Cleaning up blood safely requires wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following a multi-step process for containment, cleaning, disinfection, and proper disposal.

 

Since blood can contain bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B, all spills should be treated as if they are infectious. 

 

It is not safe and may not be legal in your area to cleanup blood by yourself. 

 

Call Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC at 888-246-9111 for a free same day estimate.

 

Safety precautions

  • Restrict access to the area until the cleanup is finished.
  • Wear PPE such as disposable gloves at a minimum. Eye protection, a mask, and a protective gown are necessary if there is a risk of splashing.
  • Avoid heat, as it can cause blood proteins to set, making the stain harder to remove. Always use cold water during cleanup.
  • Never use your bare hands to pick up contaminated items, especially broken glass or sharps. Use tongs, a brush, and a dustpan for these items.
  • Use proper ventilation when using cleaning chemicals like bleach. 

 

Cleanup steps for hard, non-porous surfaces

  1. Remove excess blood by wiping up as much as possible with disposable paper towels.
  2. Disinfect the area with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Gently pour the solution onto the contaminated area.
  3. Allow the solution to sit for at least 10–20 minutes to effectively kill pathogens.
  4. Wipe up the remaining bleach solution and cleaning materials.
  5. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing your gloves and other PPE. 

 

Cleanup steps for absorbent materials like carpet and upholstery.

 

For small spills, follow these steps. For large spills, professional services are recommended. 

  1. Blot the spill, do not rub it, to absorb as much blood as possible.
  2. Use cold water to rinse the stain. Rub a paste of salt or baking soda into the stain to help break it down.
  3. Apply a cleaning solution. A mixture of mild detergent and cold water or a small amount of hydrogen peroxide can be effective. Test hydrogen peroxide on a hidden area first, as it can cause bleaching.
  4. Blot and repeat until the stain is gone. For stubborn stains, use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to break down protein-based stains.
  5. Rinse with cold water and blot dry. Dry completely, using fans if necessary, to prevent mildew. 

 

Cleanup steps for clothing and fabric

  • For fresh stains, rinse immediately with cold water.
  • For older or more stubborn stains, soak the item in cold water with an enzyme-based product for 30 minutes or longer. A paste of salt or baking soda can also be used.
  • Launder the item using an enzyme-based laundry detergent and the coldest recommended water setting.
  • Do not use a dryer until the stain is completely gone, as the heat can set it permanently. 

 

When to call a professional Consider hiring a professional biohazard cleanup service like Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC for large blood spills or for situations following a traumatic event.

 

Professional services have the specialized equipment, cleaning agents, and disposal methods to ensure the area is fully decontaminated according to federal, state, and local regulations. 

 

Proper disposal All materials used to clean blood spills—including paper towels, gloves, and protective gear—should be treated as biohazardous waste.

  • Double-bag contaminated items in plastic bags, with an inner biohazard-labeled bag.
  • Seal the bags to prevent leaks.
  • Check local regulations for proper disposal, which often requires special pickup by a medical waste disposal service.