Remove Dried Blood Stains from a Couch

Removing dried blood stains from a couch is tougher than removing a fresh one. That's why it is advisable to deal with the blood right away if you can. There are different removal methods using household items to effectively remove the dried blood stain from your couch. Choose one that is appropriate for the material of your couch. With tougher or older blood stains, you may need to try more than one removal method. Try to start with the "gentlest" removal method first.

Steps

Cloth Couch

Detergent and Water Method

Liquid dish-washing detergent mixed with water can remove the dried blood stain from your cloth couch.

  1. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish washing detergent to 2 cups of cold water in a large bowl to make a detergent solution.
  2. Dip a white cloth in the solution and use it to moisten the dried blood stain. Make sure not to saturate the stained area with the solution, just enough to wet the affected surface. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. Gently brush the stained area with a toothbrush. Do not scrub too hard, as this might cause the stain to spread or go deeper into the fabric of your couch.
  4. Blot the area with a clean, wet cloth to rinse the solution. Repeat the applying, scrubbing and rinsing process, if needed.
  5. Use a damp cloth for the final rinse. Make sure to thoroughly rinse off all the residue from the couch.
  6. Dry the area with a cloth towel.

Baking Soda Method

Baking soda works wonders with blood stains. It is also natural, safe to use and inexpensive.

  1. Mix 1 part baking soda and two parts cold water in a large bowl to make a solution.
  2. Dip a clean, white cloth in the solution and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse the remaining solution using a cloth moistened with cold water. Completely rinse all the residue on the couch.
  4. Use a towel to dry the affected area.

Meat Tenderizer Method

Meat tenderizer is an effective blood stain removal agent because of its ability to break down the protein present in the blood stain.

  1. Add 1 tablespoon of meat tenderizer to 2 teaspoons of cold water in a small bowl to make a paste.
  2. Use a spoon to spread the paste on the dried blood stain and gently rub it with your fingers. Let it sit for about 1 hour.
  3. Brush off the excess paste with a cloth.
  4. Remove the remaining paste using a cloth damped with cold water. Make sure to totally rinse off all the residue from the couch.
  5. Use a dry towel to absorb the moisture.

Hydrogen Peroxide Method

Use hydrogen peroxide as a last resort to remove the dried blood stain from your couch. Its bleaching properties can weaken the fabric of your couch. Make sure to pretest on a hidden spot on the couch.

  1. Moisten the affected area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for about 30 seconds.
  2. Blot the foamy substance with a clean dry cloth. Repeat the applying and blotting process until the blood stain on the couch is gone.
  3. Rinse thoroughly the remaining solution using a cloth moistened with cold water.
  4. Dry the area using a clean cloth towel.

Vinyl Couch

Ammonia and Dish-washing Liquid Detergent Method

Pretest the solution first on a small hidden spot on the couch. Ammonia breaks down the protein in the blood.

  1. Add 1/2 teaspoon of dish-washing liquid and 1 tablespoon of ammonia to a spray bottle full of cold water.
  2. Spray the solution on the dried blood stain and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. Gently scrub the affected area using a toothbrush.
  4. Blot the spot with a clean cloth. Repeat the spraying, scrubbing and blotting process until the cloth is no longer getting any more of the blood.
  5. Rinse the remaining solution on the couch using a cloth damped with cold water. Make sure to rinse the affected area thoroughly.
  6. Use a dry towel to absorb the moisture.

Leather Couch

Dish-washing Soap and Water Method

Soapy suds can effectively remove dried blood stains from leather without damaging its delicate material. It is recommended to use only mild soap.

  1. Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish washing soap to a small amount of water in a small bowl to make a solution.
  2. Stir the solution until lots of soap suds are formed.
  3. Moisten a soft cloth with the soap suds.
  4. Gently wipe the blood stain with the soapy cloth. Repeat the process when necessary. Change the cloth when needed.
  5. Rinse off all the residue of the solution using a clean, damp cloth. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly.
  6. Dry the affected area with a cloth towel.
  7. Follow up with a leather conditioner. This will help prevent future stains and seal some added moisture into the leather.

Cream of Tartar Method

Cream of tartar can help get rid of deep-colored stains like blood from leather.

  1. Add 1 part cream of tartar to 2 parts lemon juice in a small bowl to make a paste.
  2. Apply the paste on the dried blood stain using a toothbrush. Rub on it gently. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  3. Brush off the paste with a damp rag. Repeat the applying, rubbing process until the stain is gone.
  4. Rinse off the remaining paste using a clean, damp cloth. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly.
  5. Use a dry towel to extract the moisture.
  6. Follow up with a leather conditioner. This will help prevent future stains and seal some added moisture into the leather.

Tips

  • If you have to use a commercial stain remover, choose one that is made from proteins.
  • Scrape or brush off as much of the crusted matter as you possibly can before applying the removal method.
  • Prevent too much liquid going into the couch by keeping whatever cleaning solution you use to a minimal.

Warnings

  • Do not use anything hot on a blood stain as the heat will cause the stain to set in.
  • Wear protective gloves to protect yourself from the risk of catching blood borne diseases when handling blood that is not yours.
  • Ammonia is hazardous; avoid inhaling it.
  • Do not use harsh detergents, solvents and abrasives on vinyl or leather upholstery as these can cause damage to the material.

Things You'll Need

  • White cloths (all methods)
  • Cloth towel (all methods)
  • Spray bottle (Ammonia and Dish-washing Liquid Detergent methods)
  • Liquid dish washing detergent (Detergent and Water, Ammonia and Dish-washing Liquid Detergent methods)
  • Toothbrush (Detergent and Water, Ammonia and Dish-washing Liquid Detergent methods)
  • Ammonia (Ammonia and Dish-washing Liquid Detergent method)
  • Large bowl (Detergent and Water, Baking Soda methods)
  • Baking soda (Baking Soda method)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (Hydrogen Peroxide method)
  • Small bowl (Meat Tenderizer method)
  • Meat tenderizer (Meat Tenderizer method)
  • Spoon (Meat Tenderizer method)
  • Cream of tartar (Cream of Tartar method)
  • Lemon juice (Cream of Tartar method)
  • Leather conditioner (Dish-washing Soap and Water method)

Sources and Citations

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