Getting blood stains out of a couch can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. Whether it is due to a nosebleed, an accidental cut, or a pet's scratch, a bloodstain on your couch can be an eyesore and a potential health hazard.
However, with a few simple steps and some household ingredients, you can get rid of the stain and restore your couch to its former glory.
Remember, Blood is a biohazard and should always be treated as such regardless of if it's a family members blood or not. Wear safety equipment such as gloves and consider using a mask to cover your mouth also.
Remember Your PPE
Personal protective equipment is an absolute non negotiable part of cleaning up blood stains. Blood can carry all sorts of seriously dangerous diseases which should be avoided at all costs.
The PPE you should wear:
Goggles
Mask
Gloves
Apron
Long sleeved shirt
These protections are especially important if you don't know where the blood came from.
Should I use bleach to remove blood from your couch?
No, you don't need bleach. In fact bleach is not as effective at removing blood as our methods listed. Bleach surprisingly does not remove the stain fully nor does it kill the infections inside the blood.
Not to mention bleach and upholstery simply doesn't mix. If you attempted to use bleach, more than likely you have a rather large discoloured mark on your couch.
We sometimes use a products that have oxygen based bleach in our carpet cleaning methods. We do use it for blood too but not without other chemicals to ensure that those pathogens are fully gone.
Steps for removing blood from your fabric couch
Step 1: Act Quickly
The key to removing a bloodstain from your couch is to act quickly. The longer the blood sits on the fabric, the more difficult it becomes to remove.
As soon as you notice the stain, grab a clean cloth or paper towel and blot the area gently. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the blood deeper into the fibres of the fabric.
Step 2: Use Cold Water
Once you have blotted up as much blood as possible, it is time to use cold water to remove the remaining stain.
Fill a bowl with cold water and dip a clean cloth into it. Wring out the excess water and dab the stain gently. Repeat the process until the stain begins to fade.
This will remove any surface blood which would prevent the next step from penetrating into the fibres.
Step 3: Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile household ingredient that can be used to remove stubborn stains, including blood.
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Then, use a clean cloth dipped in cold water to remove the paste and the stain. The idea here is to penetrate into the fibres so as not to give the blood any safe space to retreat! don't be shy with the baking soda on this step.
Step 4: Try Hydrogen Peroxide
If the bloodstain is still visible after using cold water and baking soda, you can try using hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleach that can break down the proteins in blood and remove the stain.
However, it is important to note that hydrogen peroxide can bleach or discolour some fabrics, so test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your couch first.
To use hydrogen peroxide, mix one-part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, use a clean cloth dipped in cold water to remove the solution and the stain.
Step 5: Call a Professional
If the bloodstain is still visible after trying these methods, it may be time to call a professional. A professional cleaner has the tools and expertise to remove even the most stubborn stains from your couch without causing damage to the fabric.
Additionally, a professional cleaner can help to sanitize your couch, eliminating any potential health hazards associated with the bloodstain. This might even be an essential part of the process if you are a registered business with employees.
Does This Method Remove Blood From A Leather Couch?
Yes, you can remove blood from a leather couch with these methods. However, you need to change a couple of things in order to work your cleaning chemicals into the tougher leather material.
You will need to use a leather scrub brush in order to get agitate the blood enough to come up to the surface. PPE is essential here since the potential for blood sputtering towards you is pretty high.
If you think that this is overkill then you really don't understand the dangers of blood spillages. They are biological contaminants and have the potential for carrying serious diseases which you could catch.
What If Blood Has Gone Into The Foam Cushion?
If that's the case then you can still remove the blood. The products used are the same, but the method is slightly different.
What you need to do:
Apply your hydrogen peroxide and allow to sit for one hour
Fill a basin or bathtub with cold water during this time
Apply baking soda to the basin and mix it up
After one hour, submerge your foam cushion into the basin
After 10 minutes of soaking, wring the foam cushion out without twisting
Allow to air dry
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing a bloodstain from your couch requires prompt action, patience, and a few household ingredients.
By following these simple steps, you can get rid of the stain and restore your couch to its former glory. If all else fails, don't hesitate to call a professional cleaner for help.
We love helping our customers save money but a lot of folks are squeamish. If you can't stomach tackling this particular stain yourself, give us a call.
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