When you’re faced with dried blood on your walls, you’ll need the right approach to avoid damaging the surface while effectively removing the stain. Whether it’s from a nosebleed or an accident, blood stains require specific cleaning methods and materials to break down the proteins. According to professional cleaners, timing and technique matter – “The sooner you address a blood stain, the better your chances of complete removal,” notes cleaning expert Sarah Martinez.
Materials Needed
- Cleaning solutions: hydrogen peroxide (3%), white vinegar, or enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for blood stains
- Tools: soft cloths, non-abrasive sponges, spray bottle, rubber gloves, protective eyewear
- Additional items: bucket of warm water, old towels to catch drips, plastic drop cloth to protect flooring
- Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and saturate the stained area completely
- Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes until you see bubbling action on the blood stain
- Wipe the area with a clean, damp microfiber cloth using circular motions, then dry thoroughly
- Dampen a clean white cloth with your soap solution and gently blot the blood stain, working from the outside edges toward the center
- Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes to help break down the dried blood
- Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the area thoroughly, then pat dry with paper towels
- Spray the enzymatic cleaner directly onto the blood stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes
- Use a clean white cloth to blot the area gently – don’t scrub, as this can damage the wall surface
- Repeat the process if needed, allowing each application to work for the full recommended time
- The bloodstain covers more than 1 square foot of wall space
- The blood has seeped into drywall or wallpaper
- The stain is older than 72 hours
- You’re dealing with a biohazard situation
- Multiple cleaning attempts have failed
Before beginning, test your chosen cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the wall.
3 Ways To Do It
When tackling dried blood stains on walls, you’ll have three effective methods to choose from: hydrogen peroxide solution, soap and water, or enzymatic cleaners. For a basic approach, you can start with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, which works well on fresh or minor stains that haven’t deeply set. If you’re dealing with stubborn or older bloodstains, you’ll want to use either hydrogen peroxide (which breaks down blood proteins) or specialized enzymatic cleaners designed specifically for removing biological matter.
1. Use Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat this process. Remember to test the solution on an inconspicuous spot first to guarantee it won’t affect your wall’s finish.
2. Use Soap and Water
3. Use Enzymatic Cleaning Products
For stubborn dried blood stains that resist soap and water, enzymatic cleaners offer a powerful solution since they contain special proteins that break down blood proteins. These specialized cleaners work by targeting organic matter at a molecular level, making them highly effective for blood removal.
“Enzymatic cleaners are particularly effective because they digest the proteins in blood rather than just lifting them,” notes cleaning expert Sarah Matthews.
When to Call a Professional
While many blood stains can be removed through DIY methods, certain situations require the expertise of professional cleaning services. You’ll want to contact professionals when:
“Any blood cleanup involving more than a small spot should be handled by certified professionals,” says Mike Thompson, a biohazard remediation expert. “We have specialized equipment and cleaning agents that can safely remove blood while protecting your walls’ integrity.”
