Blood stains that appear on the upholstery of upholstered furniture are difficult to clean. Blood is quickly absorbed into the material and coagulates, resulting in permanent staining. To quickly remove such a stain, it is advisable to order sofa cleaning, which will help restore the decorative and operational characteristics of the upholstery. However, you can try to eliminate the disaster yourself, using available means. Tips on how to clean blood from a fabric sofa are collected in this review.
How to remove it from fabric?
Blood stains (including those from menstruation) on upholstered furniture covered with flock, velor, tapestry and other fabrics can be removed not only with special cleaning solutions, but also with improvised means.
Firstly, the products should not contain chlorine or abrasives. Secondly, the fabric base does not tolerate large amounts of moisture (the fabric is deformed by water).
We list the most effective methods for removing blood stains.
Soap solution
Required ingredients:
- water;
- laundry soap (72%);
- rags;
- dry towels.
Removal method:
- Use a damp cloth to lightly blot the stain, moistening it. It should not be rubbed. The procedure is carried out several times.
- Do the same steps, soaping the cloth.
- Remove dirty foam formed after blotting with a clean dampened sponge.
- Blot the damp area with a towel.
This method is only effective for fresh stains. Particularly effective for removing period blood.
Dish detergent
Components:
- dishwashing liquid;
- water;
- brush;
- sponge;
- towel.
Mode of application:
- combine the gel and water in proportions of 1/3, respectively;
- wet the sponge with the resulting solution, moisten the stain and leave for half an hour;
- gently, without pressing on the brush and without going beyond the contours of the stain, rub it;
- remove foam with a sponge soaked in clean water;
- blot the wet area with a towel.
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
Ingredients used:
- 5 aspirin tablets;
- glass of water;
- cotton pads;
- sponge;
- towel.
Algorithm of actions:
- crush aspirin and dissolve in water;
- Wipe off the dirt with a cotton pad soaked in the resulting solution;
- wait 20 minutes;
- remove any remaining stains with a sponge soaked in clean water;
- Dry the wet stain with a towel.
Suitable for light-colored upholstery only.
Salt
Necessary:
- 1 tbsp. salt;
- 0.5 l of water;
- rag;
- vacuum cleaner.
Application:
- prepare saline solution;
- moisten and moisten the contamination;
- wait for the solution to act for 30 - 50 minutes;
- walk over the stain with salty liquid again;
- wipe with a dry cloth;
- vacuum if necessary.
Borax with ammonia
Components:
- 1 tbsp. drills;
- 1 tbsp. ammonia;
- water;
- brush;
- towel.
Algorithm of actions:
- mix borax and 200 grams of water;
- in a separate container, combine ammonia with the same amount of water;
- alternately (first borax, then ammonia) with a brush, rub the blood until it is completely removed;
- dry with a towel.
Hydrogen peroxide
Ingredients:
- peroxide 3%;
- paper napkins;
- textile.
Algorithm of actions:
- cover the stain with a dry cloth;
- if the contamination is small, then apply the product using pointed movements with a cloth soaked in antiseptic;
- a larger spot requires collecting movements from the edge to the middle;
- periodically remove foam formed on the stain with napkins;
- wipe the area with a damp sponge to remove any remaining peroxide;
- dry with napkins.
Use with caution, especially on colored upholstery.
Salt
Salt is an excellent helper when you need to deal not only with oil stains, but also with blood stains. The main thing in this matter is not to violate the proportions. To work, dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a liter of water. The mixture should be applied liberally to the contaminated area and left on the upholstery for an hour. After this, thoroughly rinse the area on the furniture using a soft cloth sponge, which is pre-moistened in the solution.
To prevent moisture from being absorbed into the deep layers of the sofa, it is important to immediately dry the upholstery with a towel or hairdryer. Soda can replace salt.
How to quickly remove a blood stain on leather furniture?
Unlike fabric, leather upholstery is less susceptible to fresh blood stains . They can be easily removed with a damp cloth.
At the same time, leather, especially natural leather, does not tolerate excessive wetting and aggressive methods (for example, peroxide or chlorine). Otherwise, the dye may wash off and the upholstery may become deformed.
Proper drying after removing contaminants is extremely important . Do not dry the product with a hairdryer. The ideal option is natural ventilation of the room.
To prevent drying out and cracking, use glycerin, petroleum jelly, special furniture or car gels and sprays, as well as regular cream for children. They are applied after drying for 10 - 15 minutes, then the residue is removed with a paper towel.
There are simple ways to remove contaminants from the blood, including: menstrual without using specialized stain removers. Methods for cleaning a genuine leather sofa:
Laundry soap
Components:
- ¼ piece of household soap;
- 1 liter of water;
- textile.
Application:
- rub the soap with shavings and dissolve in water;
- wet the sponge with the resulting solution and rinse the problem area in a circular motion;
- Wipe first with a clean damp cloth, then with a dry cloth.
Dishwashing liquid
Material used:
- 1 tsp dishwashing detergents;
- glass of water;
- ammonia (5 drops);
- napkins.
Algorithm of actions:
- mix everything and foam thoroughly;
- apply to the stain and leave for 30-35 minutes;
- wash off with a damp cloth;
- wipe dry.
Can be used for old stains.
Shaving foam
Facilities:
- foam;
- napkins;
- water.
Working with stain:
- apply a little foam to a cloth and rub into the stain;
- stand for 15 minutes;
- rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
Features of cleaning sofa upholstery from blood
Blood is a biological fluid rich in protein. It is relatively easy to wash off from upholstery material while it is fresh. But when it dries, the protein “clings” to the fibers of the fabric and in many cases can only be removed with special means.
Even worse things happen when the blood is exposed to heat and certain chemicals. The protein coagulates, changes its structure and becomes firmly embedded in the upholstery material. Therefore, blood stains should not be washed away with hot water and experimented with various “chemistry” on them. After such manipulations, the protein can become so entrenched that even professional dry cleaning cannot handle it.
Here are the basic rules for cleaning a sofa from blood stains:
- If you notice fresh contamination, act immediately. The fresher the blood, the easier it is to wash it off. And the higher the chances of removing the stain without a trace.
- When removing dirt, move from the edges of the stain to the middle. This way the blood won't spread all over the sofa.
- Do not allow the stain to heat up under any circumstances. Do not try to wash it off with hot or even warm water. Moreover, do not use heated cleaning solutions.
- Do not use several different detergents at the same time or in a row. Perhaps individually they dissolve the blood. But when they interact, the stain can, on the contrary, become stronger.
- Having chosen a cleaning product or recipe, be sure to try it on an inconspicuous area of the sofa. Only after making sure that it does not harm the fabric, start cleaning the seat or backrest.
- Try not to get or scrub the sofa upholstery too much. Perhaps by generously flooding the seat of the sofa, you will be able to wash the blood from it, but the wet filling will soon become moldy, and you will have to deal with the mold. And friction damages upholstery materials much faster than you expect.
- Whether you managed to remove the stain or not, provide the cleaned upholstery with conditions to dry. Create a draft in the room or dry a damp area by directing cool air from a fan onto it.
How to properly clean a sofa from blood: advice from professionals
Dry cleaning experts strongly discourage self-cleaning with various chemicals, including such common substances as soda or vinegar. There is always a risk of fixing the stain or damaging the upholstery material. You can wash off the contamination with your own hands only until the blood has dried, and only with ordinary water.
What to do if a bloody stain appears on the sofa? Professionals advise the following:
- Take a clean cotton cloth or other absorbent material and soak it in cold water. Squeeze.
- Place the cloth over the stain and leave for a few minutes.
- When the rag is soaked with blood, remove it and rinse in clean, cold water.
- Blot the dirty area of the upholstery with a dry paper towel and cover it again with the wet cloth.
- Repeat the procedure 3-4 times until the blood stops being absorbed into the rag.
- Next, thoroughly wet a clean sponge in water. Wash the contaminated area with it, constantly rinsing the sponge. You need to squeeze it out enough so that a puddle does not spread across the sofa and water does not penetrate into the filler. But there should be enough moisture to wash the blood out of the fabric, and not to rub it.
In this way, a fresh stain can be completely removed. If successful, blot or wipe the treated area with a dry cloth to remove moisture. Then dry the sofa (do not use a hair dryer - even in the “cold” mode it blows warm air). If traces of blood still remain, call dry cleaning specialists to your home, who can easily remove the stain while it is relatively fresh.
Not planning to use professional services? There is another safe way to clean blood from a sofa:
- As far as possible, remove the stain using clean water as described above.
- Dissolve 2 tsp. salt in a glass of cold water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture onto the stain and leave for 5 minutes.
- Collect the salt water and dissolved blood with a dry paper towel.
- Repeat spraying and collect moisture again. Do this until the traces of blood disappear.
- Rinse the cleaned area of upholstery with clean water using a sponge, wipe with a dry cloth and dry.
Traditional recipes for cleaning fabric upholstery
Experienced housewives share many recipes and tips on how to clean fresh or dried blood from the sofa using inexpensive household products. Perhaps one of them will help you save your furniture.
How to remove from leatherette?
Leatherette upholstery, when blood has recently appeared, is wiped off with a regular soap solution suitable for natural leather. For old stains, a soap-ammonia mixture is used, but in different proportions.
Ingredients:
- 0.5 tsp dishwashing detergents;
- 1 tbsp. ammonia;
- water (1 glass);
- napkins.
Application:
- mix all components;
- Apply to dirt and do not wipe for 10 minutes;
- wipe with a dampened cloth;
- wipe dry.
How to wash suede upholstery?
The most effective way to remove blood stains from a suede sofa is ammonia.
What you will need:
- ammonia;
- water;
- napkins.
Way:
- combine ammonia and water in appropriate proportions 1 to 4;
- periodically moistening the napkins in the resulting liquid, treat the stain;
- wipe the area with a damp cloth.
After complete drying, use a special brush with rubber bristles to walk over the suede upholstery to lift up the flattened pile.
Using household chemicals
If the sofa upholstery is contaminated with blood, experts advise not to experiment with folk remedies, but to use household chemicals. Such products are tested and have clearly defined instructions for use and dosage.
Special cleaning foams and stain removers are produced for cleaning sofas. They allow you to effectively wash the surface without wetting the filler. TOP 5 store-bought products that can easily remove blood from upholstery:
- “Vanish for carpets and upholstery” (RUB 350);
- Spray “Unicum for carpets and upholstered furniture” (RUB 160);
- Concentrated cleaner “Ekokemika Textil Interior” (RUB 180);
- Stain remover “Magic Pencil” (50 RUR);
- “Grass for cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture” (180 rubles).
In addition to the above products, you can treat the sofa with a clothing stain remover with active oxygen.
Chlorine-containing household chemicals should be avoided. Chlorine will remove blood stains, but it will also ruin the upholstery.
What to do with an old and dried stain?
The main feature of old stains is deep penetration into the fibers of the fabric. The absolute misconception of housewives is that thorough grouting with hot water will save the situation. This will only make things worse.
Well suited for such purposes:
- hydrogen peroxide,
- ammonia solutions.
In addition, you can apply the following mixtures to the blood area and leave for a while:
- Apply lemon juice and salt for 40 minutes, then rinse with a damp cloth;
- Apply cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
You can also use glycerin heated in a water bath . Use a cotton swab or disk with warm glycerin to wipe away the blood stain. Then remove the residue with stain remover.
Features of removing blood stains from a sofa
Regardless of the nature of the contamination and the type of material on which such stains appeared, before removing blood from the sofa, it is recommended to test the selected product on an inconspicuous area. You also need to take into account the features of the cladding with which the furniture is covered.
Natural and artificial leather does not tolerate prolonged contact with water and intense mechanical stress. In the first case, the material cracks after drying (heating leads to similar consequences); in the second, scratches appear. The use of stain removers for cleaning leather sofas is possible provided that it is approved by the manufacturer of the selected product. The use of aggressive solutions on such materials is prohibited.
When cleaning a fabric sofa, it is also recommended to consider the type of material. Some substances (including stain removers) can leave behind white stains that cannot be removed. In this case, the fabric can be cleaned using aggressive substances, treating it with plenty of water.
In addition, it is forbidden to clean upholstered furniture from blood using warm or hot water. In this case, contaminants penetrate deeper into the structure of the material.
Special cleaning products
A special feature of chemicals is the softening of fabric fibers. There are means of universal and local action.
Use caution when using chemicals containing oxygen bleaches and chlorine. Stains are removed well, but sometimes the color goes away along with it.
The most suitable means:
Vanich
It comes in liquid and powdery consistency, in the form of foam and spray.
Pros:
- safe (antibacterial effect);
- economical;
- does not damage the fabric;
- Can be used both manually and with a vacuum cleaner.
Minuses:
- not suitable for all types of fabric;
- not suitable for skin;
- contains oxygen bleach (as a result, the color is “eaten”);
- does not cope well with dried blood stains.
Price from 150 rub. This product should not be used to wipe wooden and metal finishing elements.
Read more about how to use Vanish to clean stains from a sofa here.
Antipyatin
Available in the form of solid soap, powder, gel and spray.
Pros:
- affordable price;
- hypoallergenic (natural ingredients);
- removes almost all types of stains.
Not suitable for nubuck, suede, fur, velor, leather and materials with water-repellent impregnation. Price from 40 rub .
Dr. Beckmann
Designed specifically for removing blood and protein stains. It is based on enzymes that act to break down a specific type of stain.
Pros:
- instantly binds and removes stains;
- used for almost all fabric coverings;
- removes old and dried stains;
- protects the fabric and its color.
Minuses:
- not suitable for leather and cashmere;
- Sometimes re-application is required.
Price from 160 rub. Strictly follow all chemical manufacturer's instructions.
Rules and important nuances
Dried blood stains on furniture upholstery are among the most difficult types of stains. Even dry cleaning does not give a 100% guarantee of their removal. You need to be prepared for the stains to fade, but not disappear completely.
There are 5 most important rules that must be followed when cleaning a sofa from blood:
- Fresh stains are washed off exclusively with cold water. The heat causes the blood to coagulate and become firmly embedded in the material.
- Any cleaning solution is applied with a slightly damp cotton pad or cloth. Excessive wetting can lead to deformation of upholstered furniture. In addition, blood along with fluid can penetrate deeper.
- Blood stains are cleaned off slowly, from the edges to the center. If they are small, it is convenient to use an ear stick. Thoughtless erasure will lead to an increase in the size of the disaster.
- First test, then cleaning. The product, diluted according to the instructions, is applied to a small, inconspicuous area on the back wall or between the armrest and the seat. It is important. Many compounds corrode upholstery paint and can destroy fabric.
- One cleaning - one product. In an effort to quickly wash blood off a sofa, many people use household chemicals, soda and vinegar, and something else in one sitting. Different cleaning components may react with each other. The result will be unpredictable. The stain may become even more ingrained.
It is correct to first try to wash off the blood stain with cold water, and only then use one of the cleaning products.
Cleaning Tips
When removing stains from sofa upholstery, you should remember:
- fresh bloody stains, in particular menstrual stains, must be removed immediately;
- any resulting mixture must first be checked to see if it is compatible with the upholstery fabric in a small area inaccessible to the eye;
- It is not recommended to use several solutions at the same time;
- a prerequisite is cold water (hot water clots the blood);
- minimum dampening of the upholstery.
