced Options: Carpet Cleaning Machines and Professional Help

At TheKingLive, we’re big fans of smart DIY cleaning—but sometimes calling a pro really is the cheaper option in the long run.

Using Carpet Cleaning Machines for Blood Stains

A carpet cleaning machine (carpet extractor or shampooer) can help with larger or deeper blood stains.

• Pre-treat the stain with a mild detergent solution, enzyme cleaner, or oxygen-based stain remover, following the label.

• Let the pre-treatment sit for the recommended time so it can start to loosen the stain.

• Use the carpet cleaning machine with cold or cool water and a suitable cleaning solution.

• Make slow passes over the stain, following the machine’s instructions.

• Do extra “dry passes” with suction only to remove as much moisture as possible.

If you don’t own a machine, many local stores rent them. Choose settings for spot cleaning and pet or protein-based stains, and make sure the solution is safe for your carpet type.

When to Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner

Consider professional carpet cleaning if:

• The stain covers a large area

• Your carpet is wool, antique, or high-end

• You rent and don’t want to risk damage to your landlord’s carpet

• You’ve tried multiple methods and the stain hasn’t improved—or the carpet looks worse

Professionals use specialized machines, controlled temperatures, and carpet-safe stain removers to deep-clean delicate or heavily stained carpets more safely than aggressive experiments at home.

Important Note About Biohazard Situations

This guide is meant for minor household stains from everyday incidents within your own home.

If the blood is related to a serious injury, covers a very large area, or comes from someone outside your household, you may need a specialized biohazard cleaning service rather than normal DIY carpet cleaning. Those services follow stricter safety protocols to protect your health and properly handle contaminated materials.

When in doubt, prioritize safety first and ask a professional for advice.

A Clear Action Plan for Any Blood Stain

Blood stains look alarming, but they don’t have to stay on your carpet. Once you understand how to get blood out of carpet—and a few simple ways to deal with dried or older stains—you’re following a clear plan instead of reacting in panic.

With the COLD Start Method and the step-by-step options in this stain-removal guide from TheKingLive, you can:

• Handle fresh and dried blood stains more safely

• Protect the look and lifespan of your carpet and area rugs

• Keep the area cleaner, fresher, and more hygienic

• Avoid unnecessary replacement costs or awkward landlord conversations

If a particular mix of steps works especially well in your home, jot it down or print a short version to keep with your cleaning supplies. The next time life gets messy, you won’t be guessing—you’ll know exactly where to start.

Happy cleaning, and may your carpets stay clean, comfortable, and worry-free.