Carpet Cleaning Tips: Guide To Removing Old Blood Stains

You probably know that a carpet stain should be dealt with as soon as possible. But sometimes blood stains may dry before you can deal with them. The following guide will help you get rid of old blood stains on your carpet.

Why Old Blood Stains Are Hard To Deal With

Blood is a tricky substance to deal with should it land on your carpet because of its natural coagulating capabilities. These capabilities are useful for an injured person, as they can help heal wounds. But the coagulating abilities of blood become problematic, as it makes blood bind to your carpet's fabric. 

Guide To Clean Dried Blood

1. Remove Soft-Bonded Blood: This is the simplest step; all you have to do is use a vacuum to remove some of the dried blood-dust that did not stick to the carpet.
2. Cold Watering: Pour cold water on the back of the blood stain if your stain is on a rug. This should help loosen up some of your dried blood. Do not pour cold water directly on top of the stain, as the blood may seep deeper into your carpet. You can blot the stain with a rag dipped in cold water. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes while changing the water when it begins to look red. 
3. Use a Baking Soda Paste: Make a stain-removing paste using 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of meat tenderizer and a little bit of cold water. The result should be a thick paste. You can alter this recipe depending on the size of your blood stain. Baking soda is abrasive and should help lift the stain. And meat tenderizer contains enzymes that break down the coagulating blood agents, which is how it tenderizes your meat. Top the stain off with this paste, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Clean and rinse off any blood from your rag; get it damp again with cold water to blot out the stain and see if this removes the stain.
4. Absorb the Stain: Put a clean, dry rag or paper towel on the stain. Place something heavy on the rag or paper towel, and let that absorb the rest of the stain for at least 2 hours. 

You need to talk to your carpet cleaning specialist, like All Around Town Carpet Care, if the stain remains on your carpet. The blood might have sunk deeply into your carpet and can only be removed professionally.