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The Secret To Cleaning Up Blood

The most important thing to keep in mind when cleaning up blood is to act quickly.  Once blood begins to congeal and dry it becomes difficult to clean, and it’s almost impossible to remove set-in blood stains.  Everyone has heard of the do-it-yourself methods of cleaning blood, such as using saltwater, toothpaste, and even saliva, but cool, soapy water is still best.

Keep in mind that washing and drying a garment or other piece of fabric before removing blood will likely lead to a permanent stain.  Getting the blood out first is the key to cleaning fabric.

Also keep in mind that blood should always be treated as a hazardous material, even if you believe it has come from a healthy person.  Always wear gloves when cleaning up blood, and take extra precautions when cleaning up exposed blades, syringes, or broken glass.

How To Clean Up Small Blood Spills Yourself

As mentioned before, blood on fabrics must be treated before going into the washing machine:

  • Use a spray bottle with cool water and a small amount of laundry detergent.
  • Spray the spot or spots of blood liberally with the solution.
  • For tougher stains, bleach or peroxide may be used.  (These may further stain colored fabrics.)
  • Continue to spray until blood has been mostly or completely removed.
  • Apply a disinfectant to the fabric, such as rubbing alcohol or disinfectant soap.
  • Wash and dry the fabric alone.

Keep in mind that some fabrics are especially prone to blood staining, and it is possible that no matter what you do or how quickly you act the stain may not be averted.

For blood on carpeting or upholstery a slightly different technique is required.

  • Soak up as much blood as possible by dabbing with paper towels.
  • Use cool, soapy water in a bucket.
  • Use a disposable rag to gently apply cleaning solution.
  • Remove as much blood as possible by dabbing the wet, soapy rag on the blood-spill.
  • After most of the blood has been removed, some scrubbing may be required to lift the rest.
  • Apply a disinfectant furniture cleaner, alcohol, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide.

Again, keep in mind that some disinfecting methods could stain certain materials or lighten colors.

For hardwood floors and tile a much simpler method can be employed.

  • Wipe up blood with a paper towel.
  • Clean with soap and water by scrubbing or mopping.
  • Apply a disinfecting floor-care solution.

Any cleaning materials that are directly exposed to blood must either be disinfected after use (with a solution of 1-part bleach to 10-parts water) or disposed of.  Since blood is considered a hazardous material its disposal is highly regulated, and must be placed in an approved, sealed, biohazard container.

Contact Hazardous Material Management to find out more about approved containers and find a proper disposal facility near you.

Cleaning Up Large Amounts Of Blood

It is highly recommended that any persons not trained in proper biohazard management not attempt to clean up excessive amounts of blood or other bodily fluids.  Contact a professional biohazard removal and sanitation service to ensure that cleaning is done safely.

The most highly recommended blood and biohazard cleanup service in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and throughout all of Arizona is BioteamAZ.  Their professional training ensures not only the highest measure of safety, but the highest level of quality cleaning.  Contact BioteamAZ to learn more about their services.