How to Get Blood Out of a Couch Cover

Even if you take great care of your furniture, accidents can happen, and your beautiful couch cover may get dirty with a blood stain that is particularly unpleasant to look at and hard to deal with.

The difficulty of blood stains lies in their structure - as they are protein-based, they are very tricky to remove, especially if left untreated for too long. But donā€™t worry! With the right techniques and a little patience, you can eliminate those stubborn stains and restore your couch cover to its former glory.

Read on for our top tips on how to get blood out of a couch cover!

What to Know Before Cleaning Blood Out of a Couch Cover

Before you start cleaning, check your couch coverā€™s label to avoid making the stain worse or damaging the fabric. Understanding the labelā€™s cleaning symbols will guide you on which cleaning methods are safe to use.

Common fabric care symbols include:

  • X - Only vacuuming is recommended for this material
  • S - You shouldnā€™t use water on this material. Instead, go for a solvent-based cleaner.
  • W - You can clean this material with water.
  • SW - You can use either a solvent-based cleaner or water to clean this material.

ā— Not following the guidelines indicated by the symbols on the label can make your couch's condition much worse, so you should never ignore them.

How to Get Blood Out of a Couch Cover - Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Remove excess blood

Scrubbing a blood stain with a toothbrush

  • Gently scrub the stained area using a soft-bristled toothbrush to loosen any dried blood on the fabric's surface.
  • This initial scrubbing makes the stain easier to clean during the next steps.
  • Once done, use a dry cloth to wipe away any loosened blood flakes.
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Step 2: Blot the Stain with Cold Water

Dabbing a blood stain with a white cloth

  • Dampen a clean, white cloth with cold water or rubbing alcohol.
  • Carefully wring out the cloth to remove any excess liquid.
  • Gently dab the stain with the damp cloth to slightly moisten the area without soaking it.

šŸ“£ IMPORTANT:

āŒ Avoid hot water, as it can set the stain.

āŒ Use only a white cloth to prevent dye transfer onto your couch cover.

Step 3: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

A bowl with fresh lemon juice next to lemons

Once youā€™ve dampened the stain, itā€™s time to prepare a cleaning solution to tackle the blood stain on your couch cover. Choose one of the following options:

  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice with a pinch of salt
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Hairspray
  • 2 teaspoons of dishwashing detergent mixed with one cup of cold water
  • A solution of two parts water to one part baking soda

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Step 4: Blot the Area with the Cleaning Solution

Blotting the stain with a dampened white cloth

  • Soak a clean white cloth in your solution, and remove the excess liquid.
  • Blot the stain gently with the dampened cloth to apply the solution without oversaturating the fabric.
  • Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the blood deeper into the material.

ā° After blotting the stain, let the solution sit for about 30 minutes before wiping it away.

Step 5: Dry the Surface

Drying a wet stain with a white cloth

  • Use a dry, clean cloth to absorb the dampened blood stain and any excess cleaner
  • Continue dabbing the area until the cloth comes away clean and the fabric feels dry
  • If any trace of the stain remains, repeat the entire process as needed

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Step 6: Use an Upholstery Cleaner (If Necessary)

Spraying the blood stain with an atomizer

For particularly stubborn stains that remain after multiple cleaning attempts, consider using a commercial upholstery cleaner.

šŸ§“ Choose an enzyme-based cleaner, as it effectively breaks down the proteins in blood stains while being safe for upholstery.

The Bottom Line

While blood stains may seem tough, theyā€™re not impossible to remove. With the right materials and techniques, you can tackle them and forget the accident ever happened.

But thereā€™s also an easier solution! In our online shop, explore our Magic Sofa Covers and Miracle Sofa Coversā€”designed to make caring for your couch much more convenient. These covers are resistant to spills and stains, and if they do get dirty, theyā€™re easily detachable and machine-washable, saving you time and effort.

Discover how our ultra-soft, stretchy covers can make life easier and keep your couch looking fresh!

References

  1. https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Dried-Blood-Stains-from-a-Couch
  2. https://www.dh-asia.com/latest-updates/tips-how-to-remove-blood-stains-from-the-couch
  3. https://wearemooncup.com/blogs/the-bloody-bulletin/how-to-remove-blood-from-furniture