When someone gets cut, their nose bleeds, or they scrape a knee or paw, blood often ends up on clothing, sheets and upholstery. These stains are notoriously tough to remove, and dry cleaning and professional upholstery services are expensive. But there are a few tricks that can help, and some of the most effective are things you likely already have in your home.
Addressing blood stains as soon as they occur is the key to removing them from fabric. The best way to do this is by blotting the stain with paper towels or rags. This will soak up excess blood and prevent the stain from setting into the fabric.
If you’re dealing with a fresh blood stain, it’s important to avoid using heat. Heat “cooks” blood into the fabric fibers and makes it more difficult to remove.
Once the blood is removed, a regular cleaning routine should be used to keep your couch looking clean and new. A vacuum with the upholstery attachment is a great way to get rid of dirt and dust. And make sure to clean all the seams and cracks of your couch.
If you have a stain on your fabric couch, first check the alphabet tag for an S, W, or SW to determine if it can be washed with water and cleaners. Always test any cleaners on a small corner of your fabric couch to ensure that it doesn’t fade or damage the material.