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 don’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 cover’s label to avoid making the stain worse or damaging the fabric. Understanding the label’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 shouldn’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.
❗ 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
- 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
- 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.
📣 IMPORTANT:
❌ Avoid hot water, as it can set the stain.
❌ Use only a white cloth to prevent dye transfer onto your couch cover.
Step 3: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Once you’ve dampened the stain, it’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
- 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.
⏰ After blotting the stain, let the solution sit for about 30 minutes before wiping it away.
Step 5: Dry the Surface
- 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)
For particularly stubborn stains that remain after multiple cleaning attempts, consider using a commercial upholstery cleaner.
🧴 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, they’re not impossible to remove. With the right materials and techniques, you can tackle them and forget the accident ever happened.
But there’s also an easier solution! In our online shop, explore our Magic Sofa Covers and Miracle Sofa Covers—designed to make caring for your couch much more convenient. These covers are resistant to spills and stains, and if they do get dirty, they’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!
