How to Get Fresh & Dry Blood Stains Out of a Couch

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Get stubborn blood stains out of sofas & upholstery
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Getting blood stains out of fabric and upholstery can be a challenge, especially if the blood has dried. Luckily, there are several ways to remove fresh and dried blood stains with products you probably already have at home. In this article, we’ll teach you how to get blood stains out of a couch (including leather couches and foam cushions) with hydrogen peroxide and other simple methods. Plus, learn how to keep your couch clean and when to hire a professional cleaner to remove blood stains.

How to Get Blood Stains Out of a Sofa

Remove fresh or dried blood stains by blotting the stain with cold water, then applying hydrogen peroxide to the affected area. Allow the peroxide to bubble up, then wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth. Be sure to check the couch’s care label and test the peroxide in an inconspicuous area first.

Section 1 of 6:

Best Way to Remove Blood Stains from a Couch

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  1. Couches are made of many different materials, and while some can be cleaned safely with water, others require special cleaning solutions. Look for the letter code W, S, SW, or X on your upholstery tag to determine if you can clean your couch yourself or if you’ll need to have it professionally cleaned. [1]
    • W, S, and SW mean you can clean the couch with water- or solvent-based cleaners.
    • X means you can't clean the couch with water or solvents, so you'll have to take it to a professional to clean the blood.
  2. If the stain is fresh, soak up as much blood as possible with a clean, dry towel. If the blood has dried, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or dull knife to gently scrub and scrape the area and loosen as much blood as you can from the material’s surface. This will make the stain easier to clean. After brushing, wipe the area with a dry cloth to remove flakes of dried blood. [2]
    • Before you begin cleaning the blood stain, make sure to put on a pair of cleaning gloves. This will help protect you from any blood-borne illnesses if the blood isn’t yours.
    • In general, fresh and dried blood stains can be removed the same way. However, it is much easier to clean blood when it’s fresh. The older the stain, the more difficult it is to remove.
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  3. Dampen a clean, white cloth or sponge with cold water, then wring out the excess. Dab the stain with the cloth or sponge to saturate the area. Only use cold water to blot the couch, as hot water can set the stain and make it more difficult, or even impossible, to remove. [3] Then, use a fresh, dry cloth to blot the area dry and remove as much excess blood as possible.
    • Don’t rub the stain, or you may push the blood deeper into the couch and make it harder to clean.
    • It’s important to use a white cloth, as the dyes in colored cloths may transfer to the couch.
    • Alternatively, blot the couch with isopropyl alcohol. Water is safe to use on couches with W or SW letter codes, while alcohol is safe for couches with S or SW codes.
  4. Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to remove blood stains, but it can stain some fabrics. First, test the peroxide in an inconspicuous area. Then, apply a few drops to a clean cloth and blot it onto the stain. This should cause a chemical reaction and cause the solution to foam. Keep blotting until the foam subsides. [4]
  5. If you’re worried hydrogen peroxide will stain your sofa’s fabric, try dish soap and water for a gentler method. Mix 1 tbsp of dish soap with 2 cups of cold water. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the mixture and dab it onto the stain until it disappears. Sponge the area with clean, cold water to rinse, then pat it dry. [5]
    • Because dish soap is a gentle solution, it will likely work better on a fresh blood stain. You may need to repeat the method a few times to remove all the blood.
    • Remember to check your sofa’s care label to make sure you can use water.
    • If you’re cleaning removable fabric covers on your couch, laundry specialist Ayad Mirjan says, “Soak the fabric for 10 minutes in 4 cups of warm water [and] one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent. Rub gently for 30 seconds to loosen the stain. Soak the fabric for another 10-15 minutes. Rinse, [and] if the stain remains, soak the fabric overnight in 6 cups of warm water and half a cup of chlorine-free oxygen-based cleaner.” [6] This works for most washable fabrics, including clothing, as well.
  6. Once you’ve blotted up as much of the blood as possible, soak another clean cloth with cold water to rinse the stain. Wipe the stain in a circular motion, but be careful not to scrub the upholstery. If the stain is still visible after rinsing, repeat the process. If it’s gone, soak up the excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth and let the couch dry. [7]
    • If you're working with an S-code couch, skip the rinsing step to prevent damaging the couch, and just blot the area with a dry cloth.
    • To speed up drying, aim a fan at the wet spot.
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Section 2 of 6:

Other Ways to Remove Blood Stains from a Couch

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  1. Mix baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste directly to the blood stain, and let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes. Then, dip a clean cloth in cold water and wipe away the paste. The baking soda should penetrate the sofa’s fibers to remove the blood. [8]
    EXPERT TIP

    Filip Boksa

    Stain Removal Specialist
    Filip Boksa is a House Cleaning Professional and the CEO and Founder of King of Maids, a company based in Chicago, Illinois. With over 10 years of professional experience, Filip and his team at King Maids specialize in providing home cleaning and organization services to their clients. They are dedicated to delivering high-quality and reliable service to ensure customer satisfaction.
    Filip Boksa
    Stain Removal Specialist

    Add lemon juice to your baking soda paste. Create a mixture of baking soda and water, plus some lemon juice, to lighten the stain. You’ll need to allow this to sit for at least 30 or 40 minutes before wiping and compressing the area with a damp rag.

  2. Vinegar is a natural, effective way to remove all kinds of stains, including blood. If the stain is fresh or light, pour the vinegar directly on the blood and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, rinse it with cold water. This may not be the best method for large or stubborn stains. [9]
    • If vinegar alone doesn’t do the trick, try combining a few drops with some baking soda to create a paste.
    • Vinegar is also a great, natural way to clean fabric sofas in general.
  3. If the blood stain doesn’t want to come out, try a commercial upholstery cleaner . Follow your cleaner’s instructions to apply it to the stain properly, but in general, saturate a clean cloth with the cleaner and then blot the stain. Then, dab the area with a dry cloth to remove the blood and cleaner.
    • Look for an enzyme-based cleaner that’s safe for use on couches. These types of cleaners are specifically designed to break down proteins in organic stains like blood.
  4. If you’re looking for a natural solution, sprinkle a thick layer of salt and water on the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, wipe it away with a cloth. The salt should absorb the blood. [10]
    • Another option is to mix salt with Borax or lemon juice.
  5. Club soda is slightly acidic, so it can sometimes remove, or at least lighten, stains. Simply pour some club soda, or seltzer, on the stain and let it fizz, then blot the area with a clean cloth. Club soda alone often isn’t enough to remove strong stains, however, so it may not remove the blood completely. Sometimes, mixing it with salt can be more effective. [11]
  6. Mix 8 parts cold water, 1 part glycerin , and 1 part laundry (or dishwashing) detergent in a spray bottle. [12] Shake it until it’s blended, then spray it directly on the blood stain. Scrub the blood with a sponge in a circular motion to gradually lighten the stain. Once it’s removed, rinse with clean water and pat the area dry.
  7. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective stain remover because it breaks down the proteins in blood to make it easier to remove. Apply a small amount of alcohol to a clean cloth or cotton ball and dab it on the sofa, working from the outside of the stain toward the center. Then, rinse the area with cold water and repeat if necessary. Do not apply alcohol to delicate materials like wool, silk, or rayon. [13]
    • As with all cleaners, alcohol may not work with all fabrics and can damage some, so test it in an inconspicuous area first.
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Section 3 of 6:

Removing Blood Stains from a Leather Couch

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  1. In general, cleaners like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or a mild soap can effectively remove blood stains from leather couches. [14] Unlike other fabrics, however, use a leather scrub brush to scrub the stain and push your cleaner down into the fabric. This will agitate the blood so it comes to the surface. Be sure to check your couch’s care tag to clean it properly.
    • If you don’t want to risk damaging your leather sofa, it may be best to hire a professional cleaner instead.
Section 4 of 6:

Removing Blood Stains from Foam Cushions

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  1. Unfortunately, blood can sometimes penetrate a couch so deeply that it stains the cushions beneath the fabric. If this happens, first treat the cushions with hydrogen peroxide, allowing it to sit for an hour. Fill a basin or bathtub with cold water and mix in some baking soda or a couple tablespoons of laundry detergent. After the hour is up, submerge the cushion in the baking soda solution and let it soak for 10 minutes. Wring the cushion out without twisting, then allow it to air dry. [15]
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Section 5 of 6:

Keeping Your Couch Clean

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  1. Use the steps listed above to clean up blood stains as soon as possible. Even if it isn’t blood, clean up spills and messes right away so the stains don’t have time to dry and set. In general, scoop or blot up as much of the mess as possible, then dampen a clean cloth with cold water and blot the stain until it’s gone. Then, pat the area dry. [16]
  2. It’s easy to keep a couch looking great if you stay on top of regular cleaning. To clean a couch , use a soft brush to gently scrub dirt and oil from the upholstery. Then, vacuum the couch with an upholstery attachment, paying careful attention to the seams, cracks, and crevices. [17] For the best results, repeat this cleaning process every two weeks, and aim to have your couch professionally cleaned once or twice a year.
    • If you get a lot of crumbs in your couch, set a house rule that limits how often people can eat on the couch. If you have pets, try to keep them off the sofa so it doesn’t get covered in pet hair.
  3. Commercial fabric and upholstery protectors form a barrier against stains to make cleaning fabric surfaces easier. [18] Follow your protector’s instructions to apply it properly. In general, you’ll shake the can and spray the entire surface of the sofa with a thin and even layer.
  4. Place a washable, fabric cover over your couch to prevent stains. This way, when a spill happens, you can simply take the couch protector off and toss it in the wash. Purchase one from a home or bath store or make your own by using an old sheet or blanket to cover your couch . [19]
    • Wash the protector every one to two months to keep it clean, or anytime a spill occurs.
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Section 6 of 6:

When to Hire a Professional

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  1. Some couch materials may be dry clean only, or the blood stain may be too stubborn to remove on your own. Whatever the reason, if you can’t get the blood stain out at home, hire a professional furniture and upholstery cleaner to get your couch looking like new again.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the best stain remover for upholstery?
    Filip Boksa
    Stain Removal Specialist
    Filip Boksa is a House Cleaning Professional and the CEO and Founder of King of Maids, a company based in Chicago, Illinois. With over 10 years of professional experience, Filip and his team at King Maids specialize in providing home cleaning and organization services to their clients. They are dedicated to delivering high-quality and reliable service to ensure customer satisfaction.
    Filip Boksa
    Stain Removal Specialist
    Expert Answer
    I suggest using a combination of baking soda and water to remove stains from upholstery.
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  • Question
    How long should I leave the cleaning solution on the stain before wiping it off?
    Filip Boksa
    Stain Removal Specialist
    Filip Boksa is a House Cleaning Professional and the CEO and Founder of King of Maids, a company based in Chicago, Illinois. With over 10 years of professional experience, Filip and his team at King Maids specialize in providing home cleaning and organization services to their clients. They are dedicated to delivering high-quality and reliable service to ensure customer satisfaction.
    Filip Boksa
    Stain Removal Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You should leave the solution on the stain for about 30 minutes. This is enough time for the stain to start lightening and lift out of the fabric.
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      • Even if you think a cleaner is safe to use on your couch, test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t discolor or otherwise damage your sofa.
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      • Most of the methods in this article also work to remove blood stains from clothes , carpet , bedsheets , and other fabric . Just make sure to check your care label first.
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      • Wear gloves to protect yourself from blood-borne illnesses when handling blood that is not yours.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.frontgate.com/wcsstore/images/Frontgate/_media/PDF/cleaning_care_codes.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/remove-blood-stains.html
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/remove-blood-stains.html
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/remove-blood-stains.html
      5. ↑ https://dev.web.extension.illinois.edu/stain/staindetail.cfm?ID=5
      6. ↑ Ayad Mirjan. Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
      7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/remove-blood-stains.html
      8. ↑ https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-up-blood-stains
      9. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/stain-removal/remove-blood-stains
      1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/stain-removal/remove-blood-stains
      2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/club-soda-salt-non-toxic-stain-158419
      3. ↑ https://www.cityofarcata.org/789/Safer-Alternatives-to-Hazardous-Products
      4. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/what-not-to-clean-with-alcohol-8550213
      5. ↑ https://www.fcs.uga.edu/%E2%80%8Bextension/stain-removal-blood
      6. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-couch-cushions-8546356
      7. ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-couch
      8. ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-couch
      9. ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-couch
      10. ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-couch

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove dried blood stains from a couch, start by checking the couch’s care label to make sure you can clean it at home. Then, make a cleaning solution by mixing baking soda with twice as much water, and do a spot test to ensure the solution won’t damage the fabric. Next, soak a cloth in the cleaning solution, then wring it out and blot the stained area. After that, blot the stain with a fresh, dry cloth to absorb the blood. Continue dampening the stain with the cleaner and blotting it dry until the stain is gone. To learn how to pre-treat blood stains before you clean them, scroll down!

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