Removing blood from carpets requires a careful approach to avoid permanent damage.
When removing blood stains, always use cold water, as hot water can cause the proteins in blood to set and bond with fibres, making the stain much harder to lift. Cold water, however, keeps the blood in a liquid state, making it easier to blot and extract without embedding it into the material.
Furthermore, it’s critical to mitigate the risk of pathogen transmission associated with blood spills. Be sure to use extraction equipment on all, except small, blood spills to prevent wicking back and provide a germ-free result.
Equipment
To remove blood from carpet & upholstery, you will need:
- Carpet spotting brush
- White terry towel
- Wet extraction equipment (or wet & dry vacuum)
- PPE including eye protection and gloves.
Ensure that you have read and understood the safety data sheet and technical information for all chemical products used. This includes a thorough understanding of directions for use and the limitations and capabilities of each product.
The Process
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Apply solution
Apply Protein Spotter generously to the stained area to begin breaking down the blood or protein-based stain. Conquer O2 can be used for small stains.
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Agitate the stain
Agitate the area gently by tamping with a spotting brush to work the solution into the fibers for effective penetration.
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Dwell for 10 minutes
Allow the product to dwell for 10 minutes, ensuring that it has enough time to dissolve the stain.
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Rinse & extract
Rinse the area thoroughly using wet extraction equipment to lift out the dissolved stain and cleaning solution.
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Disinfect
Apply Conquer O2 to the treated area and briefly agitate to provide sanitisation.
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Remove shadow stains
If a faint stain shadow persists, reapply Conquer O2. Blot away excess moisture and allow the area to air dry for best results.
Further Notes
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Alternative Products
If Protein Spotter is unavailable, you can substitute it with Actichem Bust. Dilute it at a 1:4 (200ml/1Lt) ratio for optimal results.
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Total Disinfection
Proper disinfection of the area is crucial to ensure a truly clean and sanitary result. This is effectively achieved with Conquer O2, which not only removes stains but also eliminates harmful bacteria and pathogens. However, if Conquer O2 is not used, it’s essential to follow up with a disinfectant like Thymox. This powerful residual solution works to completely eradicate micro-organisms, leaving the area thoroughly disinfected and safe. By including this step, you ensure a hygienic, long-lasting clean, safeguarding the space against potential contamination.
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Natural & Delicate Fibres
When dealing with wool carpets or delicate fibers, it’s important to be extra cautious. In these cases, substitute Protein Spotter with Conquer O2 to ensure a gentler but effective stain removal process that won’t harm sensitive materials.
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Blot Don’t Spray
For delicate fibers and fabrics, avoid spraying the spotting solution directly onto the surface. Instead, dampen a clean white absorbent towel with the solution and gently blot the stain. This method provides a more controlled application, preventing over saturation and potential damage to the fabric while still delivering effective results.
Where to buy
