The short answer
Assess the Spill Size
Before you start, decide whether the spill is small enough for you to handle. A few drops on a hard surface are manageable with household supplies. A larger spill, or one that soaked into carpet, upholstery, or wood, is riskier and may need professional help.
Think about who was involved. If the blood is from someone with a known illness, or if you feel unsure about the risk, it is wise to call in the pros. They have the equipment and training to handle blood safely, and they will know how to dispose of waste properly.
Gather Your Supplies
You will need disposable gloves, paper towels, a plastic scraper or cardboard, a trash bag, and a disinfectant that is labeled as effective against bloodborne pathogens. A bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) works on hard surfaces, but check that it is safe for the material you are cleaning.
Wear gloves and, if there is any chance of splashing, eye protection. Long sleeves and pants can also help. Have a first aid kit nearby in case you accidentally cut yourself while cleaning. Work slowly and carefully to avoid spreading the spill.
- Disposable gloves
- Paper towels or absorbent cloths
- Plastic scraper or old credit card
- EPA-registered disinfectant or bleach solution
- Trash bag for disposal
- Eye protection and long sleeves
Clean Hard Surfaces
Start by removing any solid material with paper towels or a scraper. Dispose of the towels in a plastic bag immediately. Then apply your disinfectant to the area and let it sit for the time listed on the label, usually several minutes. Wipe it up with clean paper towels and repeat the process once more.
After the area is dry, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if you wore gloves. Remove the gloves carefully, turning them inside out, and dispose of them in the trash bag. Tie the bag shut and place it in your outdoor trash bin.
Handle Porous Surfaces
Blood on carpet, upholstery, or wood is much harder to clean because the liquid soaks in. You can try blotting with a cloth and using an enzyme cleaner, but you may not be able to remove all traces. If the spill is large or the surface is valuable, the pros can often clean it more thoroughly.
For carpet, you might need to cut out the affected section and replace it, especially if blood soaked into the padding underneath. Upholstered furniture may require professional cleaning to fully sanitize. In these cases, local water damage pros who handle biohazards can assess the situation and do the work safely.
Know When to Call the Pros
If the spill is large, if it involves a lot of blood, or if it happened in a space that is hard to reach, call the pros. They have special equipment to disinfect and remove biohazards, and they know how to dispose of waste according to local rules. Trying to clean a major spill yourself can put you at risk.
Also consider calling if the spill happened in a rental property or a home you plan to sell. A professional cleaning can help ensure that the area is truly safe and that no odors or stains remain. The cost depends on the size of the area and the extent of the spill, so ask for a breakdown before you agree to anything.
- Large spills or those that soaked into porous materials
- Blood from someone with a contagious illness
- Spills in hard-to-reach areas like crawlspaces
- If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe doing it yourself
- When you need to be sure the area is thoroughly sanitized
Water damage does not wait
Call (469) 698-4610 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (469) 698-4610Frequently asked questions
What disinfectant should I use for blood?
Use a disinfectant that is EPA-registered and labeled as effective against bloodborne pathogens. A bleach solution of one part bleach to nine parts water works on hard surfaces, but test it on a small area first. Always follow the label instructions for contact time.
Can I clean blood from carpet myself?
You can try blotting with cold water and an enzyme cleaner, but blood can leave stains and odors. If the spill is large or soaked deep into the padding, it may be right to call the pros. They can often extract the blood and disinfect the area more thoroughly.
What should I do with the waste after cleaning?
Place all used paper towels, gloves, and other disposable items in a plastic trash bag. Tie the bag securely and put it in your outdoor trash bin. If the spill is large, local regulations may have specific disposal rules, so check with your waste provider.