Removing bloodstains from floors, carpets, or furniture

A bloodstain forms like this: a cut, nosebleed, or other mishap, and before you know it, there is blood on your carpet, sofa, rug, or floor.

Blood is a protein-rich stain. As a result, it can become increasingly darker while drying and adhere more strongly to fibers and surfaces.

Therefore, with blood, the main points are:

work calmly, do not use heat, and do not rub hard.

Which stains does this cover?

This approach applies to:

• blood
• dried blood
• nosebleed stains
• menstrual blood
• semen and other protein-rich bodily fluids

Protein-rich stains react differently to heat than many other types of dirt.

Why are bloodstains so stubborn?

Blood contains proteins that can coagulate during drying and adhere to a surface.

As a result, blood can:

• penetrate deep into carpets and upholstery;
• turn dark red to brown after drying;
• remain in pores, joints, and seams;
• become more difficult to remove when exposed to heat;
• become visible again after incomplete treatment.

Therefore, do not use hot water or a hair dryer to dry the area quickly.

Removing blood from carpet or a rug

In carpets and rugs, blood can quickly penetrate between the fibers.

How to deal with a fresh bloodstain

1. Gently blot up as much blood as possible with a clean white cloth.
2. Blot; do not rub.
3. Use only cold or cool water when the material allows it.
4. Make sure the area does not become unnecessarily soaked.
5. Then allow the area to dry completely.

If a stain remains after drying, treat it specifically.

Treating a dried bloodstain

1. Test James Vlekkenwonder first in an inconspicuous area.
2. Make sure the stain is dry.
3. Apply James Stain Wonder to the entire bloodstain.
4. Allow the product to work according to the instructions.
5. Only assess the result once the area is completely dry again.
6. Repeat if necessary.

James Stain Wonder is intended for water-based stains such as blood, coffee, tea, and wine and is suitable for many natural and synthetic fibers, including wool.

Removing blood from a wool rug

Extra care is important with wool.

Gently blot a fresh stain and avoid vigorous rubbing, hot water, and harsh cleaning products.

Test James Vlekkenwonder always test in an inconspicuous area before treating the visible stain.

Removing blood from a sofa or upholstery

Blood can quickly cause a ring on upholstery and may seep into the underlying padding.

How to treat the area

1. Gently blot up as much blood as possible.
2. Do not use hot water.
3. Allow the area to dry.
4. Test James Stain Wonder in an inconspicuous area.
5. Treat the dry stain with James Vlekkenwonder.
6. Allow the area to dry completely before assessing the result.
7. Repeat if necessary.

Do not unnecessarily wet upholstery.

Removing blood from PVC, LVT, laminate, or another hard floor

On hard floors, blood usually remains on the surface, but it can seep into joints, seams, and textures.

Fresh bloodstain

1. Blot up the blood immediately.
2. Clean the area with a damp cloth and a suitable floor cleaner.
3. Dry the floor thoroughly.

Dried or stubborn bloodstain

If discoloration remains on a suitable hard floor, then James Remover are used.

1. Test James Remover first in an inconspicuous area.
2. Apply the product according to the instructions for use.
3. Leave it to work briefly.
4. Blot up the dissolved dirt with a white cloth.
5. Then clean the treated area with water.

Pay particular attention to seams, porous surfaces, and delicate floor finishes.

What is best not to do?

Avoid the following for bloodstains:

• hot or very warm water;
• rubbing hard;
• scrubbing;
• a hairdryer or other heat source;
• harsh bleaching agents;
• mix different cleaning products;
• use sharp objects to scrape off dried blood.

Heat can cause proteins in the stain to bond more strongly.

Which James product do you need?

For dried bloodstains in carpet, rugs, and upholstery we recommend James Vlekkenwonder.

For stubborn residue on suitable hard floors can James Remover are used.

For normal maintenance of a hard floor, use James Floor Cleaner Clean & Fast Drying.

Below this page you will find our available James cleaning products, which you can order directly online.

Frequently asked questions about bloodstains

How do I get blood out of carpet?

First, gently blot a fresh bloodstain without rubbing. Do not use warm water. Let the area dry, then treat any remaining stain with a suitable stain remover such as James Vlekkenwonder.

How do I remove dried blood from a rug?

Treat the dry stain specifically and work carefully. James Vlekkenwonder can be used on many carpets and rugs. Always test it first in an inconspicuous area.

Why should you use cold water for blood?

Heat can cause the proteins in blood to coagulate and bond more strongly. Therefore, cool water is generally preferable to warm water for a fresh stain.

Why does an old bloodstain turn brown?

As blood dries and oxidizes, its color changes from red to dark red or brown.

Can an old bloodstain still be removed?

Often, yes. The older and more deeply set the stain is, the more likely it is that multiple treatments will be needed.

Does salt help against bloodstains?

Salt is often mentioned as a home remedy, but it is unnecessary and can cause residue or discoloration on some materials. Instead, use a treatment suitable for the material.

Not sure how to treat the bloodstain?

Are you unsure about the material or which product is suitable?

Send us a photo via WhatsApp

Or view our complete guide to stain removal.

Also view the complete overview of floors on the Costa Blanca.