A Guide to Removing Blood Stains From Upholstery

Pre-treat the Stain

How to Determine the Right Solution to Use for Pre-treating?

Before cleaning the stain, you have to prepare the upholstery and the stain. However, prepping the stain is dependent on the type of fabric upholstery used. The good thing is most textile companies label the fabric with a specific letter that dictates the type of cleaning solution to be used on the fabric. Check the couch care label for either of these letters; S, W, SW, X. Upholstery marked with the letter S should be cleaned with a solvent-based reagent. For upholsteries marked with W, a water-based solution will suffice. The X, however, dictates that the couch upholstery is only to be cleaned by a professional.

Dampen the Stained Area

Once you have established the type of solution, pick a dry cloth, and wet it with the solution. Dab this soaked cloth on the upholstery's stained surface to saturate it with the solution while gently pouring isopropyl alcohol. Doing this will help with moistening the bloodstain. Be sure to use cold water rather than hot water as it might set the stain.

Dry the Wet Stained Surface of the Upholstery

Now that the blood has started moistening, it is only wise to begin drying the stained area to absorb the moistened blood. Only dab gently instead of rubbing or scrubbing the cloth on the upholstery might spread the stain. Keep wiping off the moistened blood and the excess cleaning solution until everything is dry.

Cleaning the Stain

Cleaning the bloodstain from the upholstery begins after you have pretreated it to moisten the blood. You can use cleaning reagents and solutions available in your house to eradicate the stain. Choose between the following;

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Hair spray
• Alcohol
• Lemon juice
• Dishwashing liquid
• Baking soda

Mix any of these solutions in a bowl, depending on the couch care label mark. Soak a clean cloth with the solution and begin to saturate the stained area again. This time, give an allowance of at least 30 minutes before you begin drying it. This time allowance is meant to allow the stain to lighten on the fabric, making it easier to clean.

Dry the Stain Completely

After the 30 minutes have elapsed, begin drying the saturated area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the blood. Repeat the saturation and drying until you are satisfied that you have entirely removed the upholstery's bloodstain.