How to Remove Blood from Carpet

The Logic Verdict

My Take: The creator pre-treats the spot with 6% hydrogen peroxide plus a drop of dish soap, covers it with a white cotton towel, then uses a steam iron on low to pull the pigment into the towel. He stresses blotting—not scrubbing—and testing in an inconspicuous spot first. Follow his order so you don’t accidentally bleach darker fibers.

The Science

Blood is mostly protein and iron-rich hemoglobin. Heat or alkaline cleaners can “cook” the protein and lock it into nylon or polyester fibers. Hydrogen peroxide breaks the heme ring (oxidation), turning the pigment colorless so it can wick into an absorbent towel. Mild dish soap loosens dried residue, while steam speeds the reaction without overheating the carpet backing.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Prep & test. Mix 6% hydrogen peroxide with 1–2 drops of clear dish soap in a spray bottle. Patch-test on a hidden area (especially for wool or patterned carpet).
2. Blot first. Use a dry white towel to absorb fresh blood. For dried spots, vacuum or scrape away crust so the peroxide can reach the fibers.
3. Soak the stain. Lightly mist the peroxide mixture over the spot. You want the pile damp, not dripping into the backing.
4. Towel & iron transfer. Lay a clean white cloth on top. Set a steam iron to low/medium and press it onto the towel for 5–8 seconds at a time. The stain will transfer into the cloth—shift to a clean section and repeat until color stops lifting.
5. Rinse & blot. Mist with cool water and blot with a new towel to remove peroxide residue. Repeat once more if you still see pink or brown shadowing.
6. Dry & fluff. Stand on a dry towel or use a fan to pull out remaining moisture. Vacuum once the area is dry so the fibers stand up evenly.

What NOT To Do

• Skip boiling water or high heat—they set protein stains permanently.
• Never use colored towels; peroxide can pull that dye into your carpet.
• Don’t leave the iron in place longer than a few seconds or you can melt synthetic fibers.
• Avoid chlorine bleach unless you’re prepared to lighten the carpet.

Resources

• 6% Hydrogen Peroxide (Amazon)
• Fine-Mist Spray Bottles (Amazon)
• White Cotton Shop Towels (Amazon)
• Steam Clothing Iron (Amazon)