Blood stains on a sofa can be alarming and difficult to remove. However, with the right techniques and stain-fighting ingredients, you can fully eliminate blood from fabric upholstery without permanent damage. Here we provide an in-depth guide to acting quickly and effectively when faced with blood on your sofa.
Why Blood Stains Need Quick Action
Blood contains proteins like hemoglobin that bind tightly to fabric fibers when dried. For the best results removing blood, it’s critical to act while the stain is fresh.
If blood dries and sets into the upholstery, it becomes much harder to extract the bonded proteins without residuals. Over time, residues oxidize and set, resulting in an indelible stain if not dealt with promptly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fresh Blood Removal
When you first notice a blood stain on the sofa:
- Gently blot the stain using a clean, dry, light-colored towel or cloth. Absorb as much excess liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing or spreading the stain.
- Mix an enzyme-based laundry detergent or stain remover with cool water. Use an oxygen-powered formula if possible.
- Lightly spray or spritz the solution directly onto the blood stain. Let set 2–3 minutes.
- With a soft clean cloth, gently blot the detergent into the blood, lifting it away from the upholstery fibers. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
- Rinse the spot thoroughly with fresh cool water to remove all soap residues which can re-attract stains.
- Blot area dry and allow upholstery to fully air dry before using. The quicker, the better for preventing residuals.
Eliminating Dried or Set-In Blood Stains
For blood that has dried and bonded to the upholstery fibers:
- Use a dull knife to carefully scrape off any crusted or thickly layered blood residue. This prevents further spreading.
- Make a paste of meat tenderizer and cool water. Gently work it into the stain using a soft-bristled brush. Allow paste to dwell 15–30 minutes, so enzymes can break down proteins.
- Once paste has dried, lightly blot and scrape it away. Avoid wetting the upholstery further.
- Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the remaining stain to draw out residues from deep in fibers. Allow to sit 1-2 hours before vacuuming away. The baking soda will continue absorbing over time with repeated applications.
- If any faint staining remains, use hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or lemon juice to further break up blood proteins. Always rinse promptly after treatment.
- Professional dry cleaning is also an option for older, set-in stains. The chemical solvents draw out ingrained residues.
- With the proper reaction time and stain-fighting ingredients, blood can be successfully removed from upholstery for painless cleanup of these worrying spots.