Getting a blood stain off your hardwood floor is easier if it's treated right away. This way you prevent the blood from penetrating deeply. To get rid of it read on and choose the most appropriate method for your floor.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Raw Wood Floor
A rough wooden floor can easily absorb moisture, as it has no protective layers. So removing the blood from this surface is a rather difficult task.
Step 1. Dry the excess blood with a dry cloth or paper towel
Do not scrub, or you may spread the stain even more or cause it to absorb deeper.
Step 2. Sprinkle the affected area with baking soda
Step 3. Dip a brush in white vinegar and gently scrub the stained area
Step 4. Wipe thoroughly with a clean dry cloth
If the stain is still visible, try using hydrogen peroxide. Be careful with this product as it may discolor the floor, especially if it is dark wood.
Step 5. Apply hydrogen peroxide to a white cloth
Step 6. Gently wipe the bloodstain
Step 7. Clean the area with a damp cloth
Rinse thoroughly to remove all residues.
Step 8. Dry the floor with a towel or cloth
Method 2 of 3: Wood Floor with Wax
Wax is a type of finish found on some hardwood floors. It is absorbed by the wood, hardening it and protecting it from humidity and wear.
Step 1. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot excess blood
Step 2. Mix 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent with 220ml of cold water in a small bowl to make a cleaning solution
Step 3. Moisten a cloth with this solution
Step 4. Clean the affected area to remove the blood
Step 5. Rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove any residue
Step 6. Dry the floor with a dry towel or cloth
Check if the stain is still visible.
Step 7. If you still see it, dip a very fine wool (0000 grit) into the liquid wax
Step 8. Rub lightly with steel wool
This product should only remove a thin layer of the surface. Rubbing may scratch the floor and make it dull, but the liquid wax will still polish it.
Step 9. Clean the surface with a soft cloth
Step 10. Wax or polish the floor as needed
Method 3 of 3: Wood Floor with Polyurethane
Some wooden floors have polyurethane finishes. This forms a protective coating that remains on the surface.
Step 1. Clean the blood with a damp sponge
Step 2. Rinse the sponge
Repeat the action until the blood disappears.
Step 3. Use a damp cloth to clean the floor
Clean thoroughly to remove any residual stains.
Step 4. Dry the wood with a towel or cloth
If the stain is still visible, follow these instructions:
Step 5. Blot the area with a cloth moistened with white spirit
Act gently.
Step 6. Clean with a cloth
If the blood stain is still visible, repeat the procedure, but this time use steel wool (grain 0000).
Step 7. Rub the stain with the steel wool moistened with white spirit
Do this very carefully, and be sure to scrub along the grain of the wood. Try to remove only a minimal amount of finish.
Step 8. Use a soft cloth to clean the surface
Step 9. Retract the affected area with polyurethane after 24 hours if necessary
Advice
- You can repaint the entire floor if you are concerned that the coating will stain easily.
- You can use bleach as a last resort to remove tough blood stains, but it's not recommended for dark wood floors.
