Why is Blood so Difficult to Clean Up?

Whether you have cut yourself on accident, or there was a horrific incident where there is now blood stained on your floor, there isn’t really an easy way to clean it up… Here are some insights as to why.

What is blood made of that makes it so difficult to clean up?

The hemoglobin in the blood is what causes it to clot when it is exposed to the air. This clotting is what helps wounds to heal and prevents blood loss. Unfortunately, this also binds blood to any surface, making it very hard to remove, especially from fabric.

Cleaning a fresh bloodstain is always easier than a dried one. A quick rinse or a soak with cold water should do if the stain hasn’t set. Unfortunately, blood can set well before you realize there’s a stain.

How can I clean it up?

Always wear gloves when cleaning up blood to keep yourself safe from infection. Block off the area and stop anyone else from coming through while you work.

Work as quickly as you can. Blood sets quickly, especially on carpet or fabric, making it much harder to clean up. React quickly, but make sure you follow the appropriate safety precautions.

Depending on the surface you’re cleaning, you’ll need different products. A bleach solution can be used on a hard surface like tile, but this will damage your carpets. Carpet shampoos and cleaners are better for cleaning blood out of a carpet. Always choose a product with anti-microbial properties to sanitize the area as well as clean it. Once the area has been cleaned and dried, it can be a good idea to repeat the process to make sure the absorbent carpet isn’t holding onto pathogens.

To start, use a dustpan and brush or tongs to remove anything like broken glass in the area that could damage your protective wear or your hands. Put anything like this into a container, and dispose of them carefully.

Cover the spill in durable cloth towels to soak up as much blood as you can. Your disinfectant won’t work if the surface is still coated in blood. Discard the used towels into a plastic bag (preferably a biohazard bag if you have one).

Make sure the area is well ventilated. Pour on the disinfectant and let it soak for ten minutes. Next, work from the outside of the stain towards the center, scrubbing with a durable cloth. This cloth should be discarded afterward.

Finally, dampen some more cloth towels, and treat the area again. Leave the area to dry.

Carefully dispose of your cleaning cloths and safety gloves. Your local health department can advise on safe disposal if there is a lot of blood.

Decontaminate any tools that you used.

When should I call a professional?

If there is more blood spilled than you can manage to clean yourself, then it’s much better to call a professional blood clean up service. This is also true if the stain has been allowed to clot, as this will a much bigger challenge to get out.